A tragic incident occurred in Lukaya, Uganda, where an Arsenal supporter was fatally shot by a security guard during celebrations of the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Manchester United in a Premier League match on Wednesday, December 4.
The deceased, identified as 30-year-old John Ssenyonga, was reportedly killed at a restaurant in central Uganda, approximately 100 kilometers from Kampala. According to a BBC report, the security guard fired multiple shots into a crowd of jubilant fans after being directed by the restaurant’s manager to intervene due to the noise.
Witnesses said the manager, angered by the loud celebrations, switched off the restaurant’s power, prompting fans to grow even louder in response. It was during this heated moment that the guard allegedly opened fire, killing Ssenyonga instantly and injuring another fan, Lawrence Mugejera, who was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Both the guard and the restaurant manager reportedly fled the scene following the incident. Local police recovered a firearm from the site and have launched a manhunt for the suspects.
Twaha Kasirye, the regional police spokesperson, condemned the incident and appealed to the public for information that could aid in apprehending those responsible. “We urge fans to exercise restraint during celebrations and ask anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in bringing the suspects to justice,” Kasirye stated.
This incident has sparked shock and outrage, with calls for greater measures to ensure public safety during communal sports celebrations.