At the opening of Uganda’s 12th Parliament at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, President Yoweri Museveni criticised political leaders he said were preoccupied with celebrating Arsenal’s Premier League victory while their constituents remained trapped in poverty.
Museveni warned that he would dismiss ministers who fail to properly oversee government anti-poverty programmes.
“Somebody… one of my people… was writing to me that I go and celebrate Arsenal. Me Yoweri Museveni?” he said, adding that personal enjoyment of football must not eclipse leaders’ responsibilities.
“How can you be celebrating European clubs when your people do not have money? You can have Arsenal, but first solve poverty if you are a leader. I will not tolerate this,” he told the assembly.
The president urged members of the ruling National Resistance Movement to prioritise the distribution of wealth-creation funds to ordinary citizens instead of indulging in foreign football fandom.
Referring to a short video clip he had seen of a 64-year-old woman who, according to him, had never handled Ush1 million until she benefited from revolving Parish Development Model funds, Museveni used the story to illustrate the real-life impact of government programmes when effectively managed.
“Celebrating Arsenal what? I will not tolerate this. Your people are here in poverty yet you are celebrating foreign football victories,” he scoffed.
Museveni’s rant appeared to target ministers and MPs he accused of neglecting poverty eradication efforts despite substantial government funding.
Reflecting on his long political career, he said he had spent more than six decades fighting for Uganda’s future.
He warned that his previous gentleness was over, signalling possible dismissals for officials who fail to properly supervise anti-poverty initiatives.
Netizens also weighed in online.
@Akedi Mycal commented: “I think he's the only president whose brain is working in the entire Africa. The simple question I want to ask is have you seen Europeans when they celebrate the African team even if it's AFCON u will never see, But African na kiherehere they celebrate so walilipwa after arsenal won”
@Benard Mukabi posted: “Rumored to be a Man U diehard”.
Arsenal just recently captured the 2025/26 Premier League title, ending an agonising 22-year drought to secure their first league crown since the legendary "Invincibles" era of 2004.
The historic triumph was mathematically confirmed on May 19, 2026, when closest rivals Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth.