Kampala, Uganda – On the morning of February 26, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded near the entrance of the Ugandan Parliament when Benjamin Agaba, a man in his 30s, set himself on fire. This extreme act, witnessed by stunned onlookers, has been described as a desperate cry for help amid personal and political grievances.
Why did Benjamin Agaba set himself on fire?
Agaba, a reported supporter of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), allegedly doused himself with flammable liquid and ignited it just outside the parliamentary precincts. According to accounts circulating on social media and local reports, he claimed his actions stemmed from prolonged neglect by the NRM, the party he had supported. Agaba asserted that his property had been vandalized—possibly by supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP)—leaving his family, including his homeless father, in dire straits. He stated he had sought assistance from the NRM for over a year, only to be met with silence.
The incident occurred at a time of heightened political tension in Uganda, with the country gearing up for the 2026 general elections. Agaba’s drastic protest has ignited discussions about the frustrations of ordinary citizens who feel abandoned by the political establishment. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with users describing the act as a “sign of frustration and hopelessness” among Ugandans who once placed trust in their leaders.
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Eyewitnesses reported chaos as security personnel and bystanders rushed to extinguish the flames. Agaba was severely injured and quickly transported to a nearby medical facility. His current condition remains unclear, and official statements from the police and parliamentary authorities have yet to provide detailed updates.