Benjamin Agaba, a supporter of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has succumbed to his injuries after setting himself on fire outside Parliament late last month. Agaba, who was undergoing treatment at Kiruddu Hospital, passed away due to the severe burns he sustained in the incident on February 26.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, eyewitnesses saw Agaba on Parliamentary Avenue carrying a bottle suspected to contain petrol. Moments later, he doused himself in the liquid and struck a match, setting himself ablaze.
“Guards at Parliament rushed to his aid and poured water on him in an attempt to save his life,” Owoyesigyire said. Emergency responders initially took him to Mulago Hospital before he was later transferred to Kiruddu Hospital for specialized care.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that drove Agaba to this extreme action. Reports indicate that he felt abandoned by the NRM after claiming that opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters vandalized his property, leaving his father homeless.
Agaba allegedly sought assistance from the NRM for over a year but received no support, leading to his fatal decision. Police have assured the public that further updates on the case will be provided as investigations continue.
