Police in Kampala have launched a manhunt for a suspect linked to the killing of a 34-year-old boda boda rider following a violent confrontation reportedly sparked by football rivalry in Bakuli, Kampala Central Division.
The victim, identified as Denis, was killed on Sunday, May 24, at around 6:30 pm after a dispute with another man, only known as Musiramu, who is currently on the run, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police.
Preliminary findings indicate that Denis, said to be a supporter of Arsenal Football Club, got into a misunderstanding with Musiramu, who is reportedly a Manchester United fan.
The incident happened the same day Arsenal supporters were celebrating a major league victory, a moment that heightened emotions and may have contributed to tensions between rival fan groups.
Arsenal Fan Killed by Man United Supporter
Police say the disagreement began as a verbal exchange before escalating into a physical confrontation between the two men.
During the altercation, the suspect allegedly struck Denis on the head, causing him to collapse.
The police said the victim died shortly after sustaining the injuries, with reports indicating the blow proved fatal.
“The body of the deceased was conveyed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for postmortem examination as investigations into the matter continue,” the police stated.
The suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident and remains at large as police intensify efforts to track him down.
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Residents in the area said the incident shocked the community, with many rushing to the scene after hearing a commotion, only to find the victim lying unconscious.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
She added that efforts to apprehend the suspect are ongoing, urging members of the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest.
Police have urged increased vigilance in entertainment areas, noting that most football-related disputes arise late in the evening after matches.
They are also reviewing community policing approaches in high-density neighborhoods like Bakuli, where large crowds gather, to curb future incidents and ensure faster response to emerging public disturbances.
Football-Related Violence
The killing has raised concern among residents and authorities over rising cases of violence linked to football rivalries, particularly in urban areas where supporters frequently gather to watch matches.
Police records and previous media reports show that similar confrontations between supporters of English Premier League clubs have occurred in different parts of Uganda, often following emotionally charged matches or celebrations.
In many urban centers, such as Kampala, football viewing commonly takes place in informal settings, including video halls, bars, and roadside gathering points where fans converge in large numbers.
These environments, often characterized by crowding and alcohol consumption, have been identified by authorities as high-risk locations for disputes to escalate into physical altercations.
Kenya also recorded incidents linked to Arsenal celebrations in the same period.
On May 20, 2026, at least eight Arsenal supporters in Eldoret were arrested and later charged with disorderly conduct during celebrations following the club’s Premier League victory.
The group was accused of being drunk, blocking roads, and causing disturbance in a residential area, prompting complaints from residents.
They pleaded guilty and were each fined Ksh500, with the court warning against disruptive celebrations and urging fans to respect public order.
At the same time, celebrations in Nairobi and other towns saw thousands of fans flood the streets, causing traffic disruptions and prompting police deployment to manage crowds.
However, unlike Uganda, no confirmed deaths or serious assaults have been reported in Kenya in relation to the Arsenal celebrations during this period.
