Kampala, Uganda—The Ministry of Works and Transport has moved to reassure motorists amid rising incidents of number plate theft, advising victims not to pay extortion fees demanded by fraudsters.
In a public notice, the Ministry described the scheme as organized criminal activity where thieves remove vehicle plates and later contact owners with demands for payment in order to reveal their location.
Authorities stressed that giving in to such demands strengthens criminal networks and undermines law enforcement efforts.
Legal Remedy Available
Instead of engaging scammers, affected motorists have been directed to:
File a police report immediately.
Notify transport licensing authorities.
Apply for officially sanctioned duplicate number plates.
The Ministry underscored that acquiring duplicate plates through authorized procedures ensures proper documentation and protects vehicle owners from potential legal complications.
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Security agencies have expressed concern that stolen number plates are sometimes used to disguise vehicles involved in unlawful activities. The Uganda Police Force has pledged to pursue suspects and dismantle syndicates operating in different parts of the country.
Officials say public cooperation is essential in defeating the racket and restoring confidence in the country’s vehicle registration system.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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