Agaba set self on fire.

Benjamin Agaba ignited his body after dousing himself with petrol at around 10:00 am near the ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on Parliamentary Avenue. Witnesses and security personnel rushed to his aid, managing to extinguish the flames before he was taken to the hospital for treatment. According to a close friend who preferred anonymity, Agaba had expressed deep frustration the night before, lamenting his failed attempts to secure financial assistance from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretariat and other offices. His friend further revealed that Agaba was previously a supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in 2021 but later switched allegiance to the NRM. This decision, however, came at a cost. “He told me that he was in NUP [National Unity Platform] in 2021 and later switched to NRM, but some of his former colleagues were angered and allegedly attacked his home, injuring him, and setting his father’s house on fire. His father, who had begged him to avoid politics, was disappointed in him and chased him away from home,” the friend recounted. Agaba, a budding artist from Kiboga district, had composed a song praising President Museveni’s leadership and expected recognition or financial appreciation from the NRM. However, his efforts to secure support proved futile. Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact motive behind Agaba’s actions. He confirmed that Agaba was initially rushed to Mulago Referral Hospital before being transferred to Kiruddu Hospital for specialized treatment. Once he recovers, Agaba is expected to face charges related to attempted suicide, Onyango added. Suicide growing concern According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 800,000 people die by suicide annually, with over 20 suicide attempts for every death.