Arsenal Fan Fatally Shot During Match Celebration in Uganda
A celebration turned tragic in Uganda when John Ssenyonga, a 30-year-old Arsenal supporter, was shot dead by a security guard following Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United. The incident occurred at a restaurant in Lukaya town, approximately 100 kilometers from Kampala, the nation’s capital.
Incident Overview
Arsenal fans, energized by goals from Jurien Timber and William Saliba, gathered at the restaurant to celebrate the win. However, the festive atmosphere took a dark turn when the restaurant manager, frustrated by the noise levels, instructed the on-duty security guard to intervene.
Despite warnings to reduce the noise, fans continued celebrating. In a drastic move, the manager cut power to the venue, plunging it into darkness. Chaos erupted, and the security guard, escalating the situation further, opened fire on the crowd.
Ssenyonga was killed instantly, and another fan, Lawrence Mugejera, sustained injuries. Mugejera is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Police Response
Regional Police Spokesman Twaha Kasirye condemned the incident and assured the public that authorities are actively pursuing the suspect.
“We condemn the incident, and we ask anyone with information that can help the police bring the suspect to justice to come forward,” Kasirye said. He also urged fans to celebrate responsibly to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
A Troubling Pattern
This is not an isolated incident of fan-related violence in Uganda. In October, Benjamin Okello, a 22-year-old Arsenal fan, was killed during an argument over the team’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Kyobugombe Trading Centre.
These incidents underscore a disturbing trend of violence tied to football fandom in the region, prompting calls for more responsible celebrations and stricter enforcement of security measures in public spaces.
A Tragic Loss
The loss of Ssenyonga has cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion. As authorities investigate, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for restraint and civility in moments of celebration.
