Hussein Walugembe, a 29-year-old Ugandan motorcycle rider, has died after setting himself on fire inside a police station where he had gone to demand the release of his impounded motorcycle.
According to the Ugandan press, on Monday , June 29, Walugembe’s motorbike was confiscated in Masaka’s South-West district, about 134 km (83 miles) from Kampala city. The Ugandan government banned the use of motorcycles popularly known as Boda bodas as a means of transport for humans as part of the steps to control the spread of the novel Coronavirus. They are able to operate between 06:30 and 17:00 local time but must only transport cargo.
Mr Walugembe had lent his bike to a neighbor, who was arrested while using it for carrying a passenger, according to police. Walugembe has reportedly become angry with the police after several visits to the station to demand its release.
He visited the station on Thursday, July 2, and locked himself in a room before using petrol hidden in a water bottle and match sticks to set himself ablaze. An officer who was with him at the time sustained minor injury, and the loss of many files and computers.
Commenting on the incident, regional police spokesperson Paul Kangave said he is investigating the accusation that some of his officers asked for a bribe of $40 (£32) to free the motorcycle.
