A tragic incident unfolded in Uganda after a jubilant Arsenal fan was shot dead by a security guard following the team’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United. The shooting took place in Lukaya, a town located about 100 kilometers south of the capital, Kampala, at a restaurant where fans had gathered to celebrate the win.
Witnesses say that the violence occurred towards the end of the match when Arsenal’s victory became certain. According to local sources, a large group of Arsenal fans had filled the restaurant, expressing their excitement over the win. However, their celebrations reportedly angered the restaurant’s manager, who was irritated by the noise. In response, the manager instructed the security guard to intervene and calm down the crowd.
The situation escalated when the manager switched off the power to the restaurant, hoping the disruption would quiet the fans. Instead of silencing the group, this act seemed to fuel their enthusiasm, with the fans reacting by making even more noise. It was at this point that the security guard, reportedly frustrated by the ongoing celebration, allegedly opened fire, shooting several rounds into the crowd.
The victim, 30-year-old John Ssenyonga, was killed instantly at the scene. Another Arsenal fan, Lawrence Mugejera, was wounded and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The local police have since launched an investigation into the shooting, with both the security guard and the building manager currently on the run. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of a firearm at the scene and are urging anyone with information to come forward to help apprehend the suspects.
This tragic incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding football-related celebrations and the potential for violence in Uganda, where English Premier League matches are followed fervently by fans. In the aftermath of the shooting, Twaha Kasirye, the regional police spokesperson, condemned the violence and called for greater restraint among fans during celebrations. He also stressed the importance of controlling excitement, particularly in public settings where alcohol and large crowds can contribute to volatile situations.
Football-related violence is not a new phenomenon in Uganda. The country has witnessed several violent incidents arising from the passionate rivalries between fans of major English clubs, especially Arsenal and Manchester United. In October, a similar altercation between Arsenal and Manchester United supporters led to a stabbing incident. During the argument over the match’s outcome, an Arsenal fan fatally stabbed a Manchester United fan. The tensions between these two groups have become increasingly dangerous, as evidenced by the earlier violent incidents in the past year.
In one such case, a youth councillor died from stab wounds in Kampala after attempting to intervene in a fight following an Arsenal loss to Manchester City. Just a week before, another Arsenal fan was brutally killed in Adjumani, located in the West Nile district, after a clash over football results. These tragic events underscore the rising tension between fans, where what should be a celebration of sport quickly turns into an outpouring of violence.
This recent shooting has prompted a call for more stringent measures to ensure safety during public gatherings for sporting events. Football fans, while passionate about their teams, must exercise more responsibility in how they express their emotions. The need for responsible celebration, as well as heightened security at such gatherings, is evident. As investigations into this latest tragedy continue, it is clear that the incident will serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with unchecked football fervor.
In the face of such violence, police and authorities will need to strike a delicate balance between maintaining public safety and preserving the vibrant atmosphere of football celebrations. For now, the residents of Lukaya, and Ugandans at large, are left mourning the loss of a life, while hoping that justice will prevail for John Ssenyonga.
