The keys to long-lasting marriage

The Gumisirizas

Maureen Abote who nominated Gad and Eunice Gumisiriza of Mbarara District says they are inspirational and have helped lots of other young couples to walk the long marriage journey and have ensured that all of their children are legally married too.

“We have been together for 43 years and we are always there for each other and continue to be better. I learnt that when you make a choice, it is termed as commitment and it is bad manners to divert from it. I told myself that I cannot pick a partner every day and this goes back to moral implications since life is not a bed of roses,” Gad Gumisiriza says.

He adds that he always insists that if marriage was normal, it could be dull since people will be missing out on the challenges there in which can be a good step towards making their, relationships grow stronger.

The Matsikos

Catherine Mutungi who nominated Rev Can Hosea Matsiko and his wife Edith says they are marriage counsellors at All Saints Cathedral and have tirelessly dedicated their lives to help struggling couples restore their marriages through counselling and constant followups, which she is a proud beneficiary.

“We have been together for 32 years now and I am a believer and a priest. I got married knowing I was going into a covenant and not a contract, I know God provided one wife to Adam and not many,” Can Matsiko says.

Matsiko adds that with challenges, they learnt that when they understand each other, it is easy to have a smooth relationship.

“The fact that I am a professional counsellor, I borrow a leaf from some experiences of my clients to improve my relationship.
I live by the principle well defined roles and together with unreserved love, mutual submission, tender respect, lifelong commitment, sexual fulfillment, open communication, spiritual companionship and sharing identities where we look at each other as a new being every day,” he says.

The Mukulus

Jack and Teddy Mukulu of Masuulita have spent 27 years in their marriage and believe their trust for each other and prayer has enabled them sustain their relationship.

“Putting our trust in God and the fact that we sing in church helps to keep us in check in how we lead our lives. It does not mean that we do not get disagreements but rather we talk about them and daily see each other as new people,” Jack Mukulu says.

He adds that 27 years of marriage has taught them not to dwell on past mistakes as this affects most relationships.

Emmanuel Muchunguzi, their son who nominated them, says, “My parents are one of a kind, one time dad was in a tough situation and lost everything he had but mum never left his side. They have groomed us into responsible and respectful people who try to emulate the example they set for us,” he says.

Muchunguzi adds that his parents were supposed to celebrate their silver jubilee last year but had to postpone the celebrations so as to fend for their nine children.

“It has really been a long journey and I really believe they deserve to be among those who will win this offer since they have been a good example to us in spite of all the challenges they have experienced,” he says.

The Bananywas

Aggrey and Florence Bananywa who have been married for 31 years now, say they believe in God for whatever uphill task they face.

“When we work harder, we succeed to inspire our juniors. Marriage was never my priority but my grandfather, before his death, sat me down and told me why marriage was an important thing. He advised me to have one wife. God gave her to me as a big gift and I am grateful,” he says.

Florence adds that telling the truth, being contented that all men are the same and having trust for one another have led them this far.

Cathy, their friend, who nominated Aggrey and Florence, says the two have spent 30 years in marriage and they truly love one another. “Even when you live with them and you don’t wanted to get married they inspire you.

She adds: “They are not just parents to so many but also counsellors, teachers in a way that encourages others to think of marriage, stay in marriage. They pamper each other. I know of a friend who had swore never to get married but after staying with the couple for a month, she walked down the aisle last month,” she says.

Campaign

“Just the two of us” is a Valentine’s Day promotion run by Monitor Publications for the last few years. It targets couples with the aim of celebrating love and rewarding Daily Monitor readers with prizes. Monitor, will be rewarding couples who have been in love and married for 25 years. Nominate a couple that inspires you. The promotion will run for the whole of February on all our platforms.