EPL Fan Violence in Uganda: How Premier League Passion Turns Deadly
In Uganda, English Premier League (EPL) fandom is more than a pastime, it’s a powerful identity. For many, it’s church, tribe, and politics wrapped in a club jersey. But what happens when this passion turns violent? Over the past few years, EPL fan violence in Uganda has become a growing concern, with tragic consequences echoing far from London or Manchester.
From community video halls in rural towns to betting slips fluttering in city bars, the Premier League’s reach is unmatched. Yet the emotional weight it carries is fueling conflicts, deaths, and a national reckoning with how deeply foreign football is woven into Uganda’s social fabric.
The Rise of EPL Fan Violence in Uganda
A Passion Rooted in Identity
No other East African nation shares Uganda’s obsession on the English Premier League. Every weekend, thousands of fans wear their Liverpool, Manchester United, or Arsenal jerseys and rush to improvised video areas. Often seen with energetic enthusiasm and great emotional involvement, these games are communal events more than just games.
“It’s like politics,” says local fan Gerald Otema. “When United loses, it’s like our entire family is in mourning.”
But this passion has a dark side.
Real-Life Tragedies
In 2023 alone, four Ugandans lost their lives due to football-related violence:
- In Jinja, carpenter John Senyange was shot dead after taunting a United fan following Arsenal’s 3–2 victory.
- In Kabale, United supporter Benjamin Ndyamuhaki was stabbed in a bar after an argument with an Arsenal fan.
- Another Arsenal fan died in Kampala after provoking rivals during a heated match.
- And following Manchester United’s 7-0 humiliation by Liverpool, one supporter reportedly collapsed and died from shock.
These incidents, though extreme, reveal the underlying tensions.
Factors Fueling the Violence
Alcohol and Emotion
Uganda’s video halls, often made of scrap metal and crumbling wood, are the epicenters of EPL gatherings. Fans pack in shoulder-to-shoulder, many already intoxicated. Tempers flare easily. A missed penalty. A taunt taken too far,and violence erupts.
“By kickoff, some fans have already taken gin,” says Solomon Kutesa of the Arsenal Supporters Club Uganda. “When their team loses or a bet goes wrong, they lash out.”
Social Status and Club Allegiance
In towns like Masaka or Gulu, supporting Arsenal or Manchester United is a form of expression. It signifies belonging and status, especially for unemployed youth. When pride is wounded, by loss or mockery, retaliation becomes personal.
Liverpool fans, many claim, tend to be calmer and older.
“We know how to lose,” says Pamela Icumar, known locally as Mama Liverpool. “You won’t see Liverpool fans fighting in bars.”
Community Reactions and Solutions
Fans Speak Out
Not all supporters condone the chaos. Many are ashamed of the growing violence.
“We love football, but not like this,” says Agnes Katende, an Arsenal fan from Kampala. “We need to control our emotions. Football is joy, not war.”
Online communities are now spreading messages of unity. Supporters clubs have launched local campaigns under hashtags like #SupportNotWar and #FootballIsFamily.
The Coaches’ Perspective
Local football stakeholders are sounding the alarm.
“Football fanaticism among the youth is increasing,” says Stone Kyambadde, chair of the Uganda Football Coaches Association. “The Premier League is everywhere, TikTok, WhatsApp, even classrooms.”
But Kyambadde believes the solution lies in redirecting that passion toward Uganda’s own football leagues.
“We need to bring pride back to local football. That way, fans won’t only look to London and Manchester for joy.”
Government and NGO Involvement
The Ugandan Parliamentary Sports Club is advocating for more local sports initiatives. Chairperson Asuman Basalirwa believes that public officials, including the president, should be seen attending Ugandan Premier League (UPL) matches.
“When people see their leaders in the stands, it sends a message. It says, our own football matters.”
There’s also talk of launching anti-violence football education programs in schools.
How to Curb EPL Fan Violence in Uganda
- Promote Local Football
Reviving interest in the Uganda Premier League is critical. Fans must see value in their own players, coaches, and stadiums. More TV coverage, social media presence, and grassroots marketing could spark a revival.
Example: If a fan cheers for Vipers SC the way they cheer for Arsenal, they’re less likely to tie their identity to foreign losses.
- Community-Led Watch Events
Encouraging calmer viewing environments, such as family-friendly watch parties, can reduce the explosive atmosphere found in bars or video halls.
Local churches and youth centers could organize alcohol-free EPL nights with community leaders present.
- Fan Club Regulation
Supporter groups should be officially registered and adhere to codes of conduct. Regular meetings, joint viewing events, and public pledges against violence could turn rivalries into respectful competition.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
Football has the power to unite. But in Uganda, where economic frustration runs deep, EPL rivalries sometimes offer the only emotional outlet. When clubs lose, tempers flare, and the consequences are fatal.
This is not just a sports issue. It’s a societal concern, rooted in poverty, identity, addiction, and fractured national pride.
Until Ugandan football receives the same love and resources as its English counterpart, tragedies may continue.
Final Thoughts: Can Uganda Reclaim the Game?
EPL fan violence in Uganda is a mirror, one that reflects both the country’s love for football and its deeper challenges. To restore the true joy of the game, Uganda must invest in:
- Local football
- Mental health education
- Community-based fan culture
Let the celebrations continue, but with perspective. As fans dance in the streets of Kampala after a Champions League win, let’s hope no one dies for a team that doesn’t even know their name.
