Kampala, Uganda | Police at Nateete have arrested a man suspected of stealing motor vehicle number plates, recovering several stolen plates during a targeted operation in Kampala.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the suspect has been identified as Semuju Steven, 33, a resident of Busega.
Officers recovered seven stolen number plates, including UAH 286S, UA 309BQ, UA 682BZ, UAM 277G, UAN 796B, and UBK 264Y (a pair).
The arrest follows a complaint lodged after unknown individuals reportedly broke into the compound of Lutamaguzi Patrick on the night of February 11, 2026, in Busega–Kabale, Rubaga Division, Kampala District.
During the incident, a number plate was stolen from a silver Toyota Opa, registration number UAN 796B.
In what police described as an unusual turn of events, the suspect allegedly left behind a handwritten contact number on the vehicle.
Investigators later traced the number, which became a critical lead that guided them to the suspect.
Following his arrest, Semuju reportedly led security agencies to locations where the stolen number plates had been concealed in Busega–Kabale and Kiteemu Kivulu, Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District.
Police said the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue and is expected to be charged in court in due course.
Authorities have urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activity and to safeguard their vehicles to curb rising incidents of number plate theft.
