City taxi conductor arrested for planning to set self ablaze

It is alleged that the taxi conductor went to City Hall, the seat of KCCA, with a five-litre jerrycan of petrol and match box with intentions to set himself ablaze.

The Police have arrested a taxi conductor for protesting against the crackdown on taxis which park on city streets in Kampala.

Mutwahilu Bogere Wasswa, 24 years, the chairperson of conductors at Bweyogerere-Bukasa stage in Old Taxi Park, allegedly attempted to commit suicide while in the city centre.

It is alleged that the taxi conductor went to City Hall, the seat of KCCA, with a five-litre jerrycan of petrol and match box with intentions to set himself ablaze. 

He was protesting against operations by the Police and KCCA on Burton Street where the Bweyogerere and Bukasa taxis park.

However, the Police swung into action and stopped the act.

The petrol that Wasswa carried to City Hall. Photos by Deo Damba
The petrol that Wasswa carried to City Hall. Photos by Deo Damba

Below is the Police statement.

We were informed and picked him before he could set himself ablaze.

He is currently detained at Central Police Station in Kampala on attempted suicide offences.

We urge members of the community not take their lives for matters that can be handled amicably handled by the concerned authorities.

Attempting to commit suicide is an offence. 

We urge taxi operators to register their vans with the Ministry of Works and Transport for free so that they are get route charts.

SP Patrick Onyango 

PRO Police Kampala Metropolitan