The suspect, identified as Steven Semuju, a resident of Busega, was apprehended following investigations into a recent theft in the Busega–Kabale area of Rubaga Division.
Police reports indicate that on the night of February 11, 2026, unknown individuals broke into the compound of Lutamaguzi Patrick and stole a number plate from his silver Toyota Opa, registration UAN 796B. In a surprising turn, the perpetrators allegedly left behind a handwritten contact number on the victim’s vehicle, which later became a crucial lead.
The contact number, 0759-353167, enabled detectives to trace and arrest Semuju. During the operation, officers recovered seven stolen number plates, including UAH 286S, UA 309BQ, UA 682BZ, UAM 277G, UAN 796B, and two plates belonging to UBK 264Y.
Police say Semuju led them to hideouts in Busega–Kabale and Kiteemu Kivulu in Kyengera Town Council, where the stolen number plates had been concealed.
A police officer involved in the investigation described the recovery as a breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the growing vice of number plate theft in the metropolitan area.
“We successfully arrested the suspect and recovered seven stolen number plates from different locations. The suspect guided our teams to where the exhibits had been hidden in Busega–Kabale and Kiteemu Kivulu,” the officer said.
The officer added that Semuju is currently in custody as investigations continue, and that he will be charged in court accordingly.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around their vehicles, particularly at night, as investigations continue into whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a wider syndicate.