A football-related argument took a deadly turn in Western Uganda’s Kyobugombe Trading Centre, as 22-year-old Benjamin Okello lost his life following a dispute with an Arsenal fan on Sunday, October 27th.
The clash broke out over celebrations and taunts after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, Ugandan outlet The Daily Monitor has reported.
When Mo Salah scored a late goal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United supporter Benjamin Okello was celebrating. He threw some popcorn at the Arsenal supporter as he celebrated.
The action escalated the situation, and after the match ended, the two got into a scuffle that left Benjamin Okello dead after he was hit with a stick by the Arsenal supporter, who has only been identified 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.
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 now the subject of an active police manhunt.
Authorities have appealed to anyone with information or who witnessed the altercation to come forward to aid in the investigation.
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.
