New York Mayoral Hopeful’s Three-Day Wedding in Kampala Features Armed Guards, Phone Jammers, and Sparks Cultural Controversy
High-Security, High-Profile: Zohran Mamdani’s Wedding in Uganda
Zohran Mamdani, the Uganda-born, Indian-origin New York State Assemblyman and mayoral frontrunner, held an extravagant three-day wedding celebration at his family’s luxurious estate in Kampala, Uganda. The bash followed his February elopement with artist Rama Duwaji, 27, whom he met on a dating app.
A Glimpse Into the Private Wedding Extravaganza
Held at the Mamdani family compound in Buziga Hill — one of Uganda’s most elite neighborhoods — the wedding was a tightly guarded and invite-only affair, according to a detailed New York Post report.
Highlights from the Celebration:
- Location: Mamdani family estate with views of Lake Victoria
- Security: Over 20 armed guards, military-style security, and phone-jamming tech
- Guests: Private luxury cars and buses brought invitees to the event
- Decor: Christmas lights, music from local DJs, and Indian-style fruit drinks
- Festivities: Dance, speeches, and celebrations stretched past midnight
- Privacy: Multiple security gates, some guarded by masked men
Mamdani’s Powerful Lineage and Global Presence
- Parents: Famed filmmaker Mira Nair and political theorist Mahmood Mamdani
- Family Homes: Split time between Uganda, New York, and New Delhi
- Estate Value: Neighboring properties valued at over $1 million
- Personal Life: Mamdani moved to the US at age 7, became a US citizen in 2018, and now lives in Astoria with his wife
Criticism Over Timing: “Insensitive,” Say Locals
The celebrations came during a period of public mourning for former Ugandan Supreme Court Judge George Kanyeihamba, a neighbor of the Mamdani family, who passed away on July 14.
- President Museveni visited the area to pay respects, leading to security lockdowns.
- Locals criticized the timing of Mamdani’s celebration, calling it culturally inappropriate during a mourning week.
- A neighbor commented, “He has not even been buried… and yet Mamdani is celebrating for three days.”
Some, however, noted that the estate’s secluded setting meant not all residents were even aware of the wedding.
Key Takeaways:
- Wedding Location: Mamdani estate, Buziga Hill, Kampala
- Security: Military-style with special forces, phone jammers, and guarded gates
- Controversy: Local criticism over timing during national mourning
- Background: Zohran Mamdani is a rising political figure in the U.S., son of globally known intellectuals
