Shakib Gifts Zari 'only' sh200k as she turns 46

Zari Hassan’s 46th birthday party may have been all glitz, glamour and celebrity guests, but it was the birthday gift from her boyfriend, Shakib Cham, that has got social media doing the mathematics.

Zari celebrated her birthday last week at the Marriott Hotel in a fancy invite-only affair that brought together family, celebrities and socialites, particularly from Uganda’s entertainment circles.

As expected, the birthday girl received gifts and cash from her guests, but eagle-eyed social media users quickly focused on what Shakib placed in her hands.

In videos and pictures from the celebration, Shakib can be seen gifting Zari 50 notes of South African rand about eleven times alongside a Sh10,000 Ugandan note, totalling Sh236,309 based on the exchange rate at the time.

And that has left social media users asking, why was Shakib’s birthday gift to Zari really only Sh236,309? For a woman known for her lavish lifestyle, designer outfits and luxurious celebrations, the amount has become one of the talking points from the birthday bash.

The Rands Inside A Bowl Which Shakib Put As A Gift For Zari's Birthday. Photo By Ignatius Kamya

But perhaps the value of a gift is not always measured by the amount of money inside the envelope.

Zari, meanwhile, has been dealing with another conversation surrounding her birthday, her age.

The mother of five has pushed back against critics who continue to question her claim that she is 46.

“Whether you like it or not, whether you’re happy with it or not, I’m 46,” Zari emphasised.

She challenged those who seem overly concerned about her age, suggesting that their obsession with it does little to change their own circumstances.

“If it makes you happy that I'm very old, if it improves your life economically, financially and emotionally, take it,” she said.

Zari went further, questioning whether those criticising her age ultimately look better or are richer than her.

“You’re still the same miserable person, honey,” she added.

For now, the birthday conversation continues to revolve around two numbers 46 and Sh 236, 309