Author: ZAINAB ALIYU O.
A football-related argument took a deadly turn in Western Uganda’s Kyobugombe Trading Centre, as 22-year-old Benjamin Okello lost his life following a dispute with an Arsenal fan on Sunday, October 27th.
Police in Uganda are hunting for an Arsenal football fan after he allegedly ass@ulted a Manchester United fan, leading to his de@th. The sad incident occurred on Sunday, October 27, at Kyobugombe Trading Centre in Kaharo Sub County of Kabale district after Arsenal was held to 2 – 2 by Liverpool.
According to reports, when Liverpool’s Mo Salah scored a late goal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United supporter Benjamin Okello burst into celebration. He threw popcorn at the Arsenal as he celebrated. This escalated into an argument, and after the match ended, the two got into a scuffle and the Arsenal fan hit Benjamin Okello with a stick, leading to his death.
Confirming the incident, the Kaharo Sub County Chairperson narrated, “I received information. Yesterday morning (Monday), two men fought on Sunday night in Kyobugombe trading centre, and one of them was rushed to Bukinda Health Centre for treatment and was referred to Rugarama Regional Referral Hospital, where he died.”
“A scuffle started in a video hall at the Kyobugombe trading centre, where they were watching a football match between Arsenal and Liverpool. When Liverpool scored an equaliser in the 81st minute, the Manchester United fan, now deceased, started jubilating, and this angered the Arsenal fan. He (the Manchester United fan) threw popcorn at the Arsenal fan, sparking an argument between the two. After the game, the Arsenal fan picked a stick and hit the Manchester United fan, causing him to fall down,” he added.
The suspect, only identified as Onan, is said to be a notorious criminal who has been terrorizing the residents of Kaharo Sub County.
A manhunt has been launched by the police in Kabale District for the Arsenal fan who is on the run.
The district police commander (DPC), Mr. Joseph Bakaleke, said, information was gathered indicating that the two boys who were supporters of two different teams had a scuffle, and in so doing, one assaulted the other. It is alleged that when the assaulted one was taken to the hospital later alone, he met his death.”
