Uganda Police, Ministry of Works Recover Stolen Number Plates in Four Days

Swift Action: Uganda Police Force and Ministry of Works and Transport Recover Stolen Number Plates in Just Four Days

A Kampala businessman has praised the Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) and the Intelligent Uganda Police Force for helping him quickly replace his stolen number plates after initially falling victim to fraudsters.

Kayemba Meddie Enock, who operates Medik Auto Spare Parts in Ndeeba, Kampala, says thieves broke into his premises and stole his vehicle number plates. Shortly after, he received a phone call from unknown individuals demanding money in exchange for returning the plates.

“They asked me to send Shs 320,000. I paid, and they only returned one number plate. Later, they demanded more money to give me the second plate,” Enock narrated.

Believing that replacing number plates was a long and complicated process, Enock initially complied with the criminals’ demands. He says many people had warned him that acquiring new plates involves lengthy procedures, which pushed him into paying the thieves. However, when the suspects asked for additional money, he decided to share his ordeal on social media.

It was through that video that officials from Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) under the Ministry of Works and Transport, working together with the Uganda Police Force, contacted him and offered assistance. Enock says the entire replacement process took only one hour.

“I brought the one remaining number plate, and they gave me a replacement of digital number plates at Shs 75,000, including installation,” he explained.

He further revealed that with the help of innovative tools, police can now trace criminals who would previously have gone undetected.

Enock is now urging Ugandans to avoid ignorance and seek help from the right authorities whenever they lose their number plates. “Whenever your number plates are stolen, run to the right place. Don’t pay thieves,” he appealed. He also called upon the police to guide victims appropriately instead of discouraging them by portraying the process as long and difficult.

MVR Explains Official Procedure for Lost Number Plates

An MVR official explained that there is a clear and structured process for replacing lost number plates.

“When a number plate is lost, the first step is to report the matter to the police so that a case is formally registered,” he said.

After filing a police report, the vehicle owner is required to publish a notice in a newspaper advert for five to seven days. This measure ensures that if anyone finds the missing number plate, it can be returned. It is noted that the advert is necessary to avoid situations where duplicate plates bearing the same registration number circulate in different parts of the country, which could cause confusion in the vehicle registration system.

“If we issue a duplicate while the original plate is still out there, it creates complications. That’s why the advert process is important,” he explained.

Once the advert period lapses without any recovery, the vehicle owner can apply for a duplicate number plate through the URA online portal. The duplicate service costs approximately Shs 49,000 and is payable through various electronic payment options.

At MVR, the cost for two number plates is Shs 150,000 when exchanging old number plates for digital ones. The fee for replacing a new digital plate with another new one is just Shs 75,000.

After payment, the applicant coordinates with the Motor Vehicle Registration and, upon confirmation of the appointment date, the vehicle is presented for installation of the new number plates.

Enock also confirmed that the police work closely with ITMS to trace lost number plates. “In this particular case, because the thief caught the digital plates, the police could trace the suspect rapidly and find him along with the old number plates. This demonstrates that there is an established tracing procedure and the efficiency of the police with new technology,” he praised.

According to statistics, in 2025, with new smart tools, the Uganda Police Force located and returned 56 stolen cars and 28 motorcycles to their rightful owners, achieving a 75% successful recovery rate.

Ugandans Suffering Number Plate Theft

Hundreds of Ugandans have recently fallen victim to criminals who steal number plates at night and later demand money for their return. Some victims reportedly pay as much as Shs 300,000 to recover their plates.

“Don’t waste your time applying for old license plates — just go ahead and get the new ones. The government has already made the process simple and hassle-free,” said Kayemba Meddie Enock.

Authorities say the introduction of new number plates under the Ministry of Works and Transport has made replacement more affordable and four times cheaper than criminals’ demands. Officials are encouraging motorists to follow the official procedures rather than negotiating with criminals.