Police in Entebbe Division, in a joint operation with sister security agencies, have arrested Ssewagaba Shafic, a resident of Nalugala in Kitala Ward, Wakiso District, over his alleged involvement in the theft of motor vehicle number plates.
According to police, the suspect had been targeting parked vehicles in areas such as Kisubi, Mpala, and Abaita, mainly operating at night. He would reportedly remove the front number plates and leave behind a contact, demanding a payment ranging between UGX 100,000 and 200,000 in exchange for their return. This tactic left many vehicle owners stranded and frustrated, as number plates are essential for lawful road use.
During the operation, the suspect led security officers to several locations where the stolen number plates had been hidden. A number of plates were successfully recovered, including UBA 678S, UAN 020R, UBQ 299V, UBM 092B, UBP 080C, UBA 821A, UBG 877M, and UBG 041W. Police also noted that some of the stolen plates had already been recovered earlier by their rightful owners.
The suspect is currently being held at Entebbe Police Division as investigations continue. Authorities are working to establish whether he acted alone or as part of a larger criminal network involved in similar thefts.
Speaking on the matter, Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities in their communities. He emphasized that public cooperation plays a key role in preventing and fighting crime.
Police have reassured residents that operations will continue to ensure safety and to bring all those involved in such illegal activities to justice.
