Ugandan businessman and boxer Shakib Cham Lutaaya has sparked discussion after saying he still considers himself married, days after socialite Zari Hassan announced that the two had ended their relationship.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, June 18, Shakib was asked whether he was still married and responded with a direct “yes.”
When asked who he was married to, he replied, “The same person I have is the same person I’m still having,” appearing to refer to Zari Hassan.
Pressed on whether there had been any changes or improvement in their situation, Shakib responded with humour, saying:
“That would be a surprise to me as well.”
Shakib says he is emotionally fine
During the interview, Shakib maintained that he was handling the situation calmly despite the public attention surrounding their relationship.
“I’m emotionally okay. I’m handling everything as a grown man,” he said.
His remarks came shortly after Zari shared a joint statement on Instagram announcing that the couple had separated after five years together.
The pair, who gained wider attention through their appearance on the reality series Young, Famous & African, said they had decided to part ways due to what they described as “irreconcilable differences.”
The statement emphasised that the separation was mutual and that there was no hostility between them.
“5 years later, after much thought and reflection, we believe it is best for us to part ways due to irreconcilable differences. While this wasn’t an easy decision, we feel it is the right one for both of us,” the statement read.
Zari added that despite the end of their romantic relationship, they continue to value each other and remain friends with respect and understanding.
“We value each other and remain friends with mutual respect and understanding. We sincerely wish each other happiness, success, and all the best for the future,” she said.
The former couple’s relationship had often attracted public attention, with fans closely following their journey over the years.