MBARARA, Uganda — Police in Mbarara City have arrested a man suspected to be behind a growing racket of motor vehicle number plate thefts targeting residents across several divisions.
The suspect, identified as Lukyamuzi Kuarish, a resident of Rakai District in the Kooki area, was arrested on April 24, 2026, from a lodge in Katete Ward, where he is believed to have been coordinating the criminal operations.
According to police investigations, Lukyamuzi allegedly targeted parked vehicles in Katete and Kakoba wards, mainly striking at night by removing number plates from cars before demanding ransom ranging from UGX 40,000 to UGX 100,000 from vehicle owners in exchange for their return.
Police reports indicate that at least three number plates were stolen from Katete Ward in Nyamitanga Division, while 14 others were reportedly stolen from Kakoba Division.
Following his arrest, the suspect reportedly led police officers to several hideouts where multiple stolen number plates were recovered. Some of the stolen plates had already been returned to their rightful owners after ransom payments.
Rwizi Region Police spokesperson Samson Kasasira confirmed the arrest, noting that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and establish whether the suspect was working with accomplices from Ankole, Buganda, and other areas.
Authorities also revealed that the suspect frequently operated while staying in lodges, which police believe he used as temporary bases to coordinate the thefts and evade detection.
Lukyamuzi is currently detained at Mbarara Central Police Station pending further investigations as police intensify efforts to dismantle the wider syndicate linked to the thefts.
Police have urged vehicle owners to remain vigilant, secure their vehicles, and promptly report suspicious activities as operations continue to crack down on number plate theft in Mbarara City.
