Critics are voicing strong disapproval of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s dual citizenship with Uganda, especially after a photo emerged of him with the Ugandan Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, who is known for her support of anti-LGBT policies.
The Democratic candidate claimed the photo, taken during his recent wedding festivities in Uganda, was unplanned and that he was not aware of Kadaga’s advocacy for severe laws against the LGBTQ community, including lifetime imprisonment for homosexuality.
This photo, captured in July, has sparked controversy as Mamdani briefly left his campaign trail to celebrate with relatives in Uganda, where he was born.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now an independent candidate for mayor, criticized Mamdani during a press conference, questioning how someone with his moral stance on human rights could retain citizenship in a country that persecutes gay individuals. He posed the rhetorical question of whether Mamdani would consider renouncing his citizenship in light of Uganda’s harsh laws.
Chris Lynn, co-founder of the Stonewall Democratic Club, shared similar sentiments, urging Mamdani to reconsider his citizenship in the context of Uganda’s oppressive policies. Lynn highlighted the absurdity of remaining a citizen in a nation that mandates citizens report known LGBTQ individuals, suggesting that this stance speaks to a level of hypocrisy.
Despite a ruling by Uganda’s Constitutional Court that dismantled some reporting requirements for suspected homosexuality, the country still enforces some of the most stringent anti-gay laws globally.
Republican Representative David Kerr also noted that only one candidate in the race, Curtis Swa, has consistently supported LGBTQ rights, emphasizing his track record compared to other candidates.
A spokesperson for Mamdani refrained from addressing the dual citizenship issue directly, suggesting that Cuomo’s focus on the matter was largely an attempt to distract from his own lack of substantial offerings to New Yorkers.
Critics pointed out Cuomo’s history, questioning the motivations behind his comments given his own political past concerning LGBTQ issues.
Mamdani, meanwhile, maintains that he has a comprehensive plan to advocate for LGBTQ rights in New York City, aiming to foster an environment where all queer New Yorkers can live with dignity.
Although Cuomo lost to Mamdani in the recent Democratic primary, he has emerged as a challenger in the general election, presenting himself as a moderate alternative in a traditionally Democratic city.
