Uganda’s son, Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York is set to take office in January 2026. Born in Kampala and raised in New York, his story as will be evident in this post, bridges two worlds and challenges expectations.
Born in Uganda in 1991 to a Columbia University professor and an award-winning filmmaker, Mamdani moved to New York at just seven years old, carrying with him the roots of his East African heritage.
Now, at 34, he is set to become the Mayor of New York City, making headlines not just for his political rise but also for his modest net worth, estimated to be between US$200,000 to $300,000, nothing compared to the richest people in Uganda, the likes of John Bosco Muwonge and Sudhir Ruparelia.
In his financial disclosure, his major asset making up most of his net worth is the 4 acres of land he acquired in Uganda at least a decade ago.
With his new role, his salary will nearly double to about US$260,000 per year. What makes Mamdani a mysterious figure is that he has chosen a frugal life despite his considerable success.
Currently, he is living a car-free life in a rent-stabilized apartment. His story is one of global ambition, practical choices, and a distinct link between Uganda and one of the world’s richest cities. This is a unique story, one you should read to the end.
Zohran Mamdani’s story starts in Kampala, Uganda, where he was born in 1991 to parents who would shape both his worldview and ambitions.
His father is Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned academic at Columbia University. On the other hand, his mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker. Nair's early works; Salaam Bombay! and Mississippi Masala, earned her international acclaim. From this, we can clearly see that he grew up around successful academic and artistic circles.
When Mamdani was seven, they moved to New York City. This was a significant change as they stepped into a world very different from their birthplace, yet one that carried a strong connection to their Ugandan roots.
To prove that Mamdani never forgot his roots, he bought four acres of land in Jinja, one of the largest cities in Uganda. The town is located on the north shore of Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River.
Though he grew up in elite academic circles, attending prestigious Manhattan schools, Mamdani has maintained a modest lifestyle, renting a small apartment and foregoing a car.
This blend of privileged upbringing and grounded living gives his journey a unique lens, one that links Uganda and New York in a way few politicians can claim.
Zohran Mamdani’s disciplined approach to finances and political view can be attributed to both his education and early career.
In Manhattan, he attended Bank Street School. This is one of the city’s prestigious private schools. He later joined the Bronx High School of Science, a top public school renowned for nurturing some of New York’s brightest minds, including Nobel laureates like Leon Cooper and Sheldon Glashow and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.
He then studied Africana Studies at Bowdoin College in Maine, a liberal arts school with a strong track record of producing leaders in business, politics, and the arts such as former American Express CEO Kenneth I. Chenault, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Doerr, and former U.S. Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen.
After graduating in 2014, Mamdani explored a mix of creative and civic pursuits. He worked on community organizing efforts and political campaigns. He also assisted with foreclosure prevention in Queens and even attempted a short-lived rap career under the names Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom.
His track “Nani” featuring Madhur Jaffrey caught my attention for its catchy beat and witty lyrics. Honestly, the guy can rap. But while music gave him a creative outlet, his real calling turned out to be public service.
While the music didn’t make him rich, these experiences shaped his values of practical problem-solving, grassroots engagement, and financial prudence.
Through it all, Mamdani has maintained a lifestyle that reflects discipline and modesty regardless of New York’s high cost of living.
All this is evident in his renting of apartments, using public transit, and staying connected to his roots in Uganda.
Also read. Top 10 Richest People in the World
Zohran Mamdani’s path into politics officially began in 2020. This happened when he ran for a seat in the New York State Assembly representing Queens.
Taking on a five-term incumbent, Mamdani leveraged his background in community organizing and a strong connection to local issues, which made him secure a victory.
At just 29, he became one of the youngest assembly members, stepping into an influential role that also offered a significant salary of about $142,000 per year. This salary was a lot compared to the $1,000 he earned from music royalties. Once he assumes the new role as NYC mayor, his salary is projected to rise to US$260,000, which will significantly boost his net worth.
Even as he navigated the world of New York politics, Mamdani maintained a modest lifestyle that reflected both practicality and his frugal approach to personal finances.
He lives in a rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens, paying roughly $2,250 a month. Another mysterious thing about him is that he deliberately chose not to own a car, which begs the question: how does he move around?
Well, credible sources have reported that he relies on the subway to commute to meetings, debates, and community events. Now we wait to see if this kind of lifestyle will continue once he assumes office.
These choices, combined with his single major asset, a few acres of land back in Jinja, Uganda, have painted a picture of a politician who, despite his elite upbringing, keeps his personal wealth modest and transparent.
His rise didn’t stop at the state assembly. By 2025, Mamdani’s mayoral campaign for New York City captured national attention, winning him the title of Mayor-Elect after a closely watched race.
With his transition to City Hall, his salary will nearly double to around $260,000 per year, and he could save on housing by moving into Gracie Mansion, the official mayoral residence. For a Ugandan-born politician navigating one of the world’s most expensive cities, these financial moves highlight a continued theme: a careful, grounded approach to wealth, balancing public service with smart, disciplined personal finance.
When it comes to wealth, Zohran Mamdani’s story is as grounded as his lifestyle. What is obvious is that he embraces a holistic approach to money.
As a New York State Assembly member, he earned about US$142,000 per year, which is comfortable but not extravagant by New York standards.
With his upcoming role as Mayor of New York City, that figure will nearly double to around US$260,000 annually, and moving into Gracie Mansion could significantly reduce his living costs.
Beyond his salary, his assets remain modest. The most notable one is four acres of land in Jinja, Uganda, valued between US$150,000 and US$250,000.
In total, his estimated net worth sits around US$200,000 to US$300,000 (701 million to 1.05 billion UGX), which is relatively low compared to many New York politicians. For perspective, former governor Andrew Cuomo is estimated to be worth around US$10 million.
For many Ugandans, both at home and abroad, his Jinja land carries emotional value. It’s a tie to heritage and a reminder of diaspora identity.
What truly stands out is how consistent his lifestyle is with his financial reality. In a city where political figures often lean toward luxury, he chooses simplicity.
He keeps his expenses low by renting a modest apartment, using public transit, and avoiding lifestyle inflation, showing a practical approach to building financial stability even in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Many of his supporters believe this mindset will shape his policies as mayor, especially his commitment to lowering the cost of living for everyday New Yorkers.
Despite his elite upbringing and high-profile parents, Zohran Mamdani has chosen a modest, practical lifestyle that mirrors his financial values. He rents a small, rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, relies on the subway for commuting, and deliberately avoids owning a car. This is so even as he prepares to step into one of the world’s most expensive mayoral offices.
As is evident, his choices aren’t just about saving money. They reflect a deeper sense of frugality, pragmatism, and connection to his roots in Uganda. Owning land back in Jinja, he maintains a tangible link to his heritage, while his disciplined lifestyle in New York allows him to live within his means and stay grounded amid the city’s high-cost pressures.
For a politician, Mamdani’s approach is unusual, but it’s a core part of the story that defines both his finances and his identity.
Zohran Mamdani’s journey from Kampala to the mayor’s office in New York City is a story of ambition, discipline, and grounded financial choices. With a net worth modest by NYC standards but tied to his Ugandan heritage, he exemplifies how one can navigate elite circles while staying frugal and connected to their roots.
As he steps into office, Mamdani’s financial prudence and global perspective offer a unique blueprint for diaspora success—one foot in Uganda, the other shaping the world’s largest city.
I’m Clinton Wamalwa Wanjala, a financial writer and certified financial consultant passionate about empowering the youth with practical financial knowledge. As the founder of Fineducke.com, I provide accessible guidance on personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities.
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