Owning a car in Uganda is rarely just a way of getting from one place to another. In part, it also whispers something about you. For someone who has spent years working towards it, whether by saving, taking out a loan or entering a rent-to-own arrangement, finally getting the keys can feel like crossing an important line.

The same is true for a motorcycle.

Once you own one, you quickly learn that some people look at your ride with a completely different interest. They aren’t admiring it, but are looking for a component they can remove and sell, or, in the case of this piece, use to make you pay to get it back.

Car parts theft in Uganda is not confined to the familiar stories of losing a side mirror or headlight while stuck in Kampala traffic. Your car can be targeted while parked at home, at a wedding, a funeral, or even your workplace. Watch out for open parking areas with little to no security because, unlike the pros on Jinja Road, those operating in the least expected places often go for number plates, and according to victims, they know exactly which cars to target.

You park your car and go about your business. When you return, a note bearing a phone number is pinned somewhere on the car. This is the first indication that something has been taken from your car. Victims unfamiliar with the game recall ignoring the note and driving off, only to be stopped by traffic for driving without a number plate. Those familiar with the game immediately dial the number.

The recovery process can be surprisingly straightforward if both sides are willing to play along: they have your number plate. You want it back. They want money.

The ransom can vary depending on the car or its owner. Some victims say certain vehicles attract higher demands than others, particularly sought-after brands such as Toyota and Subaru.

Once you agree on an amount and send the money, you are told where to find your plates, usually placed in an odd spot: under a particular tree, beside a wall or somewhere else near where you parked. Just like that, the transaction is over, although some thieves may try to demand more money for the second plate.

Why Not Simply Go to the Police?
The obvious question: why negotiate with criminals instead of reporting the theft to the police?

You should report it. A stolen number plate can be fitted to another vehicle to conceal its identity while committing a crime. First, have the theft recorded by the authorities: report it at the nearest police station or post, providing all relevant details, including the note left by the thieves and the number on it.

But what happens next?

Victims recount being told by police officers to “just talk to them.” This may sound dismissive, but tracking down the person behind a phone number is not always straightforward. The line may be registered in someone else’s name, while getting officers to investigate and pursue the suspect can take time and resources.

By the time the person is traced, they may have lost the plate or even deny taking it in the first place, leaving you with the added cost of replacing it.

The Cost of Replacing a Stolen or Lost Number Plate in Uganda
The official process of replacing a number plate isn’t as costly or complicated as many motorists assume.

File a police report confirming the loss, then publish a newspaper notice for 5 to 7 days before applying for a new one through the Uganda Revenue Authority. The application costs UGX 49,000, while the digital plate, following the phasing out of old plates, costs UGX 75,000. The new plate is installed at a scheduled appointment.

Why Victims End Up Paying Thieves
Consequently, many victims choose to negotiate its return. When the alternative is spending more time and money chasing a thief, with no guarantee of recovering the plate, or going through the replacement process with its associated costs, agreeing to pay a nominal ransom can seem like the quickest way out.

The better option, of course, is to make the car harder to target in the first place. Where possible, park in secure areas and consider installing security systems such as an alarm or a dash camera with parking mode.