Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed an invitation to join celebrations marking Arsenal’s historic 2025/26 English Premier League triumph, insisting that his focus remains firmly on tackling poverty, creating jobs and transforming the economy.
Speaking during the opening sitting of Uganda’s 12th Parliament at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Monday, May 25, 2026, Museveni said football achievements, however significant, should not distract leaders and citizens from addressing pressing national challenges.
The President’s remarks came after Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for a league title, clinching the 2025/26 Premier League crown under manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners sealed the championship with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on the final day of the season, securing their first league title since the famous 2003/04 “Invincibles” campaign.
While Arsenal supporters across Uganda erupted in celebration, Museveni revealed that some fans had written to him inviting him to take part in victory festivities. The invitation, he said, was politely declined.
“I was a footballer myself. Nobody can tell me about football, but I gave up football in 1966. I am now concentrating on liberation, poverty and jobs,” Museveni told lawmakers.
Recalling the invitation, the President added: “Somebody was writing to me that I should attend a celebration for Arsenal Football Club for winning a trophy. No, I do not see the need.”
Museveni argued that while sports play an important role in society, celebrations should not overshadow the responsibility of improving people’s lives and advancing national development.
“You can have your Arsenal and all those things, but start with the people, please. Start with your own people, start with helping and teaching your own people,” he said, drawing laughter from Members of Parliament.
The President maintained that football trophies are far less important than the fight against poverty and unemployment, which he described as Uganda’s most urgent priorities.
His comments echoed those of Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who recently expressed frustration after receiving requests from Arsenal supporters seeking financial contributions for title celebrations.
In a social media post, Tumwebaze joked that he expected requests for coffee seedlings, poultry feeds or other agricultural inputs, only to be asked to support an Arsenal victory party instead.
“Stress in the morning! Imagine getting an early morning call and one asking to ‘kindly help’. What help? Not buying coffee seedlings, not poultry feeds, nothing. But asking a contribution towards their mbaga (celebration) for Arsenal. Very annoying. We need a serious mindset change,” Tumwebaze wrote.
Uganda remains one of Africa’s most passionate football markets, with large fan bases supporting Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. Arsenal’s long-awaited title victory sparked celebrations in towns and cities across the country, but for Museveni, football glory remains secondary to the task of improving livelihoods and driving economic transformation.
