August 3, 2025
Kampala, Uganda — New York Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani has returned to Uganda, his birthplace, to celebrate his marriage to Rama Duwaji with family and friends. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani said, “I’m going back to Uganda. I’m headed there in a personal capacity to celebrate Rama and I’s marriage with our family and friends.”
The 33-year-old politician, who was born and raised in Kampala until the age of five, said the visit is deeply personal, marking another chapter in his connection to Uganda. Mamdani was legally married in New York in February and held an earlier celebration in Dubai in December. He is expected to return to the United States before the end of July to resume campaign activities.
Mamdani’s Ugandan heritage and cultural ties continue to shape both his personal identity and political journey. His father’s side of the family traces its roots to Gujarat, India, with generations settled in East Africa. “Kampala is the only village I know,” Mamdani has previously stated, reflecting his deep bond with the city.
Before entering politics, Mamdani was known in Uganda’s underground music scene under the name Young Cardamom, collaborating with rapper HAB on the 2016 EP “Sidda Mukyaalo”—a project that tackled themes of urban life, racism, and corruption using Luganda, English, and Hindi. His performance at the 2016 Nyege Nyege Festival in Jinja has recently resurfaced online, reminding many of his artistic roots.
Controversial Stances and Political Reactions
Mamdani’s trip has drawn both celebration and criticism—particularly given comments made during a recent primary debate, where he promised not to travel abroad if elected mayor, pledging instead to “address New Yorkers across the five boroughs.” Critics have also cited his refusal to visit Israel as mayor, referencing his support for an economic boycott over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and concerns about potential entry restrictions due to his stance.
In the face of xenophobic backlash—including online remarks telling him to “go back to Africa”—Mamdani responded with sarcasm and clarity in his video: “Being a politician means listening, not just to your supporters, but your critics, too… I hear you and I agree: I’m going back to Uganda.”
His humorous jab at right-wing media included suggested tabloid headlines like “Uganda Miss Me” and “He’s Kampala-etely Crazy”, showcasing a readiness to confront political attacks with wit.
Rising Tensions Ahead of General Election
Mamdani’s visit comes at a critical juncture in the New York mayoral race. Having secured the Democratic nomination after a stunning upset over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, he now faces a diverse lineup of candidates in the general election, including an independent Cuomo, Republican Curtis Sliwa, independent Jim Walden, and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent.
The trip has added fuel to political scrutiny already surrounding Mamdani’s candidacy. His 2018 naturalization as a U.S. citizen has become a point of contention, with one right-leaning Republican in Congress calling for an investigation into his immigration process. Former President Donald Trump further inflamed the matter, vowing to “look into whether Mamdani is here illegally.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Mamdani appears unshaken. His return to Uganda, framed as a celebration of love and family, also reaffirms the cultural and personal foundations that have shaped his rise—from Kampala’s hip-hop stages to the political corridors of New York.
