Obongi County Member of Parliament Kaps Hassan Fungaroo has alleged that security operatives attempted to kidnap him from his home in Arua City. Fungaroo says the incident happened on Saturday morning when a group of men travelling in a tinted white Toyota Wish vehicle arrived at his home in Ondoriku Cell, Tanganyika Ward, and started asking nearby boda boda riders for directions to his residence.
The riders reportedly became suspicious and questioned the occupants about their identity and why they were looking for the legislator’s home. One of the men, dressed in jeans and an army green T-shirt, reportedly stepped out and said he was from Gulu before the group drove away after sensing resistance.
By the time of the incident, Fungaroo says he was inside his house preparing to leave for Arua City central business district. Speaking to journalists later on Saturday, Fungaroo questioned why anyone would follow him instead of using the established procedure for summoning Members of Parliament.He also called on residents of West Nile to reject what he described as attempts to silence leaders from the region, saying such actions affect political development.
According to residents who witnessed the incident, a motorcycle rider first arrived and parked near the home before the vehicle followed shortly after. Sabir Hassan Cucu, the LC One Chairperson of Ondoriku Cell, said he questioned one of the men who appeared nervous and claimed to be from Gulu. Cucu said the man later entered the vehicle and left after continued questioning from residents.
Cucu urged residents to remain security conscious, saying security concerns affect everyone regardless of political differences. Another neighbour, Habib Hawaiz, said the same vehicle had reportedly been seen in the area twice during the night before the incident.
Faidah Aminah, another neighbour, said residents were worried and appealed to authorities to strengthen security in the area. Fungaroo linked the alleged incident to his recent political activities, including his participation in opposition calls over the arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and demands by West Nile leaders for the release of UPDF officer Colonel Ondoga, who has reportedly spent about a year in custody. Josephine Angucia, the West Nile Region Police Spokesperson, could not be reached as her phone was switched off despite two attempts to call her. The Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Central Division, Judith Bako, said she did not know the matter-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
