Police in the Kigezi sub-region have arrested two suspects linked to a series of motor vehicle number plate thefts.
Anthony Arinaitwe, 18, a resident of Mukyirwa Kyangara in Ntungamo Municipality, and Brian Mugisa, 19, also from Ryangushya cell, Western division, Ntungamo Municipality, were apprehended on July 23, 2024.
The arrests followed a targeted intelligence-led operation across Kabale, Rukungiri, and Rukiga districts. According to Elly Maate, the Kigezi region Police spokesperson, the duo has been involved in stealing number plates since June 13, 2024.
Their crime spree began in Rukungiri, where they stole plates from multiple vehicles, including:
- UAU 539Y from Kenneth Turyazayo at Butagasa cell
- UBF 927C from Asaph Byamugisha at Bwoma cell
- UBQ 452P from Benon Arinaitwe at Kiyaga cell
- UAK 766H from Twongyeirwe Eriabu at Kiyaga cell
- UBK 512Z from Agaba Moses at Nyabikoni
- UAW 886D from Alison Byaruhanga at Kijuguta
- UEP 665T from Gerald Nyombi at Mwanjari
Other recovered number plates include:
- UBK 855M from Anyongyire Angela at Central cell
- UBP 749J from Charles Mwesigwa at Kaharo
- UAY 381M from Reuben Kuvikayo at Kaharo
- UAG 914L from Ezra Bikangiso at Kijuguta
- UBA 799R from Rogers Manzi at Kijuguta
- UBP 866J from Andrew Mbonye at Kijuguta
In Rukiga district, police recovered nine unreported number plates:
- UAX 426W from Hussein Nuwagaba at Bukinda
- UAR 845X from Vianny Kombozi at Bukinda
- UAY 770Q from Gilbert at Nyakanengo
- UBJ 404T from Vianny Kombozi at Bukinda
- UAK 994G from Julius Kamwesiga at Bukinda
- UAP 596G from Bosco Muhwezi at Bukinda
- UAP 379K from Tabaro Izidoro at Bukinda
- UAN 031D from Tabaro Izidoro at Bukinda
- UBE 998C from Rubarema Dezi at Kakatunda
Maate revealed that the suspects were found with SIM cards and leaflets containing phone numbers used to extort money from vehicle owners, demanding between 50,000 and 100,000 Ugandan Shillings for the return of the plates. In some cases, they accepted payment without returning the plates.
Most of the stolen number plates have been returned to their owners, and the suspects will face legal action upon completion of the investigation. Maate warned the public against engaging in such illegal activities.
