Overview
- The 34-year-old democratic socialist became New York City’s first Muslim mayor after the Nov. 4 vote, having been born in Uganda and later naturalized in 2018 while retaining Ugandan citizenship.
- Ugandan opposition figures Joel Ssenyonyi and Bobi Wine lauded the result as proof that political change is possible for youth working under restrictive conditions at home.
- Students and civic voices in Kampala celebrated his biography and policies, citing proposals for free buses, free child care, a rent freeze for rent‑stabilized tenants, and taxes on the wealthy.
- U.S. backlash followed his victory, with some Republicans calling for his denaturalization and deportation over his politics and statements on Israel.
- Global reaction was polarized, with left-leaning leaders in Europe and elsewhere praising him as Israeli ministers Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Amichai Chikli denounced the win and Hamas‑linked channels and an Iranian lawmaker claimed it as a symbolic boost.