The incident occurred in Lukaya Town, Kalungu District, shortly after the final whistle of the Premier League match, which saw Arsenal defeat Manchester United 2-0.
The victim, identified as John Ssenyonga, was enjoying the post-match atmosphere at the Africa Restaurant, a popular gathering spot for football fans.
According to reports, chaos erupted after the restaurant turned off its electricity following Arsenal’s second goal.
The decision sparked celebrations among Arsenal fans, who were unhappy with the disruption.
The situation escalated when the fans became unruly, prompting the security guard to intervene.
However, instead of calming the situation, the guard reportedly fired several shots, hitting Ssenyonga and injuring another fan.
Local police later recovered a cartridge from the scene, confirming that the guard had discharged his weapon during the altercation.
Regional police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing that football, a sport enjoyed by millions, should not lead to violence.
“These are mere games played thousands of miles away and shouldn't cause discontentment among people who live and sometimes work together,” Kasirye said in a statement.
The incident has sparked outrage among football fans, especially in Uganda, where the Premier League has a large following.
This is not the first time violence has erupted following a football match.
Just a month earlier, during an Arsenal vs. Liverpool game, an Arsenal fan was reportedly stabbed by a Manchester United supporter.
The deadly shooting highlights a disturbing trend of football-related violence in Uganda.
The intensity of football rivalries, especially between teams like Arsenal and Manchester United, has led to altercations in public spaces, sometimes resulting in injuries or deaths.
Fans’ passions often spill over into aggression, and the actions of a few individuals can escalate a festive environment into a dangerous situation.
Football authorities and local leaders must find ways to curb this violence.
Post a Comment
0Comments