Zohran Mamdani's lavish Ugandan wedding sparks social media frenzy: Critics question optics amid his political stance

Time of India

27-07-2025

is currently leading the NYC mayoral race for 2025. The 33-year-old assemblyman has seen a gradual surge in popularity, something that has not only rattled many political feathers but also brought him the much-avoided magnifying lens of the critics.
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Born on October 18, 1991, Mamdani, whose family migrated to the US when he was seven, is the son of Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, who both migrated from India to Uganda, where he was born. Until now, Mamdani had always been known for his pros- being the first Asian American and Muslim nominee in the city's mayoral history, a democratic socialist, a set of popular and influential parents, a Syrian wife, and his humble and engaging personality.
'Hot girls for Zohran' has been a constant comment in his social media posts, with people not only showing support online but also voting for him to win the city's Democratic primary for mayor.
However, now it seems that Mamdani is being critiqued for his dual stance, signified by a much-trolled three-day celebration of his nuptials. Find out the tea below!
A lavish three-day celebration
Image credits: X
Recently, the NYC mayoral candidate celebrated his wedding to his wife and Syrian illustrator Rama Duwaji in a three-day extravaganza held at the family's ritzy and secluded compound in Uganda.
Situated in the luxe Buziga Hill area outside the capital of Kampala, his birthplace, the compound was intensely guarded by military-style masked men with guests arriving and partying until midnight, and a cell phone jamming system in place, learned The Post.
On Sunday, Mamdani informed his social media followers that he was heading to his hometown to celebrate his nuptials with his family at the property owned by his parents.
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The neighbourhood where the celebration happened is one of the richest in Uganda, housing billionaires and fetching prices of more than $1 million. Additionally, the home itself sits on two acres of greenery with three security gates and a view of Lake Victoria.
'Outside the Mamdani house were more than 20 special forces command unit guards, some in masks, and there was a phone-jamming system set up — and all for the strictly invite-only Mamdani event,' one witness confirmed to The Post.
On Thursday, attendees enjoyed fruit juices and dancing to music from a local DJ, added a source.
Zohran Mamdani faces criticism for his wealthy bash
Image credits: X
In a conversation with The Post, a local resident shared how they are just trying to win the bread and make sure their families are OK. Additionally, during his celebration, which many locals did not even realise was happening, people were mourning the loss of former Ugandan Supreme Court Judge George Kanyeihamba, who lived near Mamdani's place and died on July 14.
The Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni himself came to pay his respects to the judge, and thus many found his celebration "insensitive. 'Because of the culture here, it was insensitive to have a wedding celebration in the same week as mourning – or 'Okukungubaga' – as it's called here,' one said.
Not only Ugandan locals, but people online are also not happy with Mamdani's secretive, guarded and luxurious celebration.
"Zohran Mamdani called ICE agents in masks 'militarized oppression.' Then flew to Uganda for his own wedding bash, guarded by masked riflemen, military tents, and a phone-jamming system — all at his millionaire family's compound. ICE for thee, private militia for me. Revolution™️ sponsored by generational wealth," wrote a person on X.
"Ask yourself why would Zohran Mamdani needed to use cell phone jammers and heavy security for guests at his party.
Could it be that the Socialist candidate didn't want to be outed as a wealthy hypocrite - living a life that he condemns for other New Yorkers," added another.
"Mamdani clearly doesn't see the irony—his wealth and lavish lifestyle, including that Uganda wedding bash with armed guards, stem directly from capitalism. As a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist, he thrives while pushing policies like defunding the NYPD and rent freezes that could financially ruin everyone else," called out another X user.
"Three lavish weddings in NYC, Dubai & Uganda—while preaching socialism to struggling New Yorkers. It's always the same with champagne socialists: lectures on equality by day, luxury with elites by night. Socialism for the poor, capitalism for the connected," stated another.
Before the Ugandan bash, Mamdani and Duwaji held a Nikkah ceremony in Dubai with the latter's family in December 2024 and eloped for the legal ceremony in New York City in February 2025.