I said yes before he proposed

What you need to know:

He that finds a wife. When he requested to put a ring on my hand, he wanted to kneel but I refused and instead knelt and replied “honey I truly do accept your request”, writes OLIVIER MUKAAYA.

How did you come to know each other?
Simon: We met at Manafwa High School-Bubulo when she was in her O-Level. I had gone to meet a friend and that’s when I spotted her.

What attracted you to one another?
Simon: She was a hardworking and God-fearing beautiful girl whom every man would have wished to have.
Beatrice: He was loving and caring as he never rushed but encouraged me to continue studying.

When did you fall in love?
Simon: In 2009, I had completed my Grade III Teacher’s Certificate and she had completed O-Level.
Beatrice: November 2009 during my S.4 vacation.

What did you like about each other?
Simon: She is loving, understanding, patient and faithful.
Beatrice: He is patient, God-fearing and honest.
When did you think of marriage?
Simon: In 2010, after being together for some time. I realised she was the woman I wanted to share the rest of my life with.
Beatrice: In 2010 when I realised he was committed and faithful.

When did you think of making your relationship formal?
Simon: In 2015 after she had finished her nursing course, we decided to make it formal, starting with a traditional ceremony.

When did you set the wedding date?
Simon: After our introduction, we met with Rt Rev Patrick Gidudu, Bishop of Mbale Anglican Diocese. We committed ourselves to getting maried this year and agreed on September 28.

What was the proposal like?
Simon: One evening I decided to take her out for dinner at Crown Suites Hotel in Mbale Town. After dinner I went out and when I got back I just went down on one knee to propose but she instead asked me to get up and instead knelt and accepted.
Beatrice: I was overwhelmed with joy that day, a young man of his age committing to be my husband, something I was praying for. When he requested to put a ring on my hand, he wanted to kneel but I refused.
How long were you dating?
Simon: We dated for two years but we had been together for eight years.

How did you raise the funds for the wedding?
Simon: We raised funds from our savings and contributions from friends, and relatives.

What challenges did you face during the preparations?
Simon: It was hectic, but made sure things happen our way. We put our foot down on the reception venue because some family members preffered my father’s home.
Beatrice: Getting the rightful service providers was a big challenge.

What were you doing on the eve of the wedding?
Simon: I was busy making sure that everything was on course; salon and later home for prayers.
Beatrice: I went to the salon and we later prayed for our wedding at home.

What did you like on the wedding day?
Simon: My wife and the love people showed, especially because we had all among guests.
Beatrice: My husband’s smile, especially the moment we exchanged vows. And of course the presence of our family and friends.

What was the most expensive item on the budget?
Simon: Food and drinks, they cost us Shs10m.
What was the cost of your attires?
Simon: My suit and shoes cost Shs800,000.
Beatrice: My gown, shoes and jewelry, all cost Shs1.5m.

Did you involve a wedding planner?
No, but we had two preparation committees (Bubulo and Mbale Town).

What type of rings did you choose?
Gold rings from Italy at Shs100,000.

Were you disappointed by any service provider?
Simon: Yes, the service providers didn’t do most of the things we asked for.
Beatrice: Yes we had asked the decorators to provide a red carpet but they didn’t yet we had paid for everything.

What was going through your mind during the ceremony?
Simon: I felt loved and blessed with a beautiful wife.
Beatrice: I felt special and loved by my husband and kept praying to God for strength to stand before those witnesses at church.

Did you go for premarital counselling and what did you learn?
Simon: Yes, and I learnt that I should be responsible, tolerant, loving and faithful to my wife and above all work to have a developed and model family.
Beatrice: Yes, and I learnt how to care for my husband, how to keep my family secrets and how to develop my family.

What is your advice to those planning to wed?
Simon: They should first identify their status and save some money, create friends and pray.

About the couple
Simon Butsatsa Kulyate is a teacher, journalist working with Open Gate FM and he has been the Youth chairperson for Manafwa district. He is also the chairperson of a youth Sacco of Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited and also serves on Mbale Diocesan Youth Committee as the publicity secretary.
Beatrice Butsatsa is a nurse volunteering with Bubulo HC IV in Manafwa District and owns a drug shop. They are both counsellors and motivational speakers who are always invited by schools and organisation to speak to their staff.

The highlights

Grooms name: Simon Butsatsa Kulyate
Bride’s name: Beatrice Nabulo Butsatsa
Wedding Date: September 28, 2019
Church: St. Mark Church of Uganda-Bubulo in Manafwa District
Reception: Manafwa Town Council Gardens
Guest’s number: 1500 Guests
Budget: Shs31m
Cake: Shs1.5m