Arsenal’s Premier League triumph sparks massive celebrations in Uganda

After more than two decades of waiting, Arsenal fans across Uganda erupted into wild celebrations on Tuesday night after their club finally clinched the English Premier League title for the 2025/26 season.

The long-awaited triumph was confirmed after closest rivals Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, a result that left City unable to catch Arsenal at the top of the table. The Gunners now lead with 82 points, four ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side, with only one game left to play.

The title marks Arsenal’s first Premier League crown in 22 years and also the first under head coach Mikel Arteta since taking charge of the North London club in 2019. It is also Arsenal’s fourth Premier League era title.

Across Kampala, Wakiso and several other urban centres, jubilant Arsenal supporters poured onto the streets in celebration. Boda Boda riders dominated the night with processions, loud cheers, hooting and drumming as fans expressed relief and excitement after years of near misses and disappointment.

In many neighbourhoods, residents struggled to sleep as celebrations stretched deep into the night with bars, and night clubs with some fans singing Arsenal songs and chanting players’ names.

Social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp and X (Twitter) were flooded with videos and pictures of emotional supporters celebrating the achievement.

Some clips showed fans dancing in the streets, while others captured emotional reactions from long-suffering supporters who had waited years to witness another league triumph since 2004.

The celebrations also continued today at workplaces and entertainment spots around Kampala. At Vision Group, Arsenal supporters who follow Bukedde FM’s Endiba Sports programme stormed the venue to celebrate alongside show host Brian Masembe, popularly known as Jjajja Mapeesa.

Many Arsenal fans insisted that the celebrations were far from over, promising to continue partying until the start of next season.

For rivals Manchester United supporters, however, it has been a subdued moment after years of mocking Arsenal over their prolonged wait for a major trophy.

Arsenal supporters could yet have more reason to celebrate later this month if Arteta’s side defeat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30 to secure the club’s first-ever Major European crown.