In a vibrant display of loyalty and enthusiasm, Arsenal supporters in Uganda took to the streets this past week, celebrating their teams remarkable 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. The celebrations spilled out beyond the confines of homes, with jubilant fans gathering outside video halls and local bars, reveling late into the night. The palpable excitement surrounding the match, particularly for midfielder Declan Rice and his impressive free kicks, showcases a connection that many might mistake for a local love affair. In reality, Arsenal's fanbase in Uganda is among the most passionate in the world.

Arsenal, alongside Manchester United, stands as one of the most supported English Premier League (EPL) teams in Uganda. On the eve of crucial matches, entire church services are dedicated to prayers for the Gunners, often filled with congregants donned in red and white jerseys, seeking divine intervention for their team. This unique phenomenon has birthed a robust culture surrounding the sport in Uganda, where shops and street vendors thrive on selling team jerseys, and advertising campaigns are tailored around match outcomes. For sports betting companies, this fervor translates into substantial profits, as fans eagerly place bets on their favorite teams.

Isaac Mumema, a veteran sports journalist who has covered football across Africa for years, emphasizes the unparalleled enthusiasm in Uganda. "The soccer enthusiasm in Uganda is on another level," he stated in an interview with the BBC. This sentiment resonates with many fans, including Swale Suleiman, a mechanic and avid Manchester United supporter. He remarked on the unpredictability and competitiveness of EPL matches, attributing the excitement of the league to the potential for even the smallest teams to create upsets.

Fan clubs dedicated to various English teams are commonplace, and social media platforms like WhatsApp keep discussions alive long after the final whistle has blown. Arsenal supporters, however, are known for their heightened intensity; some have even faced arrest for organizing victory parades without prior notification to the police after significant wins. Unfortunately, this passion can manifest in disturbing ways, as rivalries sometimes escalate into violence, resulting in tragic consequences.

Stone Kyambadde, the chairman of the Uganda Football Coaches Association (UFCA), spoke to the depth of Ugandan attachment to football: "Our people naturally get attached to something wholeheartedly, and Ugandans really love football." This sentiment is especially pronounced among the younger generation, who have access to EPL matches via mobile devices, yet the experience remains communal, with makeshift viewing venues filling even the most remote villages.

However, the darker side of this fervor was tragically highlighted last December when a 30-year-old carpenter named John Senyange was shot dead during celebrations following an Arsenal victory over Manchester United. Villagers gathered to mourn his loss, with many speakers recalling his lifelong commitment to the Gunners. The incident occurred when jubilant Arsenal fans celebrated the win, inadvertently upsetting rival supporters, including a security guard who allegedly reacted violently.

Earlier in the season, another tragedy unfolded in Kabale, approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Kampala, where a Manchester United supporter, Benjamin Ndyamuhaki, was fatally stabbed by an Arsenal fan after a heated argument regarding the outcome of a match. Such instances of football-related violence are not new to Uganda, where deadly confrontations have been documented since the 1980s, often stemming from local derbies, particularly between local teams like Express FC and SC Villa.

Experts attribute the escalating violence to a volatile mix of gambling addiction and societal pressures. Many Ugandans, facing limited job prospects, turn to betting as a means to secure quick financial gains, which in turn fuels aggressive behavior when outcomes do not favor them. Amos Kalwegira, a football fan from Kampala, noted, "With limited job opportunities, many football fans are turning to betting as a way to earn quick money," an observation that underscores the emotional stakes involved in the sport.

While some argue that the betting industry should not bear the brunt of blame for the violence, Collins Bongomin, a senior officer at a local betting company, acknowledged that a lack of understanding regarding managing expectations and anger among fans plays a significant role in escalating disputes. According to local media, the government benefits from this burgeoning betting sector, collecting approximately $50 million (40 million) in tax revenue last year due to the proliferation of over 2,000 betting shops across the country, often situated near popular viewing centers.

The rivalry, especially between Arsenal and Manchester United supporters, is often thought to relate to socio-economic factors, with younger fans drawn from less affluent areas exhibiting more volatile behavior. In contrast, fans of teams like Liverpool tend to be older and come from slightly better-off backgrounds, contributing to a more tempered support culture. Pamela Icumar, affectionately known as Mama Liverpool, pointed out that her fellow supporters manage their emotions, even in defeat, a sentiment echoed by many Liverpool fans.

For Solomon Kutesa, the secretary of the official Arsenal Supporters Club in Uganda, alcohol consumption during games aggravates tensions among fans. "Many fans watch games while intoxicated, making it difficult to control their reactions when outcomes are unfavorable," he explained. Suggestions to mitigate this unrest include encouraging fans to attend local matches instead of congregating in bars, which could help redirect enthusiasm back to the Ugandan Premier League.

Former footballer Tom Lwanga, who played for Uganda's national team during its historic run in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, agrees with this approach. He stressed the importance of fostering local football culture, which once attracted sell-out crowds to stadiums. Without live telecasts or sufficient local league support, many young fans focus solely on European competitions. Asuman Basalirwa, chair of the Ugandan Parliamentary Sports Club, advocates for increased support from government leaders to boost attendance at local games, recognizing the need for a cultural shift back to supporting homegrown talent.

As Arsenal aims to solidify its position in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years, the fervent passion of Ugandan fans remains a double-edged swordone that brings joy and camaraderie but also bears the weight of violence and rivalry. In the coming weeks, as supporters eagerly anticipate the second leg against Real Madrid, the hope remains that football can unite rather than divide.