Police Arrest Suspect in Motor Vehicle Number Plate Theft

Police in Nateete have arrested a suspect linked to a series of motor vehicle number plate thefts and recovered several stolen plates during an intelligence-led operation.

According to the Uganda Police Force spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, Reachel Kawala, the suspect was identified as Semujju Steven, a 33-year-old resident of Busega.

Kawala confirmed that security operatives recovered multiple stolen number plates during the operation.

“During the operation, seven stolen number plates were recovered, including UAH 286S, UA 309BQ, UA 682BZ, UAM 277G, UAN 796B, and UBK 264Y (pair),” she said.

Police investigations indicate that on the night of February 11, 2026, unknown individuals unlawfully entered the compound of Lutamaguzi Patrick in Busega–Kabale, Rubaga Division, Kampala, and stole a number plate from his vehicle, registration number UAN 796B, a silver Toyota Opa.

In what authorities described as an unusual development, the suspect reportedly left behind a contact number written on the vehicle, which later became a crucial lead in the investigations.

“In a bizarre twist, the suspect left behind a contact number on the vehicle, which provided a vital clue that enabled investigators to track and arrest him,” Kawala explained.

Following his arrest, the suspect reportedly led security teams to locations where the stolen number plates had been hidden in Busega–Kabale and Kiteemu Kivulu in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue and will be charged in court accordingly.