Benjamin Agaba—a young casual laborer and staunch supporter of the ruling party- NRM party and a diehard supporter of Yoseri Tibuhaburwa Museveni Kagutem — has tragically passed away yesterday at Kiruddu Hospital in Kampala.
Agaba had set himself on fire near Parliament after being neglected by both the lifetime dictator and the ruling party he had loyally supported.
Agaba’s ordeal, which ultimately led to his untimely death, mirrors the infamous Tunisian uprising ignited by Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor who, in 2010, set himself on fire in protest against humiliation and harassment by the very government he once supported.
Bouazizi’s act of desperation triggered mass protests across Tunisia, eventually forcing President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to flee the country. Similarly, Ugandans, frustrated by Museveni’s increasing brutality, extrajudicial killings, unemployment, corruption, and government oppression, are rising in protest.
Despite the state’s intimidation tactics, including the militarization of elections, Ugandans across the country are engaging in continuous protests against Criminal Museveni’s oppressive rule.
It is now evident that ageing power-hungry despot Museveni intends to cling to power indefinitely, having disregarded all democratic avenues for a peaceful transition. His regime’s grip on power appears increasingly fragile, as citizens express their determination to bring change.
Meanwhile, the family of the late Agaba remains in despair, accusing Museveni and the NRM of abandoning them—just as the junta did with the deceased—after making empty promises. This has been the status quo since Museveni and his NRM took power 40 years ago.
Agaba’s tragic death is just the tip of the iceberg as long-oppressed Ugandans continue to yearn for change. The fate that befell other long-serving dictators during the Arab Spring is now a real possibility in Uganda.
While the country is not part of the Arab world, the wave of uprisings that reshaped nations such as Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria could soon manifest here. Criminal Museveni’s days in power are numbered. Watch this space!