Police spokesperson Fred EnangaSpeaking to reporters at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala today during the tri-weekly security briefing, Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson said this is the only way to foil the practice that is gaining moment in recent days. Enanga said although it might be cumbersome, it’s better than going through the process of replacing them when stolen.

 
“On the issue of number plates, we’re not saying remove the number plate and put it on another vehicle, it is meant for that car. If you can have it detached and then fixed that is one area especially if you don’t have a garage and you have an open-air compound. Because they easily jump in and sometimes you can’t come out because you’re not sure of your safety and security. So this is one method which we’re asking those who can to get to adopt.” said Enanga. 

Enanga’s advice follows the recovery of 11 number plates that were stolen from different parts of Kitende village in Kajjansi town council Wakiso district by a one Felix Mwebesa, who is suspected to be part of a criminal gang involved in the theft of car number plates.

Mwebesa is currently detained at Kajjansi police station as investigations into the matter continue. Enanga called upon all the owners of those cars whose number plates were stolen to go to Kajjansi police station to claim them. Some of the numbers recovered include UAN 852B, UBF 211J, UBF 603Q, UBA 6250, UAV 379X, UBA 984K, UBC 577D, UAK 401H, UAU 223L and UAU 767J.

Meanwhile, police revealed that last week they arrested 170 people for violating different directives on the coronavirus (COVID-19). 18 vehicles and 101 motorcycles were impounded after their owners were found moving past curfew hours or carrying passengers contrary to exiting guidelines.

“The public continues to flout government directives put in place to curb the spread of Coronavirus. This is partly due to ignorance of the fatality of the pandemic,” said Enanga.