Man accusing NRM of neglect sets himself on fire near Parliament

Kampala, (UG):- Panic erupted near the entrance of Parliament when a man, identified as Benjamin Agaba, set himself on fire in an apparent act of protest, accusing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party of neglecting him.

Eyewitnesses reported that Agaba, appearing visibly distressed, doused himself with a flammable liquid before igniting the flames on Wednesday morning.

Fortunately, security personnel and bystanders promptly intervened, extinguished the fire and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where the extent of his injuries remains unknown.

According to preliminary information obtained, Agaba, an ardent supporter of the Museveni-led NRM party, claimed that his property had been vandalized by supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), leading to his father’s displacement.

He allegedly sought assistance from the NRM head offices at Kyadondo Road in Kampala for over a year but in vain, leading to self-immolation, an act that underscores growing frustrations among some NRM supporters who feel abandoned by the ruling party.

Warning: Graphic content

Benjamin Agaba, Has Set Himself On Fire Near the Entrance of Parliament, Claiming he had not Received Support from his Party, NRM. He Stated that he had Sought help at the Party Office's for a year without any Assistance pic.twitter.com/9IoeJnCvxQ

— Bitter Truth (@paulrudakin) February 26, 2025

The Wednesday incident at Parliament mirrors a previous scenario in September 2021, when one Mohammed Amanyire Musongole attempted self-immolation at Parliament’s main gate over unpaid dues for campaign songs he composed for the NRM.

By press time on Wednesday afternoon, Police were yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, which raises pressing questions about the NRM’s internal support mechanisms and the well-being of its grassroots supporters.