Ugandan socialite and reality TV star Zari Hassan, 44, has revealed why she didn’t hesitate to settle down with her young husband, Shakib Lutaaya Chum, 32, after just one year of dating.

Zari, a mother of five, has had her fair share of high-profile relationships, with one of the most publicized being her four-year romance with Tanzanian Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz.

Despite their chemistry and the family they built together, their relationship was full of ups and downs, including allegations of infidelity. While there were talks of marriage at some point, Zari remained hesitant.

However, things were different when she met Shakib in 2022. Within just a year, they decided to make their union official through an Islamic wedding.

Speaking recently in Kenya while renewing her brand ambassadorship deal with Samsung Electronics, Zari shared what made her commit so quickly.

"Why I decided to make it halal with Shakib (out of all the men I have been with) is because he is a very nice guy. He is someone who makes me feel at home when I am with him. Home is not a building, it’s where you find peace, and that’s what Shakib is."

Their whirlwind romance, however, has not been without drama. Just months after their wedding, the couple found themselves at the center of controversy as they engaged in nasty public arguments on social media.

Fans who had celebrated their love story were left questioning if their marriage was on the rocks.

This wasn’t the first time Zari’s relationships had faced public scrutiny. In 2023, she and Shakib had a heated argument during a live social media session, which led to speculation that they had broken up.

However, they later reconciled, with Zari defending their relationship, saying that no marriage is perfect.

Zari has also previously been vocal about her past heartbreaks and disappointments, particularly with Diamond Platnumz, who fathered two of her children.

After their split, she accused him of failing to be present in their children’s lives. Meanwhile, her ex-husband, the late Ivan Ssemwanga, was known for his flashy lifestyle but also for allegations of mistreatment.

Despite the challenges, Zari seems determined to make her marriage with Shakib work. She has consistently praised him for being supportive and making her feel safe.

Recently, they have been spotted together more frequently, suggesting that they have put their differences aside and are focusing on building a future together.