KAMPALA, UGANDA — On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, a disturbing incident occurred at the main entrance of the Parliament of Uganda. A man, identified as Benjamin Agaba, set himself ablaze.
Witnesses report that Agaba doused himself in gasoline before igniting the flames early morning.
A video circulating on social media captures the harrowing scene, showing police officers’ efforts to extinguish the fire and their subsequent transport of Agaba to a medical facility.
Preliminary reports suggest that Agaba’s extreme act was a form of protest.
He allegedly claimed the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party had not provided compensation for property damage he sustained during an attack attributed to supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
A friend of the victim, who preferred anonymity says that Agaba had called him the previous night, expressing frustration over his futile attempts to get assistance from the NRM Secretariat and other offices. The victim had reportedly threatened to take his own life.
Agaba further claimed that his father had been left homeless due to their political affiliation.
Official statements from both the police and Parliament are currently pending.