Ugandan Roots Inspire New York’s Zohran Mamdani, But Hope Feels Distant for Some at Home
Uganda’s political opposition is viewing the success of Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani in New York City politics as a source of encouragement, even as the realities of their own political landscape remain challenging.
The victory of Mamdani, who rose to prominence as a democratic socialist in New York, has resonated in his country of birth, but also highlights the stark contrast between political opportunities available abroad and the entrenched power structures within Uganda. “It’s a big encouragement even to us here in Uganda that it’s possible,” said a Ugandan lawmaker representing the capital, Kampala. “But we have a long way to get there.”
A Four-Decade Grip on Power
Uganda has been under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni for nearly four decades, a period marked by increasing authoritarianism and suppression of dissent. while Museveni initially brought stability to the country after years of turmoil, his government has been accused of stifling political opposition, curtailing freedom of speech, and engaging in corruption.
Zohran Mamdani’s family has a long and distinguished history connected to Uganda. He was born in Kampala and spent his early childhood between Uganda and South Africa, before moving to the United States. His mother is acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, whose work has garnered Academy Award nominations. The family continues to maintain a residence in Kampala, returning regularly, most recently to celebrate Mamdani’s marriage earlier this year.
The Influence of a Political Theorist Father
Mahmood Mamdani, a professor at Columbia University, is known for his rigorous teaching style and has profoundly influenced his son’s intellectual development as a scholar of postcolonial studies. He has also been a vocal critic of the Museveni government. His recent book, “Slow Poison,” published in October by Harvard University Press, draws parallels between the legacies of Museveni and Idi Amin, the former dictator blamed for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Ugandans between 1971 and 1979. The elder Mamdani argues that both leaders relied on violence to consolidate power, but while Amin retained popular support and died without accumulating vast wealth, Museveni’s family has become immensely wealthy while his popularity has waned.
Robert Kabushenga, a retired media executive and family acquaintance, described Zohran Mamdani as unconventional, like his parents. He “follows a tradition of very honest and clear thinkers who are willing to reimagine the politics,” Kabushenga said, adding that his father “must be pleasantly surprised.”
A Beacon of Hope for Ugandan Youth
Mamdani’s success in New York is being viewed as “a beacon of hope” for activists and others in Uganda. A key takeaway, according to Kabushenga, is the need to “allow young people the opportunity to shape, and participate in, politics in a meaningful way.”
Okello ogwang, a professor of literature who has collaborated with the elder Mamdani at Uganda’s Makerere University, emphasized the importance of investing in the country’s youth, stating, “He’s coming from here. If we don’t invest in our youth, we are wasting our time.”
Before entering politics, mamdani, described as a shy and soft-spoken teenager, briefly considered a career in journalism and was part of the rap ensembles Young Cardamom and HAB, whose music videos filmed in Kampala remain available online.
From Community Activism to Mayoral Contender
Prior to being elected to the New York State Assembly in 2021, Mamdani worked as a community activist in Queens, assisting vulnerable homeowners facing eviction. His mayoral campaign,which unexpectedly gained traction in the Democratic primary,centered on addressing the rising cost of living through proposals such as free public transportation,worldwide childcare,rent freezes,and government-run grocery stores,funded by taxes on the wealthy. His political ascent has also drawn criticism, with some Republicans calling for his denaturalization and deportation.
“He breaks new ground,” Kabushenga observed. “He is willing to try in places that are new.”
Despite the distance, the Ugandan lawmaker Ssenyonyi affirmed that Mamdani’s improbable victory is worth celebrating. “It inspires us,” he said. “Mamdani is Ugandan-born, like us.”
