A football rivalry allegedly turned deadly in Kampala after a Manchester United supporter reportedly killed his Arsenal-supporting colleague during a violent altercation in Bakuli, police have said.
The deceased, identified as Denis, 34, was a boda boda rider and resident of Bakuli in Kampala Central Division.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, the incident happened on May 24, 2026, at around 6:30 p.m.
“It is alleged that Denis, who was reportedly an Arsenal F.C. supporter, got into a misunderstanding with the suspect identified only as Musiramu, who is said to be a supporter of Manchester United F.C.,” Kawala said.
Police say the argument escalated into a physical confrontation that turned fatal.
“The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical altercation during which the suspect allegedly struck Denis on the head, causing him to fall to the ground and die instantly,” Kawala explained.
The incident shocked residents in Bakuli, with eyewitnesses saying the two men had reportedly been involved in a heated exchange before the violence broke out.
Kawala confirmed that police had launched a manhunt for the suspect.
“Efforts to arrest the suspect are currently ongoing,” she said.
She added that investigators from Old Kampala Police Division responded to the scene and documented evidence to support ongoing inquiries.
“The body of the deceased was conveyed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for postmortem examination as investigations continue,” Kawala noted.
Police also cautioned members of the public against violent confrontations arising from sports rivalries.
“We urge members of the public to resolve disagreements peacefully and avoid acts of violence, regardless of the circumstances,” Kawala said.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over football-related violence in some communities, particularly during emotionally charged rivalries involving major European football clubs such as Arsenal F.C. and Manchester United F.C..
