Man who set himself on fire at parliament dies

Benjamin Agaba, an NRM supporter who set himself on fire outside Parliament in late February, has died at Kiruddu Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.

Agaba allegedly set himself on fire on February 26.

Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said eyewitnesses saw him at Parliamentary Avenue carrying a bottle suspected to contain petrol.

“He opened it, poured it on himself, and struck a match,” Owoyesigyire said in an audio statement. “Guards at Parliament rushed to help him and poured water on him.”

Police said Agaba was first taken to Mulago Hospital for treatment.

“Investigations are ongoing to establish what led him to this, and we shall provide updates,” police said.

Reports indicate Agaba accused the ruling NRM of neglect. He claimed NUP supporters vandalised his property, leaving his father homeless.

He said he sought help from NRM offices for over a year but received no assistance.