Editor
The territorial police in Kigezi have arrested two suspects following a comprehensive intelligence-led operation across the districts of Kabale, Rukungiri, and Rukiga. The operation targeted individuals involved in the theft of motor vehicle number plates, a crime that had recently surged in the region.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Arinaitwe, 18, from Mukyirwa Kyangara in Ntungamo Municipality, and Brian Mugisa, 19, from Ryangushya Cell in the Western Division of Ntungamo Municipality, were apprehended on 23rd July 2024. They had been operating from June 13, 2024, until their arrest.
The duo began their criminal activities in Rukungiri district, where they stole several number plates, including:
- UAU 539Y from Kenneth Turyazayo in Butagasa Cell
- UBF 927C from Asaph Byamugisha in Bwoma Cell
- UBQ 452P from Benon Arinaitwe in Kiyaga Cell
- UAK 766H from Twongyeirwe Eriabu in Kiyaga Cell
Their activities extended to Kabale district, where they stole:
- UBK 512Z from Agaba Moses in Nyabikoni
- UAW 886D from Alison Byaruhanga in Kijuguta
- UEP 665T from Gerald Nyombi in Mwanjari
- UBK 855M from Anyongyire Angela in Central Cell
- UBP 749J from Charles Mwesigwa in Kaharo
- UAY 381M from Reuben Kuvikayo in Kaharo
- UAG 914L from Ezra Bikangiso in Kijuguta
- UBA 799R from Rogers Manzi in Kijuguta
- UBP 866J from Andrew Mbonye in Kijuguta
Additionally, nine number plates from Rukiga district were recovered, although the thefts had not been reported by the victims. These included:
- UAX 426W from Hussein Nuwagaba in Bukinda
- UAR 845X from Vianny Kombozi in Bukinda
- UAY 770Q from Gilbert in Nyakanengo
- UBJ 404T from Vianny Kombozi in Bukinda
- UAK 994G from Julius Kamwesiga in Bukinda
- UAP 596G from Bosco Muhwezi in Bukinda
- UAP 379K from Tabaro Izidoro in Bukinda
- UAN 031D from Tabaro Izidoro in Bukinda
- UBE 998C from Rubarema Dezi in Kakatunda
In addition to the stolen number plates, the suspects were found in possession of SIM cards and leaflets with phone numbers. These materials were intended for use in extortion schemes, where they demanded ransoms ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 shillings from victims. After receiving payment, they would either reveal the location of the number plates or refuse to disclose the information.
Recovered number plates have been returned to their rightful owners. The suspects will face charges in court upon completion of the ongoing investigation.
