Security guard shoots Arsenal fan dead in Kalungu
Deceased. John Ssenyonga, 30, an Arsenal fan who was shot dead by a security guard in Kalungu on Wednesday night. Photo | MUZAFARU NSUBUGA
What you need to know:
- It is not yet clear whether the suspect is a Manchester United fan who was angered by the jubilations of Arsenal fans or he was motivated by other factors
Police in Kalungu District in Central Uganda are investigating circumstances under which a security guard shot dead a man known among peers as a staunch fan of Arsenal Football Club based in London, UK.
The incident occurred at Afric Restaurant in Uganda Cares building in Lukaya Town Council in Kalungu District when a trigger-happy private security guard opened fire after a match between Manchester United and Arsenal, had just ended on Wednesday night, killing John Ssenyonga, 30, and injuring another only identified as Lawrence. Ssenyonga has been a carpenter at Juma Cell in Kalungu District.
The security guard identified as Richard Okecho is attached to Garda World Security Company.
Trouble started at around 12:30 am when Arsenal fans started jubilating after their favourite team scored the second goal which prompted the managers of the restaurant to switch off the electricity. This did not go well with Arsenal fans who started shouting at the top of their voices.
“Okecho ordered the rowdy revellers to keep quiet, but they never took heed which prompted him to open fire, shooting one Arsenal fan dead and injuring another,” an eyewitness, Sadi Jjumba, said.
Arsenal beat Manchester United 2:0 in the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium.
Southern Regional Police Spokesman, Mr Twaha Kasirye said the Okecho took off after the incident, but police managed to recover the killer gun from the scene of crime.
"We have recovered the cartridge from the crime scene which is going to help us with the investigations. We condemn the incident and we ask anyone with information that can help police to bring the suspect to book, to speak up," he said.
Okecho, according to Mr Kasirye was providing security services to the Uganda Cares building which also houses the restaurant.
It is not yet clear whether Okecho is a Manchester United fan who was angered by the jubilations of Arsenal fans or whether the shooting was motivated by other factors.
Mr Kasirye warned football fans to always control their excitement while watching the matches to avoid such incidents.
“These are mere games played thousands of miles away and shouldn’t cause discontentment among people who live and sometimes work together,” he said.
The deceased’s body has been taken to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for autopsy examination.
Less than two months ago, an Arsenal fan only identified as Onan allegedly assaulted a Manchester United fan Benjamin Okello leading to his death. The incident happened at Kyobugombe Trading Centre in Kaharo Sub County, Kabale District in Western Uganda on October 27.
