A growing concern has emerged among Kenyan smartphone users after several content creators reported their stolen iPhones being tracked across the border into Uganda. Notably, content creator Kabugi revealed that his stolen iPhone 15 Pro Max, taken in Nairobi, ended up in Uganda, echoing similar experiences shared by others online.
Kabugi Tracks Stolen Device to Uganda
In an Instagram Story, Kabugi explained that he traced his lost phone to Uganda, raising suspicions about a potential new trend among thieves. “I lost my 15 Promax sometime back, same thing happened, nlioona sides za CUEA, next thing iko Uganda. It’s either taking them to Uganda is a new trend or they have a way of making it look that way,” he wrote. He added that stolen devices are often reactivated rather than dismantled for parts, suggesting an organized approach to reselling stolen phones.
Baba Talisha Shares a Similar Ordeal
Another content creator, Baba Talisha, experienced a similar theft during the Mataha Festival, losing both his iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Talisha stressed that the data on the devices was more valuable than the phones themselves, noting that one contained crucial court documents. Using Apple’s Find My iPhone feature, he initially tracked a stolen device to Ngong Town in Kajiado County, then observed it moving toward Kisumu along a route consistent with long-distance buses, eventually appearing to head toward Uganda.
Implications of Cross-Border Theft
The experiences of Kabugi and Talisha suggest a disturbing trend of stolen iPhones being moved in an organized manner to Uganda. Authorities and users are now being urged to secure their devices by enabling tracking features, safeguarding sensitive data, and promptly reporting thefts to the police and service providers.
As more creators come forward, the incidents underscore the sophistication of thieves who not only steal devices but also find ways to keep them functional, potentially fueling a coordinated cross-border trafficking network. The rising cases have prompted calls for increased vigilance and stronger measures to curb this emerging threat.
