By : Lloyd Mahachi
A fan of English football club Arsenal was shot dead by a security guard in Uganda while celebrating the team’s victory over Manchester United. The incident occurred at a restaurant in Lukaya town in central Uganda, about 100km from the capital Kampala. A large crowd of jubilant supporters had gathered at the restaurant to watch the match, which Arsenal won 2-0.
According to eyewitnesses, the building’s manager was angered by the noise that the jubilant supporters were making and asked the guard to intervene. However, the fans did not heed a warning to quiet down. Witnesses told a local journalist that the owner switched off the power in the restaurant, angering the fans, who responded by making even more noise.
It was then that the guard allegedly opened fire, firing several shots. The victim, identified as 30-year-old John Ssenyonga, died at the scene. Another long-term Arsenal fan, Lawrence Mugejera, was taken to hospital for treatment. Both the guard and the manager of the building are on the run after the incident, with the police looking for them.
The regional police spokesman, Twaha Kasirye, condemned the incident and urged fans to control their excitement. He also asked anyone with information that could help the police to bring the suspect to book to speak up. The police have recovered a gun at the scene, and an investigation is underway.
Tensions and tragic violence arising from the outcome of football matches are not uncommon in Uganda. In October, an Arsenal fan stabbed a Manchester United fan after the two argued over the results of a clash between Arsenal and Liverpool. In January last year, a youth councilor died from stab wounds in Kampala after intervening in a fight after Arsenal lost to Manchester City.
The incident highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the dangers of violence and the importance of sportsmanship. It also underscores the need for authorities to take steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The police and other authorities must work to ensure that fans can celebrate and watch sports without fear of violence or harm.
The English Premier League is extremely popular in Uganda, with many fans passionately supporting their favorite teams. While the vast majority of fans celebrate and watch sports peacefully, incidents like this one highlight the need for greater awareness and education about the dangers of violence and the importance of sportsmanship.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and outrage, with many calling for greater action to be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The police and other authorities must work to ensure that fans can celebrate and watch sports without fear of violence or harm.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
