One thing was certain on Premier League Championship Sunday, May 24: if you were not wearing an Arsenal F.C. jersey, you felt out of place.
Across towns and trading centres throughout Uganda, Arsenal colours dominated the streets as fans celebrated the club’s long-awaited English Premier League triumph after a 22-year wait.
From Kampala to Mbarara, Hoima, Mbale and Soroti, jubilant supporters filled the streets in championship parades, waving flags, chanting club anthems and celebrating deep into the night.
Reports indicated that Arsenal jerseys, both retro and newly released editions, sold out in several outlets as fans marked the historic victory.
In Kampala, celebrations erupted at various venues across the city, but it was at Millennium Grounds Lugogo where the biggest party unfolded.
The event, organised by Guinness Uganda, the official beer partner of the Premier League, attracted thousands of football fans for an evening that blended football, music, fashion and art.
Hours before the 6 PM kick-off, fans had already started filling the venue, proudly dressed in Arsenal jerseys while carrying scarves and flags in celebration of the club’s achievement.
Triumphant chants and excitement filled the air as revelers enjoyed cold bottles of Guinness while awaiting the final whistle of the season.
“This is our day. We’ve waited for this trophy for over 20 years and the patience has finally paid off,” said Patience Asio, who described herself as an Arsenal supporter for 28 years.
“Many fans have been ridiculing us for seasons, calling us bridesmaids. After many years of being nearly men, now we finally have something to say during fan banter,” another fan, Jeff Musinguzi, added.
The moment Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy sparked wild celebrations across the venue, especially around the main viewing area where the Guinness Matchday Truck was stationed.
Large viewing screens placed across the grounds ensured fans from all sections shared in the experience.
Guinness Brand Manager Denise Paula Nazzinda said the turnout at Millennium Grounds reflected Ugandans’ passion for the Premier League and football entertainment culture.
“Whether you’re an Arsenal fan or not, this has been a great season. It was so unpredictable that the champion emerged in the final week,” Nazzinda said.
“This has been a sold-out event, and we look forward to creating more of these moments next season,” she added.
Beyond football, the event also incorporated creative arts and lifestyle experiences, including a paint-and-sip session that kicked off the festivities.
During Elijah Kitaka’s performance, fans enjoyed a fusion of music and fashion as models showcased recycled outfits designed by Ekikumba Fusion.
“It was a delight to offer fans a cultural experience where music and creativity came together. That is exactly what Guinness stands for — bringing people together through bold shared moments,” Nazzinda noted.
Fik Fameica, a known Arsenal supporter, electrified fans when he stepped onto the stage wearing his “Champion Bwoy” jersey.
Revelers enthusiastically waved Arsenal scarves and jerseys as they sang along to his performance in celebration of the club’s triumph.
The night was capped off by an energetic set from King Saha, whose performance kept fans dancing late into the night.
Several of Kampala’s top DJs also entertained revelers during the celebrations, turning the Guinness EPL finale into one of the city’s biggest football-themed entertainment events of the year.