A video showing Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan kneeling to greet her husband, Shakib Cham Lutaaya, has sparked widespread discussion online, with social media users divided over the cultural meaning of the gesture and its place in modern marriage.
The clip captured a seemingly affectionate moment between the couple at home after Shakib reportedly surprised Zari during a livestream. The businesswoman was seen kneeling as she greeted him before embracing him warmly.
The gesture attracted attention because kneeling to greet a husband or elders remains a respected cultural practice in some Ugandan communities, particularly among the Baganda, where it is commonly associated with humility, respect and family values.
Known as okufukamira, the practice is familiar to many people who grew up in traditional Baganda households. For those who embrace the custom, kneeling is not necessarily a sign of weakness or inferiority but a culturally recognised way of expressing respect and affection.
In the viral video, another elegantly dressed woman is seen kneeling before greeting Shakib. Zari follows, laughing as she approaches her husband before the two embrace.
Shakib then feeds Zari a piece of fruit, and the couple shares a kiss. They later settle into an affectionate moment, with Zari sitting on her husband’s lap.
The relaxed interaction quickly became a talking point, with viewers interpreting the gesture differently depending on their cultural backgrounds and personal views about relationships.
Zari, 46, is among East Africa’s best-known socialites and businesswomen. Her prominence in entertainment and business made the scene particularly noticeable, with some viewers praising her for embracing a traditional practice despite her public profile and success.
Supporters of the gesture argued that cultural traditions can remain meaningful in contemporary relationships. They described the moment as a demonstration of affection and respect, saying couples should be free to maintain customs that reflect their upbringing and values.
Others questioned whether such practices should continue to define interactions between husbands and wives. Some social media users raised concerns about gender equality, arguing that expressions of respect in marriage should be mutual rather than expected primarily from women.
The debate highlighted the differences in how people understand cultural customs, especially when private family moments become public entertainment. While some viewers saw a simple greeting rooted in tradition, others viewed it through the lens of changing expectations about marriage and equality.
Several commenters defended Zari’s actions, insisting that kneeling to greet a man is an established practice in parts of Uganda and should not automatically be interpreted as submission.
One social media user, Grace John, explained that kneeling when greeting men is part of Ugandan culture. Another commenter, Anointed Salma Chef, praised the gesture, saying she appreciated seeing people remain connected to their cultural roots.
Pauline Odera also reacted positively, expressing enthusiasm about the prospect of embracing similar traditions in her own marriage. Other commenters questioned the circumstances surrounding the recording, while some shifted the conversation towards other celebrities.
The contrasting reactions demonstrated how a brief interaction between two public figures can trigger a much wider conversation about culture, relationships and changing social expectations.
The video also emerged amid reports that Zari and Shakib had experienced difficulties in their relationship in recent months. However, the clip alone does not establish whether those reported challenges have been resolved or whether the moment signals a new chapter for the couple.
For now, the footage has drawn attention to both the couple’s public relationship and the cultural traditions that continue to shape how some Ugandans express respect within their families.
Shakib has also publicly celebrated Zari’s milestones. During her 46th birthday, he shared a heartfelt tribute describing her as his peace, strength and best friend, underscoring the affection he has expressed for her publicly.