Kampala, Uganda: Police in the Kampala Metropolitan area have arrested a 29-year-old notorious suspect linked to a series of motor vehicle number plate thefts targeting motorists in the Maganjo policing area.
The suspect, identified as Mugerwa Umaru, was arrested in the early hours of March 12, 2026, during a police foot patrol operation along Mau–Jinja Kaloli Road in Maganjo B.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the arrest follows investigations into a scheme where criminals allegedly stole number plates and later demanded ransom from vehicle owners.
“Police are investigating a series of motor vehicle number plate thefts reported in January 2026 in the Maganjo Policing Area,” Owoyesigyire said.
Victims reported that after stealing the plates, the suspects would leave behind telephone contacts demanding payment in exchange for returning the plates.
Owoyesigyire said police patrol teams intercepted the suspect at around 2:00 a.m. and recovered several suspicious items believed to have been used in the crime.
“On 12th March 2026 at about 2:00 am, police foot patrol teams arrested Mugerwa Umaru (29) at Mau Jinja Kaloli Road, Maganjo B. He was found in possession of suspected breaking implements, papers bearing the telephone contact used in the extortion scheme, and a SIM card linked to the same number,” he said.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted involvement in the thefts and led police to areas where the stolen plates had been hidden.
Police recovered 17 motor vehicle number plates concealed in bushes in Jinja Kaloli and Kilokole Zone in Kawempe Division.
The recovery is believed to be a breakthrough in investigations into the theft racket that has affected motorists in the area since the beginning of the year.
Mugerwa is currently being held in police custody as investigations continue to establish whether other suspects are involved in the scheme.
Police have urged motorists to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities to nearby police stations. Authorities say the crackdown forms part of ongoing operations aimed at tackling organized theft targeting vehicle owners in Kampala.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
