The man who set himself on fire near Parliament on Wednesday had reportedly threatened to take his own life the night before, according to a close friend.
Benjamin Agaba doused himself in petrol and set himself ablaze at around 10:00 am near the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on Parliamentary Avenue. Witnesses and security personnel quickly intervened, extinguishing the flames before he was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
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A friend, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Agaba had expressed deep frustration the previous night over his unsuccessful attempts to secure financial support from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretariat and other government offices.
The friend also disclosed that Agaba was initially a supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in 2021 before switching allegiance to the NRM—a decision that reportedly came with consequences.
“He told me that he was with NUP in 2021 but later joined NRM. However, his former colleagues were angered by his defection and allegedly attacked his home, injuring him and setting his father’s house on fire. His father, who had warned him against politics, was so disappointed that he disowned him and chased him away,” the friend recounted.
Agaba, an aspiring artist from Kiboga district, had composed a song praising President Museveni’s leadership, hoping for recognition or financial support from the NRM. However, his efforts to secure assistance were unsuccessful.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango stated that investigations are underway to establish the exact motive behind Agaba’s act.
He confirmed that Agaba was initially taken to Mulago Referral Hospital before being transferred to Kiruddu Hospital for specialized care. Once he recovers, he is expected to face charges related to attempted suicide, Onyango added.
Rising Suicide Concerns
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 800,000 people die by suicide each year, with over 20 attempts for every fatal case.
A report by the Uganda Ministry of Health and the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) further indicates that Uganda has a high suicide rate of 18.67%, with men being more vulnerable than women.
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