Police in Kajansi have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with a spate of motor vehicle number plate thefts in Wakiso District, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala has confirmed.
The suspect, identified as Ainembabazi Joshua, a resident of Bukerere Village in Mukono Town Council, Mukono District, is accused of stealing at least 14 motor vehicle number plates from vehicles parked at Akright City in Kajansi Town Council.
According to Kawala, the thefts occurred between the nights of January 20 and January 24, 2026.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect would remove number plates from parked vehicles and later demand between Shs100,000 and Shs200,000 from the victims before revealing where the plates had been hidden,” Kawala said.
She added that the suspect was arrested on January 25, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by police in Sonde, Mukono District.
Kawala noted that some of the stolen number plates have already been recovered, while operations to trace and recover the remaining plates are still ongoing.
She also warned the public against engaging with criminal suspects, urging victims to report such incidents to the police instead of paying ransom.
“We strongly appeal to the public not to give money to criminals, but to report these cases to the police for proper handling,” Kawala said.
She noted that investigations into the matter are continuing as the suspect remains in police custody.
