Kampala, Uganda: Police at Katwe Division have arrested a suspected serial number plate thief and recovered eight stolen plates in an intelligence-led operation targeting vehicle vandalism in Kampala Metropolitan.
The suspect, identified as Katushabe Saul, 26, a resident of Lweza in Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District, is believed to have been behind a string of number plate thefts across several areas.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala, the arrest followed a tip-off from private security guards in Najjanankumbi.
“Police received information about a suspected car vandal trespassing in residential areas. He was seen peeping into people’s gates, which raised suspicion among nearby private security guards who alerted authorities,” Kawala said.
The suspect was arrested on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and upon interrogation, he led police to the recovery of eight stolen number plates.
The suspect had reportedly been operating in multiple areas, including Lweza, Najjanankumbi, Zana, Katale and Nfufu.
Police believe the thefts were part of a wider pattern of criminal activity targeting vehicle owners in residential neighbourhoods.
Preliminary findings indicate that Katushabe is a repeat offender, with investigators linking him to similar incidents reported in the Kampala Metropolitan area. He is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
SP Kawala said the arrest of Katushabe is part of a broader crackdown on number plate theft, a crime often associated with other offences such as robbery and vehicle-related fraud. She urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals in their communities.
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