By Yusuf Obbo
Ndizawa Grace, popularly known as Warchild and the National Unity Platform (NUP) Coordinator in Iganga, narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping last Sunday night, following a harrowing encounter with armed assailants.
The incident unfolded around midnight on Daudi Waiswa Road in Iganga central division, where Grace was approached by three armed men and one with a UPDF jacket traveling in a Mark X with registration UBL 239 X. According to Grace, the men were dressed in civilian clothing and swiftly parked near his vehicle. They forcefully called him out of his car and proceeded to assault him sustaining injuries especially on his legs..
“I was slapped and forcibly removed from my vehicle by armed men who were clearly intent on causing harm,” Grace recounted, visibly shaken by the ordeal. Fortunately, his distress calls alerted nearby boda boda riders and passersby, who intervened promptly, forcing the assailants to flee the scene.
In the aftermath of the incident, Grace allegedly faced significant challenges when attempting to file a police report. “Officers at Iganga Central Police Station initially refused to register my case,” he explained. “I was redirected from the counter to the Officer in Charge (OC) and then to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), where I was eventually compelled to settle for a lesser charge of assault.”
Despite the evident severity of the incident involving armed individuals, Grace expressed dissatisfaction with the police handling of the matter. “I insisted on registering the incident as an attempted kidnapping, given the presence of firearms,” he stated. “However, due to bureaucratic hurdles and resistance, my case was reluctantly logged under assault, with Reference Number 94-18-06-2024.”
Police authorities in Iganga acknowledged the incident but stated that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motive behind the attempted kidnapping. “We are actively working to verify the details provided by Ndizawa Grace,” remarked a police officials
Ndizawa Grace says he is still resolute in seeking justice and ensuring his safety following the traumatic event. “I am thankful for the swift action of the boda boda riders and community members who intervened,” he expressed. “However, it is crucial that the police thoroughly investigate this matter to prevent such incidents from recurring and ensure the safety of all citizens.”
