In a shocking incident in Lukaya town, central Uganda, a jubilant celebration of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United ended in tragedy. A security guard allegedly opened fire on a crowd of ecstatic fans, killing 30-year-old Arsenal supporter John Ssenyonga and injuring another fan, Lawrence Mugejera.
The violence erupted in a restaurant where fans had gathered to watch the match. Witnesses say the restaurant’s manager, irritated by the noise of the celebration, instructed the security guard to intervene. After fans ignored warnings to quiet down, the manager reportedly cut the building’s power supply, further aggravating the crowd. Moments later, the guard allegedly fired multiple shots into the group.
Ssenyonga was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mugejera was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Both the security guard and the manager have since fled, and police have launched a manhunt for the suspects.
This is not the first time English Premier League (EPL) matches have sparked deadly altercations in Uganda, where fan loyalty to clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United runs deep. Just last year, a youth councillor in Kampala was fatally stabbed while trying to break up a fight after Arsenal lost to Manchester City. In another chilling incident, an Arsenal fan in the West Nile district was beaten to death over a football-related argument.
Such incidents underline a troubling trend of extreme reactions to football outcomes in Uganda, where EPL rivalries often take on an intense, personal dimension.
Authorities Respond
Regional police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye condemned the incident, urging fans to moderate their celebrations. A gun was recovered from the scene, and Kasirye appealed for public cooperation in tracking down the suspects.
“We condemn the incident and urge anyone with information to help us bring the perpetrators to justice,” he stated.
While football unites millions around the world, this incident serves as a grim reminder of how unchecked passion can lead to violence. As Uganda grapples with the darker side of fan culture, a pressing question looms: How can communities prevent celebrations from spiraling into tragedy, and where do we draw the line between fandom and fanaticism?
Source: BBC