Tragedy struck in Lukaya town, central Uganda, as a jubilant Arsenal fan, John Ssenyonga, was shot dead while celebrating the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Manchester United in a Premier League clash on Wednesday, December 4. The shocking incident was confirmed in a report by BBC News on Thursday, December 5.
Ssenyonga, aged 30, was killed when a security guard opened fire on a crowd of Arsenal supporters at a local restaurant in Lukaya, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Kampala. Another fan, identified as Lawrence Mugejera, sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The shooting reportedly occurred near the end of the match. A local journalist, Farish Magembe, told the BBC that the noise from the celebrating fans had angered the restaurant’s building manager. In an attempt to control the situation, the manager ordered the security guard to intervene. When the fans ignored a warning to quiet down, the manager allegedly switched off the restaurant’s power supply, which only fueled the crowd’s excitement, prompting even louder celebrations.
In response, the guard reportedly fired several shots into the crowd, killing Ssenyonga on the spot. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with fans scattering in panic. Both the guard and the building manager fled the scene and are now being sought by Ugandan police.
Authorities have since recovered the firearm used in the incident. Regional police spokesman Twaha Kasirye condemned the act, urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in apprehending the suspects. “We condemn the incident and ask anyone with information that can help the police to bring the suspect to book to speak up,” Kasirye said, while also advising fans to manage their emotions during such events.
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