NRM to Cover Medical Costs for Victim of Self-Immolation Incident 

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat has pledged to provide medical assistance to Benjamin Agaba, who suffered severe burns after setting himself on fire outside Parliament. 

 

The incident occurred last Wednesday near the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on Parliamentary Avenue, where Agaba, a resident of Gomba District, doused himself in petrol and set his body ablaze.

 

A close friend, who preferred anonymity, revealed that Agaba had confided in him about his deep frustration and financial struggles the night before the incident. He had reportedly sought financial assistance from the NRM Secretariat and other government offices without success.

 

Agaba, who previously supported the National Unity Platform (NUP) in 2021, later switched allegiance to the NRM—a decision that allegedly came at a personal cost. “He told me he was in NUP in 2021 but later switched to NRM. 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 warned him to avoid politics, was disappointed and chased him away from home,” the friend recounted.

 

Agaba had reportedly composed a song praising President Museveni’s leadership, hoping for recognition or financial support from the NRM. However, his efforts to secure assistance proved futile. 

 

Emmanuel Dombo, the Director of Communication in the NRM, acknowledged that Agaba might not have received the support he sought due to not meeting the right people at the secretariat. 

 

He assured that the party would now follow up on Agaba’s case to understand his concerns. “We will expedite medical assistance for Benjamin Agaba. Once he recovers, we will invite him to share his concerns with us. We receive numerous requests for support daily, and sometimes, our resources at the secretariat are stretched thin. But in this case, I can assure you that we shall follow up,” Dombo said. However, he dismissed claims that Agaba was used and abandoned by the party, emphasizing that his desperate act was not due to NRM’s negligence. He urged party supporters to follow established channels when seeking assistance.

 

According to his friend, Agaba is slowly recovering and responding well to burn treatment at Kiruddu Hospital. However, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango has stated that once Agaba recovers, he will face charges related to attempted suicide.