Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sparked widespread reactions after he publicly mocked Arsenal Football Club’s recent Premier League triumph, insisting that Ugandans should prioritize national development over European football.
Speaking during the opening of Uganda’s 12th Parliament at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, President Museveni recounted how he rejected one of his supporters’ invite to join celebrations for Arsenal’s victory, the club’s first league title in 22 years.
“One of my people was inviting me that there is something called Arsenal and I should go to celebrate. Celebrate for what? I was a footballer myself. Nobody can tell me about football. You can have your Arsenal, but start with your own people. How can you be celebrating European clubs when your people don’t have developments?” said Museveni.
Museveni stated that leaders should prioritize the delivery of government wealth creation funds to ordinary citizens rather than focusing on foreign football excitement.
Museveni further disclosed that he played football in his youth before giving it up in 1966. He however questioned the logic of diverting attention to foreign clubs while many Ugandans continue to grapple with poverty and underdevelopment.
He emphasized the need for leaders and citizens to focus on practical issues such as job creation, infrastructure, and poverty eradication.
Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League victory sparked celebrations among fans across East Africa, with Kenyan supporters thronging Nairobi’s CBD, waving flags, singing club chants, and taking photos as they marked the historic win.
