IN a tragic turn of events, a 30-year-old Arsenal supporter, John Ssenyonga, was allegedly shot dead by a security guard while celebrating Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in Lukaya town, Uganda. Another fan, Lawrence Mugejera, sustained injuries and was hospitalised.
The incident occurred late in the game at a restaurant in central Uganda, 100km from Kampala. Witnesses report that tensions escalated when the building manager, irritated by the noise from jubilant fans, instructed the guard to intervene.
According to local journalist Farish Magembe, the manager’s decision to cut off the restaurant’s power further angered the crowd, intensifying the celebratory commotion. In response, the security guard allegedly opened fire, killing Ssenyonga on the spot and injuring Mugejera.
Both the guard and the building manager fled the scene. Police later recovered a gun and are actively pursuing the suspects. Twaha Kasirye, a regional police spokesman, condemned the violence and appealed to the public for information to assist in the arrests.
‘We urge fans to celebrate responsibly and avoid actions that could escalate into violence,’ Kasirye stated, adding that such incidents tarnish the communal spirit of football.
This is not the first time football-related violence has claimed lives in Uganda. The country’s fervent passion for the English Premier League often ignites heated rivalries. In October, a Manchester United fan was stabbed after a clash with an Arsenal supporter. Similar incidents have occurred, with victims suffering fatal attacks linked to match outcomes.
While football unites millions globally, this devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked fan fervour.
