Former socialite and businesswoman Don Zella has sparked discussion after sharing her views on why some Ugandans living and working in Dubai may appear to have more available cash than people living in the United States.
Speaking during a podcast interview, Don Zella explained that her comparison was not about overall wealth or assets, but rather about cash flow—the amount of money people have available to spend after earning it.
According to the entrepreneur, one major difference comes down to how people manage money in different countries. She argued that many people in the United States rely heavily on credit and long-term financing, while people in Dubai and Uganda often spend money they have already earned.
“Most of the people in USA live on credit. Someone purchases a one-million-dollar house, pays about a $100,000 deposit, and then spends around 40 years paying off the debt. But in Uganda or Dubai, you eat on what you have worked for.”
Don Zella said that because of these different financial systems, someone working in Dubai may sometimes appear to have stronger day-to-day finances than someone in the United States who has significant assets but also large financial obligations.
However, she stressed that her point was specifically about available income and spending power, not a measurement of who is richer.
The businesswoman noted that owning valuable assets, such as a house, does not always mean someone has more money available at any given moment if those assets are tied to loans or long-term payments.
Her comments have also brought attention to the different ways people define financial success. While some measure wealth through property, investments, and assets, others focus on the amount of money they can access and use immediately.
Beyond discussing international financial habits, Don Zella also reflected on her own relationship with money and how her approach to spending has changed over time.
The entrepreneur admitted that there was a period when she spent large amounts of money trying to maintain a certain public image.
She revealed that she once spent Shs16 million in a single night at a bar, explaining that the spending was motivated more by wanting to impress others than by genuine enjoyment.
“It is like a devil. You want to prove that you have money. I wasn’t even drinking all the alcohol, sometimes just half a bottle of champagne, but I always wanted to prove to the people I was with that I had money and could spend it.”
Don Zella said the experience taught her that some spending decisions are influenced by social pressure and the desire to appear successful.
Don Zella has remained a recognizable figure in Uganda’s entertainment and social circles through her public lifestyle, business ventures, and media appearances.
Over the years, she has often spoken about wealth, success, relationships, and personal experiences, offering opinions based on her own journey.
Her latest comments focus on financial behavior and the differences between how people in various countries approach earning, borrowing, and spending money.
Discussions about money and migration often focus on salaries and opportunities, but Don Zella’s comments highlight another factor: how financial systems influence people’s everyday experiences.
Credit-based economies, property ownership, savings habits, and spending culture can all shape how financially comfortable someone feels, even when their overall financial situations may differ significantly.
Her remarks also encourage a broader conversation about the difference between looking wealthy and having financial security.
Don Zella’s reflection on her past spending habits adds a personal layer to her comments about money.
While she discussed how people manage finances across different countries, she also acknowledged her own experience with spending to impress others.
Her message suggests that financial confidence is not only about how much money someone has, but also about understanding why they spend and making choices that align with their real priorities.
The conversation continues around what truly defines financial success—visible wealth, available cash, or long-term stability.