NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani: Teachers and colleagues reveal untold stories of an Arsenal fan

From the dusty streets of Kampala to the helm of New York City, newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani carries with him a lifetime of experiences shaped by community, faith, and curiosity. In Uganda, those who knew him as a boy remember a thoughtful, inquisitive child, one who studied Islam at a local centre under Sheikh Abdul Lubega and developed an early fascination with how ordinary people live. Former colleagues at the Daily Monitor, where Mamdani worked as a teenager, recall his sharp mind, humility, and love for football, especially Arsenal. They remember a young reporter who rode boda bodas, ate at roadside joints, and immersed himself in the rhythms of Kampala life. Watch the video to find out more.