The police have issued a public warning regarding the growing concern of motorcyclists with obscured number plates posing a significant threat to public safety. The trend has been linked to various criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and violent crimes.

In a statement released by the police on August 12, 2024, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, revealed that on August 9, 2024, Jinja Road Police Division officers, while on patrol along Prince Charles Drive in Kololo, arrested a 27-year-old man identified as Edward Kagoma, a resident of Mutungo, who was parked and pretending to be using his phone.

According to Rusoke, the suspect was on his motorcycle, a red Bajaj with the registration number UGD 297 P, but its number plates were twisted and concealed, which drew the officers’ attention. Upon noticing the police, Kagoma attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.

“After conducting a search, the officers discovered that he was in possession of a woman’s bag containing two mobile phones, cash totaling to UGX 116,000, and various small items,” Rusoke said.

ACP Rusoke added that upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to stealing the belongings from a woman near American Stores in Bugolobi, whose identity was withheld for security purposes. He, therefore, condemned the tendency of concealing registration number plates.

Police urged riders who engage in such illegal practices to cease immediately, promising to continue with arrests and prosecution of individuals involved in similar traffic violations that threaten the safety of Ugandans.

The police further reminded motorcycle owners and riders to ensure their number plates are clearly visible and comply with traffic regulations, adding that failure to do so would result in penalties and legal action.