Arsenal fans across Uganda erupt in joy as club ends 22-year Premier League wait

One thing was certain on Premier League Championship Sunday, May 24: if you were wearing a non-Arsenal jersey, you felt completely out of place.

Across towns and trading centers around the country, Arsenal jerseys dominated the streets.

Fans bought out almost all available Arsenal merchandise as part of the celebrations following the club's English Premier League triumph, painting towns red.

The Millennium Park at Lugogo was one of the main celebration centers. Uganda Breweries, through its global brand Guinness which sponsors the Premier League, organized a grand watch party.

Fans filled the venue to capacity to celebrate the long-awaited trophy triumph, which had already been assured regardless of the result against Crystal Palace.

The venue was set ablaze by performances from top musicians including Elijah Kitaka, Fik Fameica, and King Saha, alongside leading DJs, crowning an electrifying evening sponsored by Guinness.

Fans watched the match on four giant screens, including two mounted on a trailer truck, giving supporters ample space to enjoy both the entertainment and the football action.

Beyond football, the event turned into the ultimate celebration of the Premier League season, uniting supporters in one massive trophy-lifting experience.

The celebrations spread across the country, with similar scenes in Jinja, Mbarara, Masaka, Hoima, Mbale, and several other towns. Open bars and street viewing centers organized by Arsenal supporters' clubs were packed to capacity as fans held championship parades.

Despite starting the evening with tension as Crystal Palace resisted, fans erupted with joy after Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke scored in the 41st and 47th minutes respectively to ensure the champions signed off in style.

"This is our day. We have waited for this trophy for over 22 years, and the patience has finally paid off," said Patience Asio, an Arsenal fan for the last 28 years.

"Many rival fans have ridiculed us for seasons, calling us bridesmaids. After many years of being nearly men, we finally have something to say during football banter," noted Jeff Musinguzi, another jubilant supporter.

Ibrahim Yiga, a fan from Rubaga in Kampala who was dressed in a red gown, said he started supporting Arsenal because of his family background. Moses Mugaya from Bweyogerere-Kirinya revealed he has supported the club since 2004 after being attracted by Arsenal's entertaining style of football. Ahmed Mubiru from Gayaza said he fell in love with the club in 2005 after joining his father in celebrations when Arsenal defeated Manchester United. Sandra Awori noted that she became an Arsenal supporter in 2004 mainly to oppose other family members who supported Manchester United.

Guinness Brand Manager Denise Nazzinda said the massive turnout at Millennium Grounds reflected how deeply Ugandans connect with the Premier League, and she applauded fans for turning up in large numbers.

"Whether you are an Arsenal fan or not, this has been a great season. It was so unpredictable that the champion had to emerge in the final week," Nazzinda said.

Many other watch parties across the country also attracted huge crowds. Being a Sunday, some churches reportedly held special prayers in celebration of Arsenal finally lifting the Premier League trophy after a 22-year wait.