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.
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