A Ugandan football fan was shot dead celebrating Arsenal’s win over Manchester United. The incident occurred at a restaurant in Lukaya. The police are investigating the shooting and have urged the public to assist. Violence among football fans in Uganda has been a recurring issue, often leading to tragic outcomes.
A football supporter in Uganda was fatally shot while celebrating Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United. The incident occurred in Lukaya, approximately 100 kilometers from Kampala, following Arsenal’s 2-0 win. Local fan reactions escalated after the restaurant manager requested the crowd to quiet down, eventually prompting security to intervene when the noise persisted.
The victim, identified as John Ssenyonga, 30, died at the scene, while another Arsenal fan, Lawrence Mugejera, sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital. The police are currently searching for the shooter and the restaurant manager involved in the events that led to the violence.
Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye condemned the incident and urged anyone with information to assist the investigation, emphasizing responsible fan behavior to prevent further escalations of violence related to football rivalries. Instances of violence among fans, especially concerning English teams, have been noted in Uganda, with previous incidents resulting in injuries and deaths during celebratory or confrontational circumstances.
On October 10 of this year, an Arsenal fan attacked a Manchester United supporter with a knife after a heated discussion regarding the outcome of another match. Just last year, a youth counselor died from stab wounds after a similar fan clash following an Arsenal match, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding fan violence underpinned by heated rivalries in football.
This tragic incident underscores the dangerous intersection of sports fanaticism and violence in Uganda, particularly linked to football rivalries. The need for law enforcement and community intervention becomes increasingly critical to prevent further casualties and promote peaceful fan experiences. Encouraging responsible behaviors among fans is essential to mitigating the risks associated with sports celebrations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
