In Western Uganda’s Kyobugombe Trading Centre, a football-related quarrel turned tragic on Sunday, October 27th, when Benjamin Okello, 22, was killed after a fight with an Arsenal supporter.
According to the Ugandan publication The Daily Monitor, the altercation started over taunting and celebrations following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
Benjamin Okello, a Manchester United fan, was celebrating as Mo Salah scored a late goal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. As he rejoiced, he flung some popcorn at the Arsenal fan.
The altercation intensified, and following the game, the two got into a brawl in which the Arsenal fan, who has only been named Onan, struck Benjamin Okello with a stick, killing him.
Mr. Edmond Tumwesigye, the chairperson of Kaharo Sub County, verified the occurrence after he related how he learnt about the fight early on Monday morning.
“I received information. Yesterday morning (Monday), two men fought on Sunday night in Kyobugombe trading centre, and one of them was rushed to Bukinda Health Centre for treatment and was referred to Rugarama Regional Referral Hospital, where he died,” he stated.
According to witnesses, the altercation started when the supporters assembled to watch the game in a nearby video hall.
“A scuffle started in a video hall at the Kyobugombe trading centre, where they were watching a football match between Arsenal and Liverpool. When Liverpool scored an equaliser in the 81st minute, the Manchester United fan, now deceased, started jubilating, and this angered the Arsenal fan. He (the Manchester United fan) threw popcorn at the Arsenal fan, sparking an argument between the two
“After the game, the Arsenal fan picked a stick and hit the Manchester United fan, causing him to fall,” added the Chairperson.
Mr. Joseph Bakaleke, Kabale’s district police commander (DPC), said that after receiving reports of the occurrence, authorities verified that one of the fans had subsequently passed away from his wounds.
“We got information indicating that the two boys who were supporters of two different teams had a scuffle, and in so doing, one assaulted the other. It is alleged that when the assaulted one was taken to the hospital later alone, he met his death,” said Bakaleke.
The suspect, Onan, who is reportedly known for criminal activity in the area, is now the subject of an active police manhunt.
Relatives of Okello are demanding justice, while Mr Bakaleke called for calm among the family as the search for the suspect continues.
“We have tried to encourage the relatives of the deceased to calm down as we continue to hunt for the other one who is alleged to have participated in the fight to explain exactly what happened, as well as getting information from those who were present to aid the investigations in the matter,” said Bakaleke.