A Ugandan Arsenal fan, John Ssenyonga, was shot and killed while celebrating his team’s victory over Manchester United, with another fan injured. The incident took place in Lukaya when a security guard fired on the jubilant crowd. Local authorities are investigating the situation and urging fans to control their excitement to prevent violence.
A Ugandan football fan was shot dead while celebrating Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United. This unfortunate event took place at a restaurant in Lukaya, Uganda, approximately 100 kilometers from Kampala. Following Arsenal’s 2-0 win on a Wednesday evening, a security guard reportedly opened fire on the crowd after being disturbed by their jubilation. Another fan sustained injuries during the shooting incident.
The incident occurred after a staff member of the restaurant requested the crowd to quiet down, but the fans continued to celebrate loudly. Witnesses reported to a local journalist, Farish Magembe, that the restaurant’s manager turned off the power, which further aggravated the fans. This led to the security guard firing multiple shots into the crowd.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old John Ssenyonga, died at the scene, while another long-time Arsenal supporter named Lawrence Mugejera was taken to the hospital for treatment. Both the security guard and the restaurant manager are currently in hiding as police search for them.
Twaha Kasirye, the local police chief, condemned the incident, stating that a weapon was recovered from the scene. He urged anyone with information to come forward and assist the police in their investigation while advising fans to control their excitement during matches. Football-related violence, particularly incidents involving English clubs, has been a recurring issue in Uganda, often leading to tragic outcomes for fans. In October, another Arsenal supporter stabbed a Manchester United fan during a heated debate about their teams. Last year in January, a youth counselor died from stab wounds during a confrontation after Arsenal lost to Manchester City. Just a week prior, a fan was killed in Adjumani after being attacked with a club.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing problem of football-related violence in Uganda, particularly surrounding matches involving English clubs. The loss of John Ssenyonga is a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with heated rivalries. The call for restraint and the investigation into the shooting underscores the need for improved security and awareness among fans during such events.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
