When Meddie Enock Kayemba, proprietor of Medik Auto Spare Parts in Ndeeba, Kampala, lost both his number plates to thugs who broke into his premises recently, he initially resigned himself to what has become a familiar ordeal for many motorists.
Distressed by persistent calls from the criminals, who not only stole from him but appeared determined to extort him further, Kayemba believed replacing the plates would be a long and complicated bureaucratic process. Faced with that prospect, he chose to negotiate.
“They asked for Shs 320,000. I sent the money, and they only returned one plate. Later, they demanded more to release the second one,” Kayemba said.
He explained that advice from acquaintances about the allegedly cumbersome replacement process influenced his decision to pay the ransom. However, when the demands escalated, he turned to social media, sharing his experience online.
The post quickly gained traction. Officials from the ministry of Works and Transport responded, and officials from Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR), working with the police, reached out to assist him.
Within an hour, Kayemba had replaced his numberplates – a turnaround that left him regretting his earlier decision to engage the thieves instead of the authorities.
“I presented the remaining plate, and they issued me new digital number plates at Shs 75,000, including installation,” he said.
“If your number plates are taken, report immediately to the right offices. Do not negotiate with criminals,” he advised.
He also urged police officers to guide victims constructively rather than discouraging them by overstating procedural delays.
MVR outlines process for replacing lost plates
An MVR official clarified that there is a structured procedure for replacing lost number plates.
“When a number plate goes missing, the first step is to file a police report so that the case is formally recorded,” he stated.
After reporting to the police, the vehicle owner must publish a notice in a newspaper for five to seven days. This allows anyone who may have recovered the missing plate to return it and helps prevent duplicate plates bearing the same registration number from circulating in different regions, a scenario that could compromise the integrity of the vehicle registration system.
“If a duplicate is issued while the original is still in circulation, it creates administrative and security challenges. That is why the public notice is essential,” he added.
If the advert period lapses without recovery, the owner may apply for a duplicate through the Uganda Revenue Authority’s online portal. The duplicate service costs approximately Shs 49,000 and can be paid electronically.
At MVR, exchanging old plates for new digital ones costs Shs 150,000 for a pair, while replacing an existing digital plate with another digital plate costs Shs 75,000. Once payment is made, the applicant coordinates with MVR officials and presents the vehicle on the scheduled date for installation.
According to the official, the digital plates incorporate modern tracking technology that makes it easier for police to trace stolen vehicles and missing plates. In Kayemba’s case, the remaining plate was tracked and later found buried in a compound.
Police statistics for 2025 indicate that the Uganda Police Force recovered 56 stolen cars and 28 motorcycles using upgraded smart systems, representing a 75% recovery success rate. Authorities say cases of criminals removing number plates at night and demanding payment for their return have increased in recent months, with some victims reportedly paying as much as Shs 300,000.
“Instead of applying for the old type of plates, motorists should opt for the new digital ones. The government has simplified the process.”
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