KAMPALA, Uganda — Shakib Cham, the husband of Ugandan businesswoman and media personality Zari Hassan, has addressed long-running speculation about his financial independence and role in their marriage.
Speaking on a podcast on Friday, Shakib pushed back against the widespread assumption that Zari funds his lifestyle.
“My wife is a supportive woman. She supports me, but not financially,” he explained. “She is the wife, but then you have to hustle for everything you want.”
His remarks directly challenge the narrative that Zari bankrolls his life, instead asserting that his success and possessions are the fruits of his own determination and years of hard work.
“I hustle for everything I own”
Shakib pointed to his personal history as proof of his independence. “I had my first car, a very nice car, which was a BMW. It shows that I work hard,” he said proudly.
For him, the car was not just a luxury but a symbol of his resilience and ability to build his own path. He emphasized that anyone who has followed his journey on social media would see a clear record of his efforts.
“If you follow my social media from 2013, you will see that this person has really been working hard,” he noted, stressing that his achievements did not appear overnight or come from someone else’s pocket.
He dismissed the frequent chatter that Zari is the sole breadwinner in their relationship, adding that the public’s focus on their age difference and Zari’s established wealth has overshadowed his own contributions and entrepreneurial drive.
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Despite the scrutiny, Shakib portrays himself as a man confident in his ability to provide for himself and maintain his independence. He acknowledges Zari’s emotional and moral support in their marriage but makes it clear that financial responsibility lies squarely on his own shoulders.
The couple, whose relationship has been widely discussed online due to their age gap and Zari’s fame, continues to command attention across East Africa.
While many still question the dynamics of their union, Shakib’s statements paint a picture of a man determined to prove that his success is self-made.