The leading mayoral candidate in New York, Zoran Mamdani, recently celebrated his wedding during a lavish three-day event at his family’s upscale Ugandan estate.
This location, situated in the affluent Bhujigahir area of Kampala, has seen heavy security this week, with a military-style guard on duty as guests enjoyed festivities into the late hours. Sources close to the event, who wished to stay anonymous for safety reasons, described the lively atmosphere.
Mamdani, 33, and artist Rama Duwaji, 27, who eloped in February, were joined by family and friends for the celebration.
Sharing on social media, Mamdani mentioned returning home to celebrate with prominent figures in the film industry, including the property owner, Professor Papa.
The neighborhood is notable for its wealthy residents, featuring impressive houses, with some property values exceeding $1 million.
His estate is secluded, nestled within two acres of lush gardens, offering stunning views of Lake Victoria and secured with multiple gates.
This week, the grounds transitioned into a vibrant party venue, adorned with decorative lights and lively music. Guests arrived in buses and luxury vehicles, adding to the celebratory mood.
Reports indicate strict security measures in place, with over twenty special forces guards monitoring the area and a phone jamming system implemented.
Inside the security perimeter, about nine guards were stationed at one gate alone.
Mamdani’s parents, Naia, 67, and Mahmoud Mamdani, 78, known for their anti-Israel political theories, divide their time between Uganda and other locations, including New York. Naia has been active on social media, sharing posts about her family.
Mamdani himself was born in Kampala but moved to New York at a young age, obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2018. He shared earlier this year that he married illustrator Duwaji after connecting through dating apps.
During the celebration, guests enjoyed traditional drinks, a nod to Indian-style gatherings, and danced to local DJ tunes.
A few attendees noted that Mamdani took a moment to speak to guests through a microphone later in the evening.
After the festivities concluded on Friday, military-style tents were taken down, with personal security taking over the gate as the celebrations wrapped up.
As the wedding festivities occurred, some residents in the vicinity were unaware of the celebrations. Local families were focused on daily survival, with one comment noting the disconnect between those celebrating and those mourning a recently deceased community member.
While Mamdani’s wedding was a topic among some locals, others were dealing with their own grief as a prominent figure had recently passed away. In fact, some residents expressed that celebrating such a big event so soon after a significant loss felt inappropriate.
It remains uncertain if President Museveni attended the wedding. Mamdani did not respond to requests for comment.
A local lawmaker confirmed that Mamdani intends to be in Uganda until the end of the month, noting awareness of the media coverage surrounding his trip.
