Zohran Mamdani, an LGBTQ advocate, faces criticism for a photo with a Ugandan lawmaker opposed to homosexuality.

Controversy Surrounds Zoran Mamdani Ahead of New York Mayoral Election

As New York approaches a highly debated mayoral election, socialist candidate Zoran Mamdani is facing backlash for a photo he took with a Ugandan lawmaker known for supporting legislation limiting LGBTQ rights.

This criticism emerged following his trip to Uganda in July, where he was born. During this visit, he met with Rebecca Kadaga, a well-known Ugandan politician who previously held the role of Speaker of the Parliament from 2011 to 2021 and has been the first deputy prime minister since 2021.

Mamdani attended an event called “Gaze for Zoran,” where he took pictures with two drag queens. Notably, a photo of Mamdani and Kadaga was captured during his return from Uganda.

In a social media post at the end of July, Kadaga expressed her pleasure in meeting Mamdani, remarking, “It’s nice to meet Zoran Mamdani. Good luck in the next stage of the election.”

The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014 includes varying penalties for homosexual acts, with some resulting in prison time. A recent extension to this law, proposed in 2023, even considers the death penalty for certain offenses.

Kadaga previously stated, “Ugandans want that law as a Christmas gift. They have asked for it, and we are going to give them that gift.” This statement, made in 2012, sparked significant controversy before the enactment of the anti-gay law.

However, Mamdani is known for his advocacy of LGBTQ rights. A user on social media pointed out that he had appeared prominently at the Gaze for Zoran event alongside drag queens. He is also expected to participate in the upcoming National Coming Out Day event on October 11th.

In response to the uproar regarding the photo with Kadaga, a spokesperson for Mamdani mentioned, “Had he known that she was the mastermind behind this horrific attack on gay Ugandans, he would not have done it.” The spokesperson emphasized that Mamdani’s commitment to universal human rights extends to all individuals, underscoring his comprehensive plans aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.

In July, Mamdani announced on social media his return to Uganda with family and friends to celebrate his marriage, playfully addressing the numerous comments suggesting he should “go back to Africa.”

Earlier in June, Kadaga had congratulated Mamdani after his victory in securing the Democratic Party’s nomination for mayor, sending him greetings from Uganda.