A
29-year-old motorcycle rider in Uganda, Hussein Walugembe, has died
after setting himself on fire inside a police station where he had gone
to demand the release of his impounded bike.
According
to the Ugandan press, Walugembe’s motorbike was confiscated in the
South-Western district of Masaka, about 134km (83 miles) from the
capital, Kampala, on Monday, June 29. As part of the measures to contain
the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Ugandan government banned the
use of motorcycles popularly known as Boda bodas, as a means of
transportation for humans. They are able to operate between 06:30 and
17:00 local time but must only transport cargo.
According
to the police, Mr Walugembe had lent his bike to a friend, who was
apprehended while using it to carry a passenger. Walugembe reportedly
became frustrated with the police after visiting the station several
times to demand its release.
On
Thursday, July 2, he visited the station and locked himself in a room
before setting himself ablaze using petrol concealed in a water bottle
and match sticks. An officer who was with him at the time suffered minor
injuries and several files and computers were destroyed.
Commenting
on the incident, the regional police spokesperson, Paul Kangave, said
it is investigating the allegation that some of its officers were asking
for a $40 (£32) bribe to release the bike.