Many individuals in Uganda are expressing pride in Zohran Mamdani, recently elected mayor of New York City, who holds dual nationality and was born in Uganda. Some Ugandans view him as one of their own, citing his youth and accomplishments as sources of inspiration. Journalist Angelo Izama, who mentored Mamdani during his teenage internship at a prominent Ugandan newspaper, noted a significant excitement in Uganda regarding his electoral success, particularly due to the country’s low median age of 16.2 years.
At 34 years old, Mamdani is the son of Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, a well-known academic from Uganda, and Mira Nair, a recognized filmmaker. Izama described Mamdani as initially shy but highly motivated during their time together. He has a strong connection to Kampala, Uganda’s capital, which he frequently mentions.
Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, known for his scholarship on colonialism’s impact on governance and identity in Africa, spent over a decade at Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest university. He met his wife in Kampala while conducting research for the film “Mississippi Masala,” centered on the expulsion of Asians from Uganda under the regime of Idi Amin.
Makerere University professor Okello Ogwang stated he feels a sense of pride in Mamdani’s achievements, seeing him as a representation of hope for Ugandan youth. Some Ugandan students, while initially unfamiliar with Mamdani, expressed joy over his election, feeling it demonstrated that individuals can succeed regardless of their backgrounds.
Abdul Mohamed, a former senior official with the UN and African Union, commented on Mamdani’s upbringing, indicating that he embodies his parents’ commitment to pan-Africanism and the belief in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity. Mamdani’s rise to political office has been viewed as a potential inspiration for young people in Africa, encouraging them to engage in political action and avoid disillusionment. Uganda is preparing for elections next year, as President Yoweri Museveni seeks another term after nearly 40 years in power. The Mamdani family also spent a few years in Cape Town, South Africa, during Mahmood Mamdani’s tenure at the University of Cape Town, further expanding their connections across the continent.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0510463p9do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss