A young Ugandan man identified as Benjamin Agaba set himself on fire near the entrance of Parliament in Kampala, accusing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) of neglect.
The dramatic incident unfolded in broad daylight as Agaba visibly distressed claimed he had been abandoned by his party despite seeking help for over a year.
He alleged that his property was vandalized by supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) leaving his father homeless yet the NRM failed to come to his aid.
Eyewitnesses stood frozen in horror as Agaba doused himself in flammable liquid and lit a match near one of Uganda’s most powerful institutions.
Security officers and bystanders scrambled to put out the flames but not before Agaba suffered severe burns. He was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital in critical condition.
According to those who saw the harrowing moment unfold, Agaba was shouting about political betrayal and abandonment.
“I have knocked on every door at NRM offices, but they have ignored me!” he reportedly screamed before setting himself ablaze.
Little was known about Agaba before this drastic act of self-destruction. However, sources reveal that he was a dedicated NRM supporter who became increasingly desperate after his family was allegedly targeted in political violence.
His father, he claimed was forced into homelessness due to their affiliation with the ruling party. Despite repeated visits to NRM offices, Agaba reportedly received no support leaving him feeling abandoned by the party he had fiercely defended.
NRM spokespersons have yet to issue a formal statement but party insiders claim Agaba’s situation was never officially brought to their attention.
Opposition figures particularly from NUP have refuted Agaba’s claims of victimization, instead accusing the ruling party of failing its own members.
Political analysts warn that this tragic episode underscores the rising tensions and frustrations within Uganda’s political sector. “This is not just about Agaba. It’s a reflection of how ordinary Ugandans feel unheard and unsupported by the very institutions they trust,” said political commentator Dr. Isaac Mugisha.
Agaba’s self-immolation is a grim reminder of the cost of political neglect and unfulfilled promises.
Uganda has seen an increase in politically motivated violence, economic struggles, and disillusionment with leadership in recent years.
While authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding Agaba’s case, the larger conversation about political accountability and citizen welfare continues
