New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing scrutiny following reports of his recent three-day wedding celebration in Uganda, which featured extensive security measures including masked guards and a cellphone jamming system. The event, held at his family's private compound in Kampala, has drawn criticism for its perceived contrast with Mamdani's public advocacy for replacing armed police with social workers in New York City.
The lavish celebration, which took place from July 24-26, 2025, at the sprawling estate owned by Mamdani’s parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and political theorist Mahmood Mamdani, was reportedly secured by more than 20 special forces command unit guards, some wearing masks. Additionally, a cellphone jamming system was implemented to ensure privacy during the exclusive, invite-only affair.
Mamdani, a self-described socialist and progressive politician, has been a vocal proponent of reallocating funds from traditional policing to social services in NYC. His campaign platform includes initiatives to deploy social workers and mental health professionals to respond to non-violent calls, rather than armed law enforcement. This stance has fueled public debate regarding the perceived hypocrisy of his personal security choices.
Critics on social media and in various news outlets have highlighted the apparent double standard, questioning why a candidate advocating for a less militarized approach to public safety in New York City would employ such robust, armed, and masked security for his private event. The tweet from "Jean" encapsulated this sentiment, stating, > "He hired masked armed security guards? Why not social workers instead? What’s supposedly good for NYC should be good enough for him, amirite? 🤨"
The wedding also reportedly drew local criticism in Uganda due to its timing, coinciding with a period of mourning for former Ugandan Supreme Court Judge George Kanyeihamba, a neighbor of the Mamdani family who passed away on July 14. Despite the controversy, Mamdani's campaign has not yet issued a formal statement addressing the security arrangements or the public's reactions. The incident has intensified discussions about the practical application of progressive public safety policies versus the personal security needs of public figures.