Police Probe Alleged Attempted Attack on Obongi MP Hassan Fungaroo

The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in the West Nile region has launched investigations into an alleged attempted attack on the Member of Parliament for Obongi, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo.

Fungaroo says he survived a planned attack on Saturday after a group of unidentified men in a white Toyota Wish with tinted windows reportedly drove to the gate of his home in Ondoriku Cell, Tanganyika Ward, Arua City, and began asking boda boda riders to direct them to his residence.

The strangers immediately aroused suspicion among the boda boda riders, who demanded to know who they were and why they were looking for the legislator.

According to eyewitnesses, a motorcycle rider arrived first and parked near Fungaroo’s home. Shortly afterwards, the Toyota Wish pulled up, and one of the occupants, dressed in blue jeans and an army-green T-shirt, stepped out. The man reportedly claimed he had come from Gulu.

However, the group quickly drove away after sensing they had attracted the attention of residents. Following the incident, Fungaroo reported the matter to police at Arua Central Police Station. Detectives later visited his home to document the scene and begin investigations.

Josephine Angucia, the West Nile Regional Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying investigations have commenced under General Inquiry File No. 100/2026.

She said that once investigations are complete, the case file will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for legal guidance on the next course of action. Angucia also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies.

Meanwhile, Fungaroo welcomed the police response, saying he had previously raised concerns about his security with both the police and the Speaker of Parliament. He expressed hope that the latest developments would prompt authorities to strengthen security measures for public leaders facing potential threats.    

The incident has revived memories of the 2018 assassination of former Arua Municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga. Residents across West Nile say the alleged kidnap attempt has heightened concerns over the safety of political leaders, particularly those who openly speak out on governance and human rights issues.

Some residents warned that unless security agencies respond swiftly to such incidents, the region risks a repeat of past attacks on prominent political figures.