'Champagne Socialist!': Zohran Mamdani's Lavish 3-Day Uganda Wedding Celebration Draws Criticism Amid NYC Mayoral Bid

New York City, July 27: New York City (NYC) mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani (33) is facing backlash on social media over the alleged three-day wedding celebrations in Uganda, even as he campaigns as a Democratic Socialist.

The lavish event was reportedly held at his parents' million-dollar estate in Kampala's upscale Buziga Hill and the event was marked by military-style security, masked guards and a phone-jamming system, according to reports. There are also reports that the compound sits on two acres and overlooks Lake Victoria.

Mamdani Celebrating His Marriage In Uganda

Mamdani married Syrian illustrator Rama Duwaji, with prior ceremonies in Dubai (Nikah) in December, 2024 and New York City (civil ceremony) in February, 2025. He has been facing criticism and he is also being accused of hypocrisy, pointing to the extravagant celebrations as contradictory to his public stance on wealth and equality.

Faces Criticism On Social Media

Online critics dubbed him a “champagne socialist,” questioning the optics of his secretive, high-security wedding while advocating for policies like rent freezes and defunding the New York Police Department (NYPD). Ugandan locals have also criticised the timing of the event, which coincided with the mourning of a prominent judge in the area, as per reports from The Post.

Netizens REACT

An internet user said, "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."

Another user said, "Man of the people! Zohran Mamdani has yet another wedding party on his Ugandan compound, complete with armed military guards and phone jamming system."

"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," said a user on X.

'Champagne Socialist'

Another user said, "Three separate wedding celebrations in NYC, Dubai, and Uganda. It is always the same with these champagne socialists. It is remarkable how many avowed socialists during my undergrad in Trinity spent their study breaks skiing."

Zohran Mamdani Shares Video On Social Media

In a video post his official social media account, Zohran Mamdani informed about him visiting Uganda to celebrate his and Rama's wedding. The video was shared on social media on July 20. He said in the post, "Good morning! I'm in Uganda to visit family and friends. But depending on your perspective, don't worry or I'm sorry: I'll be back by the end of the month. See you soon, NYC."