A football rivalry turned deadly in Uganda after an argument between two fans of English Premier League clubs allegedly ended in murder in Kampala.
Police in Kampala are investigating the death of a 34-year-old boda boda rider identified only as Denis, who reportedly died after a confrontation linked to support for rival football clubs.
The incident happened on the evening of Saturday, May 24, in Bakuli, Kampala Central Division, amid excitement over Arsenal FC’s league win.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, Denis was allegedly involved in a heated disagreement with a man identified only as Musiramu.
Police said Denis was believed to be an Arsenal supporter, while the suspect was reportedly a fan of Manchester United.
The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United remains one of the most intense in English football history, with passionate supporters across East Africa often engaging in heated debates over matches, players and club performances.
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However, Kampala security officials say the argument in Bakuli tragically escalated beyond verbal exchanges.
In a statement released to the media, Kawala said preliminary investigations showed the confrontation became physical during the evening altercation.
“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, Kampala District,” Kawala stated.
She explained that Denis and the suspect reportedly developed a misunderstanding before the situation spiralled into violence.
“It is further alleged that the disagreement escalated into a physical altercation during which the suspect reportedly struck Denis on the head, causing him to collapse and die instantly,” she added.
The shocking incident has left residents of Bakuli in disbelief, with many struggling to understand how a UK football-related disagreement could end in the loss of life.
Football enjoys a massive following in Uganda and across the East African region, especially the English Premier League.
Police said the suspect fled after the incident and officers have since launched a manhunt to trace and arrest him.
Authorities also revealed that the deceased’s body was taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination as detectives continue gathering evidence surrounding the incident.
“Efforts to apprehend the suspect are currently underway. The body of the deceased was conveyed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for postmortem examination as investigations into the matter continue,” Kawala stated.
MSN
