Motorists Targeted in Shs500,000 Number Plate Extortion Scam, Suspect Arrested

Police in Kampala have arrested a suspected vehicle number plate thief who had allegedly been extorting motorists for Shs500,000 in exchange for returning stolen plates, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Mugerwa Umaru, was arrested in Maganjo, Kawempe Division during a night patrol operation in Maganjo B, according to police.

Investigators say the arrest follows months of complaints from motorists across the Kampala Metropolitan area who reported that their vehicle number plates were mysteriously disappearing.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the complaints date back to January 2026 when several drivers began reporting similar incidents.

“Motorists had been complaining since January 2026 that their vehicle number plates were mysteriously disappearing,” ASP Owoyesigyire said.

Police say the thefts followed a similar pattern. After the plates were removed from vehicles, the perpetrators would reportedly leave behind a telephone number with instructions for victims to call if they wanted their number plates returned.

According to investigators, motorists who contacted the number were allegedly asked to pay Shs500,000 to recover the stolen plates.

Authorities say Mugerwa was intercepted during a routine police patrol in Maganjo B, an area that had increasingly been flagged as a hotspot for the unusual thefts.

When officers stopped and searched the suspect, they reportedly recovered suspected housebreaking tools, documents containing the telephone contact believed to have been used in the extortion scheme, and a SIM card linked to the same number.

Police said the findings strengthened suspicions that Mugerwa could be directly connected to the number plate theft racket.

According to police, the suspect later confessed to involvement in the crimes during preliminary questioning.

Investigators say Mugerwa subsequently led officers to several locations in Kawempe Division where stolen number plates had been hidden.

Police recovered a total of 17 vehicle number plates from bushes in Jinja Kaloli and Kilokole Zone during the follow-up operation.

The suspect is currently being held in police custody as investigations continue.

Authorities say detectives are now working to establish whether Mugerwa acted alone or if he was part of a wider criminal network targeting motorists across the Kampala Metropolitan area.

ASP Owoyesigyire said police remain concerned that such schemes could be expanding and warned motorists to report similar incidents immediately.

Authorities say stolen number plates can sometimes be used in other criminal activities, making it critical for victims to alert police as soon as they notice they are missing.

Meanwhile, in eastern Uganda, police in Mayuge District have carried out a major security operation that resulted in the arrest of 42 suspects linked to robbery and counterfeit currency scams.

Residents of Igeyero in Waitambogwe Sub-County say the arrests have brought relief to communities that had been grappling with rising cases of fraud and violent robberies.

Police said the suspects were arrested during a joint operation conducted on March 11, 2026.

Investigators say the suspects had allegedly been operating an elaborate scheme designed to lure unsuspecting victims with promises of lucrative deals.

According to police, victims were reportedly invited to locations in the area under the pretext of purchasing cattle, agricultural produce, or exchanging foreign currency, particularly US dollars.

Once the victims arrived at the arranged meeting points, the suspects allegedly attacked and robbed them of cash and other valuables.

Authorities say some of the operations also involved counterfeit US dollar notes used to deceive victims during the transactions.

Police say investigations are ongoing as security agencies work to identify and apprehend additional suspects believed to be part of the wider criminal network.

ASP Kasadha Micheal, the Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson, said the operation demonstrates law enforcement’s determination to tackle fraud and robbery in the region.

“ASP Kasadha Micheal, Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson, said the operation signals a strong crackdown on fraud and robbery in the district.”

Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant when engaging in business deals, especially those involving unfamiliar individuals or unusually attractive offers.

Authorities also encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies as efforts continue to dismantle criminal groups operating in the district.