Love born at uncle’s home

The Mugabes after exchanging their vows. Courtesy Photot

What you need to know:

TO CHERISH FOREVER. Moureen Nabimanya, a business woman met Davis Mugabe, an engineer ,at her uncle’s place and walked down the aisle of St Peters Nsambya Church in Kampala on June 6 after spending a decade living together. The couple shared with Joseph Kato their story.

When and how did you meet?
Davis: I met Moureen in 2000 at my uncle’s home. She had visited her aunt who happens to be my uncle’s wife.
Moureen: I first met Davis at his uncle’s place in Kyambogo.


Did you start dating immediately?
Davis: No, because we did know each other.
Moureen: I took him for a very mature man for my liking. At that time, I had dropped out of school due to lack of school fees.

So, when did chemistry start?
Davis: Our love started through a simple chat where she told me how she had dropped out of school because of lack of tuition fees. At the moment I could not help her because I was still a student of engineering at Kyambogo University. However, I promised myself that I would take her back to school after getting a job.


As time went by, I developed feelings for her. I took her for a tea date and I declared my love for her. She did not accept because she took me for a very old man. I gradually convinced her and won her over.


Moureen: I think I was scared of his height and size because I was very small.
Besides, I did not take his proposition seriously. I wondered how one would abandon graduates for a school dropout. Nevertheless, he won me over as we continued meeting and promising to take me back to school

So, did you take her back to school?
Davis: Yes, I did. I first met her parents without my uncle’s and her aunt’s knowledge. Her parents seconded the idea and gave us the go- ahead. I took her back to school in Rukungiri District in 2004. Then, I had completed University and was working.
I had fallen in love with her and wanted to do anything for her. She studied O-Level. Thereafter, I started up a small business for her.

How did you feel when he told you to go back to school?
Moureen: I was very excited because I desired to go to school. I went back determined to excel because I never wanted to waste his money.

How was your love life when she was at school?
Davis: I often visited her at school and she would spend holidays with me. We decided to have our first child immediately she completed Senior Four.
She was a bit hesitant since she wanted a wedding before children. I told her that I wanted to first build a house before a wedding and she understood.
Moureen: When he asked me to bear for him a child, I was a bit hesitant because I thought the wedding would come first. I accepted because he had proved his love for me beyond doubt.
Besides, my heart was satisfied because I always yearned for Uganda Certificate of Education.

What attracted you to each other?
Davis: She is reserved, beautiful and knows what self-respect means
Moureen: I was attracted by his care and maturity in reasoning in whatever he does. Besides, he is handsome and does not take decisions hurriedly.

How did your uncle react after learning you two had fallen in love?
Davis: It was a surprise to them because they never suspected that we had reached somewhere as far as love was concerned. They got know the news when she was pregnant.

What were your parents thinking about your delayed wedding?
Moureen: My parents always asked me when we were going to have the wedding. They believed that he was going to abandon me at any time.

Did you at some point lose hope for the wedding?
Moureen: On several occasions I thought he was going to abandon me. My heart would chicken out after listening to my friends and parents stories about men who had abandoned their women after fathering for them children.
But, I could gain hope after his endless assurance of not quitting.

So, when did you finally plan to have the wedding?
Davis: I started planning for our wedding soon after building our house. I gave myself one year to collect the funds before I revealed the news to my wife and friends.

How did you feel when he revealed to you how he was planning for your wedding?
Moureen: I was very amused and prayed tirelessly about it. I did not tell my parents at the time because I still had some doubts.

Did you have a wedding planner?
Davis: No, I did not. I drafted the budget having in mind my financial capacity. The budget was Shs35m.


What was the main source of fund?
Davis: Before, I made it known to my relatives and friends; I had saved over 80 per cent of the required amount.

Where did you wed from?
Moureen: St Peter’s Catholic Church in Nsambya on June 6. We chose the venue because it is where we always pray from.

What were some of the unforgettable moments?
Moureen: When he put a ring on my finger. It had been the moment I yearned for long. I could not believe that I was taking marriage vows before my parents.


Davis: When the army band played hymns as we took the vows. The band was hired by my childhood friend who is an army officer. Besides, my mother slid and fell on the altar as she was rushing to give us a hug after taking vows. She was very excited after seeing me wed since I’m her child. I thank God she never got hurt.

Where was the reception
Davis: At Noah’s Ark Garden in Kabalagala. We chose the place because it was near the road and could easily be identified by our friends and relatives. Besides, their services are good and relatively cheap.

What did you enjoy most at the reception?
Moureen: I was amused by the moment when we served each other a piece of cake and a drink. That was one of the things I always dreamt about.


Davis: My mother danced for us because she was very excited to see her only child wed. She told us that she was always worried of dying before witnessing my wedding.

Did anything go wrong?
Davis: Someone hid our wedding certificate with the intention of blackmailing us. I realised that our certificate was missing the next day. I went back to the reception but they could not trace the person. After some days we received a call that an old woman had picked it and wanted Shs100,000. I refused to pay the money because it was our certificate and useless to her. I filed a case at Kabalagala police station. She returned it fearing to be arrested.

Did you go for marital counselling?
Moureen: Yes, we were counselled by a catechist. We learnt about respecting each other and not giving room to rumour mongers.


Davis: I was taught the importance of communication in the marriage. We need to resolve issues amicably

Any advice to those intending to get married?
Moureen: Try to understand your fiancé in case he is not willing to have the wedding at the moment. Pray tirelessly and God will reward you and make your dreams alive.


Davis: I think people intending to get married should first save their own money. Do rely on people’s pledges for your wedding. This would save you from disappointments.

DETAILS
Date: June 6, 2015
Bride: Moureen Nabimanya
Groom: Davis Mugabe.
Best man: Julius Kaija
Matron: Profia Kabakundwa
Church: St Peter’s Church, Nsambya
Reception: Noah’s Ark Gardens, Kabalagala
Budget: Shs 35m

The highlights

Colour theme
The bridesmaids were not only energetic but were also elegant in the colour-themed dresses.

Limo
The couple chose limousine because it reflects a touch of class and is spacious for the bridal party as opposed to spending on multiple vehicles.

Child
To make the day more joyful and fulfilling, Davis and Moureen had their daughter on the entourage and dressed her appropriately.

Popper
When shopping for the little things that will add a festive touch to your wedding, do not look further. Apart from party poppers, sparklers, streamers and confetti, you could go for snowy streamer to liven up your event.

Speech
You do not have to be a stand-up comedian. A humorous quote or story can add a nice touch, just keep it tasteful. Anecdotes that involve nakedness, drunkenness, or ex-spouse and significant others could make the moment awkward if the story falls flat.

Certificate
Ensure to get wedded at a church where legitimate celebrants and certificates are priority. Thereafter trust the bestman or maid of honour with your wedding certificate for safety.