Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sparked widespread debate after sharply criticizing government officials and citizens who enthusiastically celebrated Arsenal’s Premier League victory while many Ugandans continue to suffer from poverty and economic hardship.
Speaking during the opening of Uganda’s 12th Parliament at Kololo on May 25, 2026, Museveni questioned why leaders were prioritizing football celebrations instead of addressing the daily struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
The Ugandan leader said he was surprised to receive invitations asking him to attend celebrations for Arsenal F.C. after the London club secured the 2025/26 Premier League title.
“There are people who invited me to Arsenal celebrations. I asked them, ‘What exactly is Arsenal?’ It is a European club. What are we celebrating while our people are still facing serious problems?” Museveni said.
The President insisted that his criticism was not directed at football itself, but at leaders who appear more emotionally invested in foreign football clubs than in improving the welfare of their own citizens.
“I do not understand how people can live in such poverty and still spend so much time shouting ‘Arsenal, Arsenal’ while their communities are suffering,” he stated.
On May 24, 2026, Arsenal F.C. officially lifted the Premier League trophy after defeating Crystal Palace F.C. 2-1 in their final match of the season. Arsenal finished the campaign with 85 points, recording 27 wins, seven draws, and only five defeats.
The title victory attracted massive celebrations across the world, particularly in Uganda where Arsenal enjoys one of the largest fan bases in Africa. Thousands of supporters gathered in different towns and cities to celebrate the club’s first league title in 22 years.
However, Museveni argued that such excitement should not overshadow the responsibility leaders have toward citizens struggling with unemployment, low incomes, and rising living costs.
The President also recalled his own youthful passion for football, saying he eventually chose to focus on politics, national liberation, and economic transformation instead.
“I loved football very much, but I decided to dedicate my energy to fighting poverty and improving people’s lives,” he explained.
Museveni warned ministers and public officials that they risk losing their positions if they fail to properly implement government programs designed to uplift poor communities.
According to him, large sums of public money have already been invested in poverty alleviation programs, but some leaders are neglecting their duties.
“If I find that you have ignored your people while serving as a leader, I will remove you,” Museveni warned.
The Ugandan President further urged members of the ruling National Resistance Movement party to focus less on European football and more on delivering economic progress to citizens.
His remarks quickly triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some Ugandans agreeing that leaders should prioritize development and public welfare, while others argued that football remains an important source of entertainment and emotional relief for millions of struggling citizens.
