In Western Uganda’s Kyobugombe Trading Centre, a football-related argument turned fatal when 22-year-old Benjamin Okello lost his life after a dispute with an Arsenal fan on Sunday, October 27th.
The clash reportedly erupted over celebrations and taunts following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, as per Ugandan news outlet The Daily Monitor.
According to reports, Manchester United supporter Okello began celebrating Mo Salah’s late goal and threw popcorn at the Arsenal fan, identified only as Onan, intensifying the situation. After the match, the two engaged in a scuffle that tragically ended with Okello being fatally struck with a stick.
Kaharo Sub County Chairperson, Mr. Edmond Tumwesigye, confirmed the incident, saying he learned 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.
Witnesses described the confrontation beginning in a local video hall, where the fans gathered to watch the match.
“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. The district police commander (DPC) of Kabale, Mr. Joseph Bakaleke, explained that police received reports about the incident and confirmed that one of the fans later succumbed to 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 currently the target of an active police manhunt. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the altercation to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Okello’s relatives are calling for justice, while Mr. Bakaleke has appealed for calm among the family as the search for the suspect proceeds.
“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.
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