NYC Mayoral Hopeful Zohran Mamdani’s Lavish Uganda Wedding Sparks Debate

New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, has sparked both curiosity and criticism with a lavish three-day wedding celebration in his native Uganda. Held at his family’s private compound in a wealthy enclave near Kampala, the event was marked by opulence and tight security, including masked military guards and a cellphone jamming system, as reported by witnesses. This extravagant bash, celebrating his marriage to illustrator Rama Duwaji, raises eyebrows given Mamdani’s socialist platform, which often critiques wealth disparity.

The exclusive party, strictly invite-only, saw guests arriving in luxury vehicles like Mercedes and Range Rovers. Revelers indulged in music, food, and dancing, all under the watchful eyes of over 20 special forces guards at the gates of the family’s two-acre estate overlooking Lake Victoria. Yet, the timing of the celebration has drawn ire, coinciding with national mourning for a late Ugandan Supreme Court Judge, George Kanyeihamba, a neighbor to the Mamdani family. Some locals called the event 'insensitive' amidst the somber mood.

Mamdani, who moved to the U.S. at age 7 and gained citizenship just seven years ago, announced his personal trip to Uganda via social media, promising a swift return to NYC. However, the stark contrast between his political rhetoric and the display of wealth and security at the wedding—complete with a street blockade for President Yoweri Museveni’s caravan paying respects nearby—paints a complex picture of the candidate. With the U.S. State Department cautioning against travel to Uganda due to crime and other risks, one wonders how this personal milestone will play into his public image as he campaigns for mayor.