Arsenal's Jurrien Timber scores their first goal against Manchester United on December 4, 2024. Photo | Reuters
At every major European football match, hundreds of fans jam-pack video halls, bars, and other hangouts across the country, fervently cheering their teams.
Wednesday night was not any different when a private security guard shot an Arsenal fan dead and injured another at Kulubya Cell, Lukaya Town Council in Kalungu District.
The Greater Masaka Police spokesperson, Mr Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the incident and said they are hunting the suspect, who works for Garda World Security Company.
He said the police were investigating the circumstances of the shooting. The police recovered cartridges and an AK-47 rifle that was used by the suspect.
The deceased was identified as John Senyange, 30, a carpenter and a resident of Juma Cell, Lukaya Town Council, while the injured was only named as Lawrence, who was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Eyewitnesses said the incident followed football club Arsenal’s 2:0 victory over arch-rival Manchester United during the mid-week English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in North London.
The witnesses say at the last whistle, the Arsenal fans broke into raucous celebration that angered some Manchester United fans, including the security guard, who reportedly pulled the trigger and killed one person on the spot and injured another.
“It is alleged that the revellers were making a lot of noise, forcing an angry fan to switch off power and ordering the security guard to warn whoever is making noise to stop,” Mr Kasirye says.
A witness said the security guard first shot into the darkness to silence the people making noise, but the bullets caught two people, killing one on the spot.
Marijuana and Drugs
A recent investigation by Monitor reveals that some fans bring alcohol and even drugs into the hangouts that screen these matches across the country.
At some of the venues, vendors openly sell alcohol and drugs, giving easy access to the banned substances.
On November 3, during the Chelsea versus Manchester United match that ended 1:1, a Monitor reporter visited two popular video halls—one on Naboa Road in Mbale City, and the other in Nkoma, on the outskirts of Mbale City.
The reporter observed many intoxicated youths watching the game, with whiffs of marijuana in the air.
Blows, death in Kabale
This atmosphere has led to cases of rowdy behavior where fans sometimes fatally confront others. Such a scene played out on Sunday, October 27, when an Arsenal fan reportedly killed a Manchester United fan in Kabale District, Western Uganda.
The duo was watching English Premier League side Arsenal up against Liverpool at Kyobugombe Trading Centre in Kaharo Sub-county, Kabale District. The match, which ended in a two-all draw at Arsenal’s home turf at the Emirates Stadium, some 10,115 kilometers away, left Benjamin Ndyamuhaki, 36, of Katenga Parish, Kaharo Sub-county in Kabale District, dead.
The two exchanged blows shortly after the final whistle was blown, and Ndyamuhaki was rushed to Bukinda Health Centre for better management before he died.
Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Elly Maate says:
“After the game, an Arsenal fan grabbed a stick and struck the Manchester United fan.”
He said the suspect is on the run but would be charged with murder upon arrest. The authorities say when Liverpool scored the equalizer, the Manchester United fan, now deceased, jumped and jubilated, angering the Arsenal fan.
The Arsenal fans were hopeful for a win while their Liverpool counterparts were confident in their team’s chances. For this, the Manchester United fans found themselves backing Liverpool, hoping to see Arsenal defeated. But as the match ended in a draw, the Manchester United supporters were seen celebrating, sparking tension with the Arsenal fan. The two groups often don’t see eye to eye.
Betting odds and frustrations
These spikes in violence among supporters of English football clubs in Uganda have sparked concern. Mr Uthman Mugoya, the president of Mbale Sports Club, expresses concerns over the frustrations people are facing, driven largely by economic hardships.
He notes that many are feeling disappointed and stressed due to the difficult financial climate.
“People don't have sufficient knowledge on managing anger,’’ Mr Mugoya observes.
Mr Mugoya emphasizes that while everyone has their favorite team, mixing politics and family issues with sports detracts from the joy football is meant to bring.
"Football should make us happy. Every person has the right to support the team of their choice,’’ he states.
He attributes some of the frustrations to financial challenges, particularly sports betting.
“People expect to make money from betting, and when they lose and others laugh at them, it can lead to conflict. Some individuals expect to win significant amounts, even millions of shillings, after investing in betting,’’ he explains.
Mr Mugoya also expresses concern over reports of suicides related to betting, noting that these tragedies often affect those from low-income backgrounds.
Monitor’s findings
Monitor understands that the fan rivalries, especially between Arsenal and Manchester United supporters, have escalated to dangerous levels. Dr Ahmed Bumba, a sports lover, says it is a combination of fanaticism, sports betting, and economic difficulties.
“Many football fans are betting their livelihoods away using their hearts and not brains. When they lose games, they make triple losses: the game, their pride, and their little money that had been earned through struggle,” Dr Bumba says.
He adds that the banter from rival club fans is just a petrol bomb awaiting a matchstick.
Mr Michael Woniala, another sports lover, says betting and gambling have become significant contributors to violence among Ugandan supporters of Western football clubs.
