Iganga NUP boss says ‘no grudges’ after election defeat

Iganga NUP Chairperson Grace Ndizaawa says he has forgiven political rivals after losing Iganga Central Division chairperson race, and reiterates a call for unity and reconciliation for better service delivery.

Grace Ndizaawa, popularly known as Commander War Child, expressed gratitude to supporters who stood with him during the heated campaign, despite falling short at the polls.

Iganga, Uganda: The Iganga District Chairperson of the National Unity Platform, Grace Ndizaawa Salongo, has called for unity and forgiveness after losing the Iganga Central Division chairperson race to Kasimba Abubakar of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the recently concluded elections.

Popularly known as Commander War Child, Ndizaawa expressed gratitude to supporters who stood with him during the heated campaign, despite falling short at the polls.

“With great honor comrades, allow me to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for genuinely standing with me during the campaign period. Though we didn’t make it, gratitude endured to the end,” he said.

The race was marked by internal party tensions, with some NUP members publicly accusing Ndizaawa of allegedly conniving with security personnel to arrest party supporters — claims he has consistently denied.

Sources indicated that disagreements over party procedures may have affected his support within the party hierarchy.

During the campaigns, Iganga Municipality MP-elect Abedi Nasser Mudiobole openly criticized Ndizaawa over the alleged arrests of NUP youth activists.

Calls for Unity

Despite the political friction, Ndizaawa said he holds no grudges and has forgiven those who criticized or attacked him. “Time for politicking is over; let’s allow the duly declared winners to serve our communities with our full support,” he said.

“To those who hurt me verbally and physically because of politics, I forgive you. And to you that I hurt, I pray you forgive me too. Life moves on.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to steering NUP leadership in Iganga District and improving livelihoods, saying losing the election was not the end of his political journey.

Ndizaawa also extended Ramadan wishes to Muslims and Lent greetings to Christians, urging unity and peaceful coexistence across political divides.