Zari to Full Figure: Stop Spending My Money for Me

Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan has hit back at fellow socialite Full Figure after the latter questioned her lavish spending and wondered why some of that money was not being channelled into charity.

Full Figure recently took issue with the millions Zari splashes on her glamorous birthday celebrations, suggesting that the money could instead be used to help less-privileged Ugandans.

Zari, however, appears to have politely declined the unsolicited budgeting service.

Responding on social media, the self-styled boss lady said people should stop feeling entitled to money they did not work for.

“Everyone knows how they work for their money, how they suffer to get it. So, if they decide to help you, well and good, and if they do not, it is not also a bad thing. Please stop the entitlement,” she said.

In other words, according to Zari, a birthday cake does not automatically become a national budget — and nobody should be standing over her shoulder with a calculator counting the slices.

But Zari was not just throwing words. She said she has supported several charitable causes in Uganda and beyond, although she does not always turn every donation into a social-media production.

She cited Katalemwa Cheshire Home, where she said she donated wheelchairs, supplies and other items for children. She also mentioned supporting women at a prison in Uganda.

And apparently, Uganda is not the only place where her charity work has landed.

“I have done charities in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa and still going,” Zari said.

She revealed that through her company, she has adopted an orphanage in South Africa housing about 76 children. According to Zari, she provides the children with computers, school uniforms, books, food, bedding and other necessities.

That is quite a shopping list — and one that, if converted into Instagram content, could probably fill a few timelines.

But Zari said she deliberately keeps some of her charitable work away from social media.

“I will not come out to explain myself or always show off because you call me stingy. If I have not given you, it doesn’t mean that I do not give someone else,” she said.

She also claimed to support several children in Kampala without posting about them online.

“I look after a number of children in Kampala and not put it on the internet, and they appreciate me,” she added.

And therein lies the interesting twist: while social media has turned charity into something of a spectator sport complete with cameras, captions and strategically positioned donation cheques, Zari says some of her giving happens without the usual digital applause.

For now, the message from the Boss Lady appears simple: if you did not contribute to the money, perhaps leave the spending plan alone.

Full Figure may have wanted more charity from Zari. Zari, meanwhile, appears to want less accounting of her wallet.