Police in Kajansi, Wakiso District, have arrested a man suspected of stealing motor vehicle number plates and extorting money from vehicle owners.
The suspect, Joshua Ainembabazi (22), a resident of Bukerere Village in Mukono Town Council, was arrested following an intelligence-led operation conducted in Sonde, Mukono District.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala said preliminary investigations indicate that Ainembabazi had turned the theft of number plates into a criminal racket, targeting vehicles parked at Akright City over several nights.
“Preliminary findings show that the suspect removed at least 14 motor vehicle number plates between January 20 and January 24, 2026,” SP Kawala said.
“He would then demand between Shs100,000 and Shs200,000 from vehicle owners in exchange for information on where the stolen plates had been hidden.”
Police have so far recovered some of the stolen number plates, while operations are ongoing to trace and recover the rest.
SP Kawala cautioned motorists against paying criminals, urging victims to report such incidents to the police instead.
“Paying suspects only fuels criminal activity. The correct approach is to report to the police for proper investigation and intervention,” she said.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue, ahead of his arraignment in court.
