National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has congratulated Zohran Kwame Mamdani following his historic election as the Mayor of New York City.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kyagulanyi praised Mamdani for his groundbreaking achievement and said his victory serves as an inspiration to many across the world.
“Sending our hearty congratulations to Mamdani upon beating all odds to get elected as the Mayor of New York City! From Uganda, we celebrate & draw strength from your example as we work to build a country where every citizen can realise their grandest dreams regardless of means and background,” Kyagulanyi stated.
Mamdani, 34, a democratic socialist and state assembly member from Queens, made history by becoming the first Muslim and first African-born person to lead America’s largest city.
He defeated independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa in what analysts have described as a seismic political shift.
According to official results, Mamdani secured over 50 percent of the vote, while Cuomo, 67, came second with just over 40 percent. Sliwa managed about 7 percent.
Born in 1991 at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, Mamdani has often spoken about his admiration for Bobi Wine’s political journey and his music.
In a post shared in January 2021, ahead of Uganda’s presidential election, Mamdani expressed his support for Kyagulanyi, writing:
"Like many other Ugandans, I’ve grown up listening to Bobi’s songs Kiwaanyi, Tugambire ku Jennifer. Ndi Muna Uganda. In these last years, I’ve watched as he gave up a life of success and stability to challenge a president who’s become the very villain he once sought to replace.” he said in one of his tweets in 2021.
Mamdani’s rise from a Ugandan-born immigrant to Mayor of New York City has been celebrated across the World, with many seeing it as a remarkable journey, one that continues to inspire many across Africa and beyond.