A Cry for Help Ignites National Debate
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat has vowed to support Benjamin Agaba, a 32-year-old man who set himself on fire outside Uganda’s Parliament in a desperate plea for help. Agaba, a resident of Gomba District, had long struggled financially and saw no way out after failing to secure assistance from the ruling party.
Witnesses were left in shock last Wednesday, as Agaba doused himself in petrol and lit a match near the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Quick-thinking bystanders and security personnel managed to extinguish the flames, but not before he suffered severe burns.
From Political Ally to Outcast
Agaba’s political journey has been marked by struggle. Initially a supporter of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), he later defected to the ruling NRM, hoping for a better future. However, his decision came at a heavy cost.
A close friend revealed that Agaba faced violent retaliation from his former political allies, who attacked his home and even set his father’s house on fire. Feeling betrayed, his father reportedly disowned him, leaving him homeless and struggling to survive.
Desperate for recognition, Agaba composed a song praising President Museveni, believing it would win him favor within the NRM. But despite repeated attempts to meet party officials, his pleas for help were ignored.
NRM Promises Assistance—But Is It Too Late?
NRM’s Director of Communication, Emmanuel Dombo, admitted that bureaucratic hurdles may have prevented Agaba from receiving help earlier. He assured the public that the party will now step in to cover his medical expenses and listen to his concerns once he recovers.
However, some critics argue that Agaba’s suffering could have been avoided if leaders had acted sooner. His case has reignited debates on Uganda’s economic hardships, the growing frustration among struggling citizens, and the failure of political parties to support their most loyal members.
Facing Legal Trouble Even in Recovery
Despite the NRM’s promise of help, Agaba now faces criminal charges. Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that he will be charged with attempted suicide once he is discharged from the hospital, as self-harm remains a punishable offense under Ugandan law.
His act of desperation has sparked nationwide conversations about mental health, poverty, and broken political promises. Many are now calling for urgent reforms to address the economic struggles pushing Ugandans to the brink.
As Agaba fights for his life in the hospital, one question lingers—will his cry for help bring real change, or will he become just another forgotten name in Uganda’s political landscape?
