KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan has rejected claims that she simply inherited her wealth from her late former husband, businessman Ivan Semwanga, arguing that she played an active role in building the fortune and legacy she manages today.
Zari addressed the criticism while defending her repeated calls for women to pursue financial independence. She said some people have dismissed her advice because they believe she married into wealth and therefore cannot speak authoritatively about building financial security.
According to Zari, that perception ignores the history of her relationship with Semwanga and the work they put into building their lives before his wealth became publicly visible.
Zari explained that many people only became familiar with Semwanga after he became known for his flashy lifestyle, expensive cars, lavish spending and high-profile social life. She, however, said she knew him long before that period.
She recalled starting their journey together when they had very little and said they eventually built their wealth through hard work, ambition and collaboration.
“The Semwanga that you know when he started popping bottles… you don’t know the Semwanga that I was with,” Zari said.
She argued that the public image of Semwanga as a wealthy businessman did not reflect the early years of their relationship. According to her, she and Semwanga started out in humble circumstances before gradually building the lifestyle that later attracted public attention.
Zari also rejected the suggestion that she merely benefited from Semwanga’s success without contributing to it. She said she was actively involved in their plans and described herself as an important part of the foundation upon which their wealth was built.
“We started in a tiny room,” she said, while remembering the early stages of their journey.
The businesswoman said the couple worked together, exchanged ideas and made decisions about how to grow their ventures. She maintained that her contribution was not limited to being Semwanga’s partner but extended to helping develop the ideas and strategies that supported their success.
She described herself as “the foundation” of the legacy and argued that her position today is a result of years of involvement rather than an unexpected inheritance.
“I have been the foundation from day one. Concrete foundation,” Zari said.
Semwanga died in May 2017 after being hospitalized in Pretoria, South Africa. His death attracted widespread attention across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, with the businessman remembered for his flamboyant lifestyle and business interests.
Zari and Semwanga had three sons together. Although their romantic relationship eventually ended, Zari has continued to manage her life and businesses while raising their children.
In her latest remarks, she also pushed back against the idea that advocating for financial independence means women should reject wealthy or supportive husbands.
Zari clarified that she is not against women marrying financially successful men. Instead, she wants women to have their own financial security rather than depending entirely on their partners.
“I respect my husband… but one thing about me, I’m going to respect my husband regardless,” she said.
Her message, she explained, is not about discouraging marriage or encouraging women to compete with their husbands. Instead, she believes women should develop their own financial capabilities so they remain secure regardless of what happens in their relationships.
She acknowledged that many women dream of marrying wealthy men and enjoying luxury, but warned that not everyone will have that opportunity.
“We all want the rich men. We all want the luxury. We all want to fly private jets and stuff. But unfortunately, we’re not all going to get it.” she said.
For Zari, the alternative is to build the life one wants rather than waiting for circumstances or marriage to provide it. She urged women to pursue their ambitions, develop businesses and establish independent sources of income instead of simply hoping to find wealthy partners.
“Financial freedom is a must in this generation for women. It’s not negotiable. It’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity.” she declared.
Zari said her comments come from personal experience and are intended to encourage women rather than attack those who choose different paths.
She also acknowledged that some women are fortunate enough to marry wealthy men, describing them as lucky or blessed. However, she maintained that women who do not have that advantage should focus on creating their own opportunities.
