Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan is currently embroiled in a bitter dispute with her in-laws over the estate of her late husband, Ivan Ssemwanga.
Ivan Ssemwanga passed away on May 25, 2017, leaving behind a significant portfolio of ventures, including the prestigious educational institution Brooklyn City College in South Africa.
His eldest son with Zari, Pinto, was named the official heir to his property, with his mother acting as the custodian and grooming her sons to manage the businesses.
However, Zari has recently revealed that she is in a fierce conflict with her in-laws regarding the management of Ssemwanga’s estate.
In a video circulating on social media, Zari expressed her frustration, accusing some of her in-laws of attempting to wrest control of the property from her.
The South Africa-based businesswoman stressed that both she and her children hold shares in all of Ivan Ssemwanga’s properties.
Zari emphasized that some of the inlaws were getting monthly pay from Brooklyn City College in South Africa before revoking their benefits due to poor conduct.
The 43-year-old mother of five criticized her in-laws for not supporting her in managing the properties and instead seeking advice from outsiders, which has led to increased tension.
She advised them to look for benefits from Ssemwanga’s final resting place in Kayunga, Uganda if they were dissatisfied with her management.
In an interview with Sanyuka TV on Friday, July 19, 2024, Zari elaborated on the conflict, accusing her in-laws of neglecting her children while attempting to claim a share of the estate.
“They don’t know how the kids are educated, they don’t know their medical needs, they don’t know what they eat,” Zari lamented.
She asserted her position as the legal guardian and highlighted her efforts in raising her children.
“Excuse you, I am the legal guardian and I have done my job to raise my sons, I have done my job to raise my kids. I know where I stand, I know how I am fighting to raise my kids, I know what I am doing with my kids,” Zari ranted.
“My friend, don’t try me, don’t try me. I won’t be a clown in their circus,” she added.
Zari, Ivan’s marriage
Ivan Ssemwanga, the flamboyant Ugandan businessman, tragically passed away on May 25, 2017, at the age of 39.
He succumbed to a heart attack while undergoing treatment at Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, where he had been admitted for several days.
Zari Hassan, who was married to Ivan for a decade, announced his untimely death through her social media channels.
The couple tied the knot in 2004 after dating since 2000, and their union was blessed with three children: Pinto, Raphael, and Quincy Ssemwanga.
Their marriage, however, faced challenges, and Zari made the difficult decision to part ways with Ivan in 2014, citing issues of toxicity and abuse.
Zari got into a relationship with Tanzanian music icon Diamond Platnumz, with whom she shares two children Tiffah and Nillan, after parting ways with her late husband.
Despite the end of their marriage, Zari has maintained a respectful and loving attitude towards Ivan before and after death, honouring his memory and legacy on important dates.
