The competition for New York City mayor heated up recently with former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent candidate, publicly criticizing socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani for owning property in Uganda, a country with anti-LGBT policies.
Cuomo took to social media to call out Mamdani for vacationing in Uganda and urged him to divest from his property there until the country changes its discriminatory laws against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, faced backlash for holding his wedding celebration at his family’s compound in Uganda, where armed guards were reportedly present.
Some, including GOP opponent Curtis Sliwa, accused Mamdani of hypocrisy for advocating to defund the police in the past while having tight security at his overseas wedding event.
Cuomo’s statement also referenced Mamdani’s support for boycotts and sanctions against Israel, a stance that Mamdani has maintained since his college days.
Uganda has a history of anti-LGBT actions, including upholding a law last year that allows for the death penalty in cases of “aggravated homosexuality.”
Mamdani’s campaign website emphasizes the need to protect LGBTQIA+ individuals in New York City and address issues such as unemployment and homelessness within the community.
