Ugandan Arsenal Fan Allegedly Shot Dead During Victory Celebrations

An individual supporting the English football club Arsenal, while commemorating the team’s win against Manchester United, was reportedly shot and killed by a security guard in Uganda. A second supporter sustained injuries when the guard discharged a firearm into a substantial gathering of celebratory fans at a restaurant situated in Lukaya town, central Uganda, approximately 100km (62 miles) distant from the capital city, Kampala. The incident occurred near the conclusion of the football match, which Arsenal secured with a 2-0 victory. According to a local journalist who spoke to the BBC, the manager of the establishment became agitated by the commotion created by the celebrating supporters and requested the guard’s intervention. Nevertheless, the fans reportedly disregarded a directive to reduce their noise level. Witnesses informed journalist Farish Magembe that the restaurant’s owner cut the power supply, which provoked the fans, leading them to generate an even greater volume of noise. Subsequently, the guard reportedly commenced firing, discharging multiple shots. The deceased, identified as John Ssenyonga, aged 30, succumbed to his injuries at the location. Lawrence Mugejera, another devoted Arsenal supporter, was transported to a hospital for medical attention. Following the event, both the guard and the building’s manager absconded and are currently being sought by the police. Twaha Kasirye, the regional police spokesman, was cited by the Daily Monitor newspaper stating that a firearm had been retrieved from the scene. “We condemn the incident and we ask anyone with information that can help the police to bring the suspect to book to speak up,” he said. He additionally advised supporters to manage their enthusiasm. Incidents of tension and severe violence stemming from the results of football matches, particularly those involving English clubs, are not unusual in Uganda, a nation where the English Premier League commands significant attention. In October, an Arsenal fan stabbed a Manchester United fan after the two disputed the results of a clash between Arsenal and Liverpool. In January last year, a youth councillor in Kampala succumbed to stab wounds after intervening in an altercation that ensued after Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City. Merely a week prior, an Arsenal fan was bludgeoned to death in Adjumani, located in the West Nile district. For additional news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Connect with us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Details concerning our policy on external linking are accessible.