Tragic Shooting of Arsenal Fan During Celebration in Uganda

A Ugandan football fan was shot dead by a security guard while celebrating Arsenal’s win over Manchester United. The incident occurred in Lukaya after the game, leading to police investigations. Eyewitnesses indicated that the situation escalated after the restaurant manager tried to quiet the jubilant crowd. Calls for fan restraint have intensified following this violence related to football matches.

In a tragic incident in Uganda, a football fan celebrating Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United was fatally shot by a security guard. The event occurred at a restaurant in Lukaya, approximately 100 kilometers from Kampala, following Arsenal’s 2-0 win on a Wednesday night. Another fan suffered injuries as the guard opened fire on the ecstatic crowd. The shooting ensued after the restaurant manager requested the security personnel to intervene due to the uproar from the jubilant fans.

Eyewitnesses reported that the restaurant manager turned off the lights in a bid to quiet the fans, which led to increased noise and excitement among the supporters. Reports indicate that the deceased, identified as 30-year-old John Ssenyonga, died at the scene while another fan, Lawrence Mugejera, was taken to the hospital for treatment. Both the guard and the manager involved are currently evading capture as police are in pursuit of them.

Twaha Kasirye, the regional police chief, condemned the incident and called on anyone with information about the shooter to come forward. He emphasized the need for fans to manage their celebrations responsibly. Violence related to football matches in Uganda, particularly involving English teams, has been on the rise, with several previous incidents resulting in fatalities. Notably, earlier this year, a fan of Arsenal was attacked with a knife after a game against Liverpool, illustrating the increasing tensions among rival supporters.

The recent shooting of an Arsenal supporter in Uganda highlights the dangers associated with football fan culture and the need for responsible conduct during celebrations. The urge for police involvement and monitoring reflects a growing concern for public safety at sporting events. As such incidents continue to occur, it is imperative for fans to celebrate their team’s victories without resorting to violence, thus promoting a more peaceful sporting environment.

Original Source: www.bbc.com