A football celebration in Kampala turned deadly on Saturday evening after an argument between rival fans reportedly ended in murder following Arsenal’s Premier League title victory.
According to police, the incident happened on May 24 at around 6:30 p.m. in Bakuli, a suburb within Kampala Central Division. The deceased, identified only as Denis, was a 34-year-old boda boda rider and a known Arsenal supporter.
Police say Denis allegedly got into a heated argument with a man identified as Musiramu, who is said to be a Manchester United fan, as Arsenal supporters across Uganda celebrated the club’s 2025/26 Premier League triumph over Crystal Palace.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation during which Musiramu allegedly struck Denis on the head. Witnesses say Denis collapsed instantly and died at the scene before he could receive medical attention.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Uganda Police Force confirmed that officers from Old Kampala Police Division had launched investigations into the killing and were searching for the suspect, who reportedly fled after the incident.
“The Police at Old Kampala is investigating a murder incident that occurred on 24th May 2026 at approximately 6:30 PM in Bakuli, Kampala Central Division,” police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said in the statement.
Authorities added that Denis’ body was transported to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.
The incident quickly sparked emotional reactions online, with many Ugandans expressing shock that football rivalry could once again end in bloodshed. Social media users called for calm among supporters and urged fans to celebrate responsibly regardless of club loyalties.
Uganda has witnessed several violent incidents linked to football rivalries over the years, especially after high-profile matches involving English Premier League clubs. Arsenal and Manchester United remain among the most passionately supported teams in the country, often drawing intense emotions from fans.
Journalist Sudhir Byaruhanga also reported on the incident, saying the deadly altercation followed an argument between the two rival supporters in Bakuli.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to cooperate with investigators as the manhunt continues.
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