KAMPALA — Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a string of motor vehicle number plate thefts that have been reported in the Maganjo policing area since January this year.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the suspect allegedly stole number plates from parked vehicles and left behind a telephone contact demanding money from victims for their recovery.
Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the suspect was arrested during a police foot patrol in the early hours of March 12.
“On March 12, 2026 at about 2:00am, police foot patrol teams arrested Mugerwa Umaru, 29, at Mau Jinja Kaloli Road in Maganjo B,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police said the suspect was found with suspected breaking implements, documents bearing the telephone contact used in the extortion scheme, and a SIM card linked to the same number.
Investigators say the suspect later admitted involvement in the scheme and led officers to areas where the stolen plates had been hidden.
“He led officers to the recovery of 17 stolen number plates hidden in bushes in Jinja Kaloli and Kilokole zones in Kawempe,” Owoyesigyire added.
The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Police have advised motorists to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious incidents or missing number plates to the nearest police station to help curb the crime.
