diff --git a/debian/changelog b/debian/changelog
index 1cedbc42..99becde0 100644
--- a/debian/changelog
+++ b/debian/changelog
@@ -34,6 +34,8 @@ byobu (5.2) unreleased; urgency=low
   * usr/bin/byobu, usr/share/byobu/profiles/tmux: LP: #908766
     - use screen-bce instead of screen-256color, to support background
       colors correctly
+  * usr/bin/byobu-config: LP: #910638
+    - ensure that config dir exists before touching reload flag
 
   [ Daniel Hahler ]
   * usr/bin/byobu-ctrl-a, usr/share/byobu/profiles/tmux: LP: #910779
diff --git a/usr/bin/byobu-config b/usr/bin/byobu-config
index 9a9bc8a9..343ef616 100755
--- a/usr/bin/byobu-config
+++ b/usr/bin/byobu-config
@@ -63,9 +63,14 @@ def ioctl_GWINSZ(fd):                  #### TABULATION FUNCTIONS
     return cr
 
 def reload_required():
-    f = open(RELOAD_FLAG,'w')
-    f.close()
-    commands.getoutput(RELOAD_CMD)
+    try:
+	if not os.path.exists(BYOBU_CONFIG_DIR):
+	    os.makedirs(BYOBU_CONFIG_DIR, 0755)
+	f = open(RELOAD_FLAG,'w')
+	f.close()
+	commands.getoutput(RELOAD_CMD)
+    except:
+	True
 
 def terminal_size():                    ### decide on *some* terminal size
     cr = ioctl_GWINSZ(0) or ioctl_GWINSZ(1) or ioctl_GWINSZ(2)  # try open fds