Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan has announced the end of her marriage to Shakib Cham Lutaaya after five years together, saying the couple decided to part ways due to irreconcilable differences.
The announcement was made through a statement shared on Zari’s Instagram story on Friday, where the pair revealed they had reached the decision after careful reflection.
“Five years later, after much thought and reflection, we believe it is best for us to part ways due to irreconcilable differences,” part of the statement read.
Despite ending their marriage, the two emphasised that the separation was mutual and peaceful.
“There is no anger or resentment. Sometimes two people simply grow in different directions. We value each other and remain friends with mutual respect and understanding,” the statement added.
Signed jointly by both Zarinah Hassan and Shakib Lutaaya, the announcement brings to a close one of East Africa’s most talked-about celebrity relationships.
Zari and Shakib’s romance first attracted public attention after the socialite’s split from businessman GK Choppa. Though rumours linked them earlier, the pair publicly confirmed their relationship in 2022 and quickly became a favourite topic across entertainment circles in East Africa.
In April 2023, the couple formalised their union through a private Islamic Nikah ceremony in Pretoria, South Africa. Months later, on October 3, they celebrated their love with a glamorous white wedding attended by family and close friends.
Their relationship also gained international attention after being featured on the Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African, where both appeared as cast members.
However, the marriage was not without challenges. Much of the public scrutiny surrounded Zari’s relationship with Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz, with whom she shares two children.
In 2024, tensions reportedly emerged after videos surfaced showing Zari and Diamond together during filming for Young, Famous & African. Zari later admitted that the situation had caused friction in her marriage, with reports at the time suggesting the pair briefly separated before reconciling.
Over the years, the couple repeatedly dismissed breakup rumours, insisting social media speculation often exaggerated issues in their marriage.
Shakib, an entrepreneur and reality television personality, became well known in Uganda’s entertainment scene through his business ventures, celebrity boxing appearances, and television profile.
Zari, popularly known as “The Boss Lady,” was previously married to the late businessman Ivan Semwanga and later had a high-profile relationship with Diamond Platnumz before their split in 2018.
Neither Zari nor Shakib has publicly shared further details surrounding the separation. However, their statement suggests both intend to remain on good terms as they move forward separately.