“With limited job opportunities, many young people are turning to betting as a way to earn quick money. However, this often leads to depression and other mental health issues, particularly when they lose many games at a go. Their temperament is high,” Mr Woniala says.
He adds that the pressure of gambling raises tensions among fans in a way that wasn’t as prevalent before betting became widespread.
“This issue has had a ripple effect, contributing to a rise in incidents of domestic violence and even suicide. When someone loses a substantial amount, they may come home frustrated, sometimes lashing out at family members, including their children or spouses,” he argues.
“This makes it clear that Western football has evolved beyond mere entertainment in Uganda; it’s become a way of life, deeply intertwined with social, political, and economic challenges. The economic and social stress, including high unemployment rates and limited opportunities, plays a significant role. For many, sports act as an escape from daily struggles. Yet, this intense emotional investment can quickly turn into aggression when outcomes aren’t favorable,’’ Mr Woniala says.
Police and expert insights
Mr Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, on Saturday, says:
“Betting has partly increased domestic violence in the country.’’
He adds that although betting is a lawful activity in the country, it has elements of addictions.
“Many youths never leave betting houses and sometimes spend to a tune that creates stress. A person filled with stress is prone to crimes such as stealing, multiple offenses, and sometimes even wants to sell a matrimonial home,” Mr Rusoke says.
He also attributes the increasing cases of domestic violence to betting and gambling. Mr Rusoke says preliminary police reports indicate that some students are gambling away their school fees, hoping to make a profit.
“They bet their money, expecting to win more but often end up losing everything. In some cases, university students who gamble away their school fees resort to printing fake results from shady places to please their parents,” Mr Rusoke says.
Gambling’s risks to society
Despite its great contribution to the national economy, gambling poses huge risks of addictions, loss of savings, idleness, and increased crime.
A recent 2023 cross-sectional survey study titled: Problem Gambling among Adolescents in Uganda by Michael U. Anyanwu, et al., has revealed a high gambling prevalence level among young people at 17.7 percent, two to three times higher than the prevalence in adults.
What others say...
“We need to engage our youth in economic activities to earn a living. When you’re idle, you can do anything for survival. If you know you’re losing money in betting, you can end up attacking someone,” Mr Twalla Fadil, MP for Tingey County in Kapchorwa District, says.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Executive member, Mr Rogers Mulindwa, urges Ugandans to invest more time and resources in the Ugandan Premier League instead of wasting their time on European teams.
“I will be concerned if this was about Sports Club Villa, URA, Vipers. I would be concerned because we discourage hooliganism,” Mr Mulindwa says.
Betting and gaming is increasingly becoming a popular industry in Uganda, boosted by the growing popularity of European sports activities, key among them football.
Ms Jackline Kamakune, the senior communications officer of National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (LGRB), says they do not condone this behavior. She adds that the government is collecting revenue from the gambling sector annually. For instance, she says:
In the Financial Year of 2021/2022, the government collected Shs110 billion.
In the Financial Year 2022/2023, the government collected Shs151.9 billion.
In the Financial Year 2023/2024, the government collected Shs193 billion.
Currently, there are 59 licensed gaming operators in the country holding about 87 licenses. Ms. Kamakune said the relationship is one to many, meaning that one operator can apply for more than one license.
Mr Clyan Gimei, a sports expert, blames the vice on the hard economic conditions in the country.
“Many Ugandans have lost hope for a meaningful life due to a multiplicity of factors. There’s a psychological theory that links violence to frustration, and therefore, the increasing violence among European football fans in Uganda can be linked to individual frustration among the fan base,” Mr Gimei says.
He adds that deteriorating value systems are another factor that may explain the violence amongst European football fans in Uganda.
“The sports betting should also be scrutinized as a possible cause of violence among Ugandan fans of European football. The vice of sports betting has spiraled in the past two decades, reaching even the remotest parts of the country, taking advantage of the naive young people who think that the easiest way out of their daily struggles is in sports betting,” Mr Gimei says.
He also attributed the vice to alcohol and illicit drugs.
“It is evident that many of the Ugandan fans of European football watch these games in bars and spots where drug abuse is common. Many times, by the end of the show session, many are high on alcohol and illicit drugs, easily slipping into violence at the slightest opportunity,” Mr Gimei adds.
He asks the government to consider more stringent guidelines for sports betting. “There seems to be glaring laxity, exposing poor Ugandans to irreversible losses, sometimes leading to self-inflicted violence and tragedy,” he says.
Mr Gimei says the government also needs to regulate spaces for airing European football. “There is a need to require proprietors to follow minimum security and safety standards,” he says.
Experts give tips to betting victims
Allow yourself to feel. It’s okay to feel disappointed or upset. Acknowledge your emotions instead of suppressing them, as it’s part of the healing process.
Reconnect with the positives. Reflect on the memorable moments your team has given you and remind yourself that setbacks are part of the journey in sports.
Take a break from sports media. Avoid constant replays, analyses, or social media debates. This will give you space to move on without repeatedly reliving the loss.
Engage in other activities. Distract yourself with hobbies, spending time with friends, or exploring other interests that make you happy.
