A man threatened suicide before setting himself ablaze near parliament Wednesday. Benjamin Agaba poured petrol on his body and ignited himself around 10:00 am close to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on Parliamentary Avenue. Bystanders and security officers quickly responded to help extinguish the flames before rushing him to receive medical attention.
Someone close to Agaba shared that he expressed deep frustrations the previous evening about his unsuccessful attempts to receive financial support from the ruling National Resistance Movement party headquarters and various government offices. The friend mentioned that Agaba previously supported the National Unity Platform in 2021 but later changed his political affiliation to NRM, which created problems for him.
"Former political associates became angry after his switch and reportedly attacked where he lived, causing him injuries and burning down his father's residence," explained the friend who requested anonymity. "His dad had previously warned him against political involvement and became upset with him, eventually forcing him to leave home."
Agaba, an emerging musician from the Kiboga district, had created music celebrating President Museveni's leadership and anticipated some form of acknowledgment or monetary appreciation from the NRM party. His efforts to secure any assistance proved unsuccessful. Patrick Onyango, spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed they continue investigating what exactly motivated Agaba's actions.
Authorities transported him initially to Mulago Referral Hospital before transferring him to Kiruddu Hospital, where he could receive specialized care. Police indicated Agaba might face legal consequences related to attempted suicide once he recovers from his injuries.
The World Health Organization reports approximately 800,000 individuals die through suicide each year globally, with more than 20 suicide attempts occurring for every recorded death. Research conducted by Uganda's Ministry of Health, together with the Uganda National Institute of Public Health, reveals the country experiences a concerning suicide rate of 18.67%, with males demonstrating higher vulnerability compared to females.
Someone close to Agaba shared that he expressed deep frustrations the previous evening about his unsuccessful attempts to receive financial support from the ruling National Resistance Movement party headquarters and various government offices. The friend mentioned that Agaba previously supported the National Unity Platform in 2021 but later changed his political affiliation to NRM, which created problems for him.
"Former political associates became angry after his switch and reportedly attacked where he lived, causing him injuries and burning down his father's residence," explained the friend who requested anonymity. "His dad had previously warned him against political involvement and became upset with him, eventually forcing him to leave home."
Agaba, an emerging musician from the Kiboga district, had created music celebrating President Museveni's leadership and anticipated some form of acknowledgment or monetary appreciation from the NRM party. His efforts to secure any assistance proved unsuccessful. Patrick Onyango, spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed they continue investigating what exactly motivated Agaba's actions.
Authorities transported him initially to Mulago Referral Hospital before transferring him to Kiruddu Hospital, where he could receive specialized care. Police indicated Agaba might face legal consequences related to attempted suicide once he recovers from his injuries.
The World Health Organization reports approximately 800,000 individuals die through suicide each year globally, with more than 20 suicide attempts occurring for every recorded death. Research conducted by Uganda's Ministry of Health, together with the Uganda National Institute of Public Health, reveals the country experiences a concerning suicide rate of 18.67%, with males demonstrating higher vulnerability compared to females.
