Benjamin Okello, a 22-year-old football fan, was killed on Sunday as a result of a football-related argument with an Arsenal supporter at Western Uganda’s Kyobugombe Trading Centre.
The fight broke out after celebrations and taunts following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, according to Ugandan news outlet The Daily Monitor.
When Mo Salah scored a late goal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United fan Benjamin Okello celebrated. He flung popcorn at an Arsenal fan as he rejoiced.
The incident deteriorated, and after the match, the two got into a confrontation that left Benjamin Okello dead when he was beaten with a stick by the Arsenal supporter, who has only been known as Onan.
The incident was confirmed by Kaharo Sub County Chairperson, Mr. Edmond Tumwesigye, who recounted receiving news of the brawl early 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.
Mr. Edmond Tumwesigye, Kaharo Sub County Chairperson, verified the event, saying he received knowledge of the brawl early Monday morning.
“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 down,” added the chairperson.
Mr. Joseph Bakaleke, Kabale’s district police commander (DPC), revealed that police received reports of the occurrence and confirmed that one of the fans died as a result of his injuries.
“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.
Authorities have asked anyone with knowledge or who observed the altercation to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Okello’s relatives are demanding justice, while Mr. Bakaleke has called on the family to be calm as the search for the perpetrator 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.
