Police in Nateete have arrested a 33-year-old man accused of stealing motor vehicle number plates and demanding ransom from vehicle owners, after investigators traced him using a phone number he allegedly left at the crime scene.
The suspect, identified as Steven Semuju, a resident of Busega, was arrested following a police operation that led to the recovery of seven stolen number plates. The recovered plates include UAH 286S, UA 309BQ, UA 682BZ, UAM 277G, UAN 796B, and a pair of UBK 264Y.
According to police, the most recent incident occurred on the night of February 11, 2026, when unknown individuals broke into the compound of Lutamaguzi Patrick in Busega–Kabale, Rubaga Division, Kampala District, and stole a number plate from his silver Toyota Opa, registration number UAN 796B.
In what authorities described as an unusual twist, the suspect allegedly left behind a handwritten phone number — 0759-353167 — on the victim’s vehicle. The number later became a crucial lead in the investigation.
Confirming the arrest, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said detectives used the phone number to track down the suspect.
“The suspect led security agencies to locations where the stolen number plates had been hidden in Busega–Kabale and Kiteemu Kivulu in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District,” Owoyesigyire said.
He added that the suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue and will be charged in court accordingly.