Look forward to next season. Remember, every game is a fresh start. Stay optimistic and focus on how your team can improve and come back stronger.
Some Key Incidents of Soccer Violence
August 16, 2024
Manchester United fans in Iganga District gathered for Prayers as the new English Premier League season was starting.
May 12, 2024
An Arsenal fan in Oyam District crashed into a stationary trailer and died. Alfred Otto, 43, a resident of Aleny Village, Kamdini Sub-county in Oyam District, was riding a motorcycle back home after Manchester United loss against Arsenal FC when the trailer crashed into him.
March 4, 2024
Police Constable Shadiq Hussein Baguma, who was attached to Seeta Police Station, ended his life after losing Shs800,000 to betting.
March 5, 2023
A Manchester United fan in Lira City, Northern Uganda, died mysteriously after watching a match, where his favourite team suffered a humiliating defeat (7-0) to Liverpool FC in the English Premier League. Eddy Okello, a driver from Okwor Okwor Cell, Burlobo Ward in Lira East Division, was found dead in his bedroom the following day after the match.
March 5, 2023
A Manchester United fan in Kampala reportedly dropped dead following his club’s disappointing defeat to traditional rivals Liverpool. Ivan Ssemwanga was watching the game in a cinema hall in Wakaliga, a Kampala suburb, when he suffered a cardiac arrest and died on the spot.
September 3, 2023
A 22-year-old man allegedly killed an Arsenal fan, 21, following a disagreement over the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Man United. Jackson Aineruhanga, a peasant and resident of Rwanyinakahire Cell, Rwamujojo Ward, Sheema Central Division, Sheema Municipality in Sheema District, was reportedly stabbed to death moments after Arsenal’s 3:1 victory over Man United.
The Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson, Mr Marcial Tumusiime, was quoted in Daily Monitor saying Aineruhanga developed a misunderstanding with the suspect in a video hall while watching the match. The two football fanatics’ argument started after Man United Alejandro Garnacho’s late goal was ruled out for offside by the VAR.
“The two later went to one of the bars but they were ejected because they were quarreling. This forced the suspect to run after the victim whom he stabbed on the chest with a sharp object. The victim is said to have bled to death after the attack,” Mr Tumusiime added.
October 21, 2023
An Arsenal fan collapsed and died while celebrating an equaliser against Chelsea in a Premier League match. The incident happened at Galaxy Video Hall, Komendako Trading Centre in Omugo Sub-county in Terego District. The game ended 2:2 at Stamford Bridge, a result that gave Arsenal a much-needed point to maintain its unbeaten run for the season. The deceased was identified as Faustin Androdribo, a resident of Komendako Village, Owayi Parish, Omugo Sub-county in Terego District.
In January, 2023
Eight Arsenal fans were arrested in Jinja City after taking to the streets to celebrate their 3:2 win over Manchester United. The fans, who brandished a replica trophy, drove in a convoy of vehicles on main streets in Jinja City jubilating before police intercepted them. They were charged with holding an illegal assembly contrary to the police act but released unconditionally a day later.
January 27, 2023
Richard Ukuyo, an Arsenal fan, was reportedly killed in Adjumani District following arguments with a Manchester United fan.
January 28, 2023
Two people were arrested in Kampala on allegations of killing a youth councillor after Arsenal lost to Manchester City. Allan Kakumba, the victim, was stabbed.
On December 19, 2022
Isa Tibinuma, 30, a resident of Bubalagala Village in Bukatuube Sub-county in Mayuge District, died by suicide after losing money in sports betting. Tibinuma sold off his 20 by 45ft land on December 16, 2022, for Shs800,000. He reportedly staked Shs500,000 at a bet house in Bukatuube Sub-county but lost the money.
April 17, 2022
Police in Nwoya District, Northern Uganda, said they were investigating a case in which a soccer fan was said to have died by suicide following Arsenal’s Champions’ League loss to Bayern. Richard Egola, 29, lost Shs10 million after banking on his club to beat Bayern in the UEFA Champions League game.
June 27, 2015
Christopher Okumu, 40, died of suicide in Ongako Sub-county, Gulu District, after losing his property and money in gambling. He lost a bicycle, a mobile phone, clothes, and Shs90,000.
February 2015
Deus Ruhinda, a resident of Kakiika in Mbarara City, took his life after Arsenal suffered a 3:1 loss at the hands of AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. A suicide note he left behind made clear that the boda boda rider had placed half a million shillings bet on his favourite club.
December 28, 2010
Three Chelsea supporters killed an Arsenal supporter in Bundibugyo District after Chelsea lost to Arsenal by three goals to one. The deceased was identified as Bernard Mugenyi, 18, a chapati seller and resident of Bunyatuta 1 Village in Bubukwanga Sub-county.
September 22, 2014
Fahad Musana, the former Simba Football Club player, collapsed dead after an equaliser. Musana, 24, died after collapsing in a makeshift video hall in Bombo in Kampala where he was watching an English Premier League match between Manchester City and his favourite team, Chelsea.
Compiled by Yahudu Kitunzi
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