Zari Hassan marked her 46th birthday with an invitation-only celebration in Kampala.
The Ugandan socialite enforced a formal dress code at her invitation-only 46th birthday celebration in Kampala, drawing mixed reactions online.
Ugandan businesswoman and socialite Zari Hassan sparked debate after asking security officers to remove guests who arrived at her 46th birthday party dressed in jeans and T-shirts.
Zari hosted the private celebration at Kampala Marriott Hotel in Nsambya, Kampala.
The event followed a black-and-white theme and required guests to dress formally.
Reports indicate that some attendees arrived in outfits that did not meet the dress code. Security officers reportedly denied them access or asked them to leave the event.
Videos shared online showed Zari addressing the issue directly before instructing her security team to take action.
The incident quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the celebration.
Formal dress code becomes a flashpoint
During her address, Zari made it clear that jeans and T-shirts were not appropriate for the occasion.
She reminded guests that the event required formal attire and expected everyone to follow the guidelines.
The strict enforcement of the dress code drew attention at a party attended by celebrities, friends and close associates.
Organisers designed the celebration around a black-and-white theme and formal fashion.
According to reports, security targeted guests whose outfits failed to meet those standards.
The videos circulating online captured Zari’s instructions to security officers.
The clips fueled conversations about whether hosts should strictly enforce dress codes at private events.
Invitations were also a firm requirement
Before the party, Zari warned uninvited guests against attending.
She specifically addressed TikTok content creators and urged them not to show up without invitations.
Zari said she wanted to prevent unnecessary embarrassment at the venue entrance.
Her warning reinforced the private nature of the celebration.
She made it clear that guests needed both an invitation and appropriate attire to attend the event.
The decision attracted mixed reactions across social media.
Some users criticised the move and described it as too harsh.
Others defended her right to set rules for her own celebration.
Music and celebrations continue
Despite the controversy, the party continued with performances from several Ugandan musicians.
Artists including Spice Diana, Karole Kasita and Elijah Kitaka entertained guests throughout the night.
Friends, family members and invited guests joined Zari in celebrating the milestone.
Zari turned 46 on September 23, although the main birthday event took place later.
She also marked the occasion with separate celebrations involving her family and employees at Brooklyn City College.
While the event featured music, entertainment and birthday celebrations, discussions afterwards largely focused on Zari’s decision to enforce the dress code.
Opinions remain divided, with some criticising the approach and others supporting her right to set conditions for a private event.
