Kabale, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | A football match in Kabale, Uganda, ended in tragedy after a heated dispute between fans turned violent.
The altercation occurred when Benjamin Ndyamuhaki Okello, a 36-year-old Manchester United supporter, celebrated Liverpool’s late equalizer against Arsenal in the 81st minute, leading to an argument with an Arsenal fan known as Onan.
Witnesses report that Okello’s enthusiastic celebration provoked Onan, sparking a verbal clash. Tensions escalated when Okello tossed popcorn at Onan, intensifying the situation.
After the game, the disagreement turned physical as Onan allegedly struck Okello with a stick, causing severe injuries before fleeing the scene.
Local leader Edmond Tumwesigye, LCIII Chairperson of Kaharo Sub County, confirmed the incident and identified the suspect as a middle-aged Arsenal fan. Authorities are investigating the situation as they search for the suspect.
“I received information yesterday (Monday) morning that 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 where he died from,” he said.
The District Police Commander (DPC), Joseph Bakaleke said they are yet to arrest the suspect who is said to be on the run.
“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,” Bakaleke said.
“We have tried to encourage the relatives of the deceased to be calm down, as we continue to hunt for the other one who is alleged to have participated in the fight, to explain what exactly happened, as well as getting information from those who were present to aid the investigations in the matter,” he added.
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The body of Benjamin Ndyamuhaki Okello was laid to rest on Wednesday, October 30, in Kabungo Cell, Katenga Parish, located in Western Uganda.
Friends and family gathered to say their final goodbyes, mourning the loss of Ndyamuhaki, who was the fifth of eleven children in his family.
The community expressed deep sorrow over his untimely passing following the violent incident linked to a football rivalry.
