Ugandans express pride as Zohran Mamdani becomes New York’s first Muslim mayor, with many hoping it inspires political change in their own country.
KAMPALA: Ugandans expressed mixed reactions to Zohran Mamdani’s historic election as New York mayor on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old staunch leftist became the first Muslim mayor of America’s largest city in Tuesday’s elections.
Mamdani was born in Uganda to a family of Indian origin and moved to the United States at age seven.
Makerere University students in Kampala showed particular excitement about the news.
“Seeing Zohran up there, I feel like I can also make it,” said 22-year-old psychology student Anthony Kirabo.
“It makes me feel good and proud of my country because it shows that Uganda can produce some good leaders,” he told AFP.
Kirabo added that he hoped the achievement might encourage more tourists to visit Uganda.
Many Ugandans however had never heard of Mamdani or his historic win.
Some hoped his victory would provide lessons for Uganda’s own political leadership.
The country faces a potentially fraught presidential election in January with 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni seeking a seventh term.
Opposition candidate Bobi Wine sent “hearty congratulations” to Mamdani on social media platform X.
“From Uganda, we celebrate and draw strength from your example as we work to build a country where every citizen can realize their grandest dreams regardless of means and background,” Wine wrote.
Joseph Sendagire, a 28-year-old procurement officer, expressed hope that Uganda would “borrow a leaf” from New York’s election.
“Uganda should embrace a culture of free and fair elections, allow candidates to compete for whatever post we want in a fair manner, treat them equally, and then at the end of the day, may the best candidate win,” he told AFP.
Other Ugandans welcomed Mamdani’s pro-poor policies as particularly inspiring.
“I think him taxing the rich at the benefit of those that do not have enough is a very good policy,” said 23-year-old law student Owen Mubalya.
“It’s very inspirational having all these people occupying such offices. I really think there is something to learn, and it encourages me to work harder.” – AFP
