Wakiso, Uganda: Police in Kajjansi have arrested a 22-year-old man accused of stealing motor vehicle number plates and extorting money from car owners in exchange for their return.
The suspect has been identified as Ainembabazi Joshua, a resident of Bukerere Village in Mukono Town Council, Mukono District.
According to police, the incidents occurred between the nights of January 20 and January 24, 2026, during which 14 vehicle number plates were stolen from cars parked in Akright City, Kajjansi Town Council. The thefts left several motorists distressed, as operating a vehicle without number plates is a traffic offence.
Investigators say the suspect allegedly removed the plates and later contacted the owners, demanding between Shs100,000 and Shs200,000 before disclosing where the plates had been hidden. Police described the scheme as both theft and extortion, noting that it subjected victims to financial loss and psychological distress.
The suspect was arrested on January 25, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation conducted in Sonde, Mukono District. Several stolen number plates have since been recovered, while investigations continue to trace and recover the remaining ones.
Police have cautioned the public against paying money to criminals, urging victims of number plate theft to report such cases immediately.
“Members of the public are advised not to engage or negotiate with suspects but to report promptly so that investigations can be handled professionally,” police said.
Authorities emphasised that public cooperation remains crucial in curbing crimes of this nature and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
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