The couple, who have been married for 25 years, now find joy in the simple things; travelling together, laughing, and enjoying life. PHOTO | EDGAR R BATTE
Francis Kamulegeya has had a highly successful and fulfilling career that has earned him respect for his consultancy, mentorship and advice.
He is a non-executive director and board member of six companies across diverse sectors, including telecom, banking, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and real estate.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, when I visit him for an interview about his ventures in the education sector, I curiously ask if he would be open to an interview with his wife for a love story.
He laughs heartily, immediately quashing my hopes, but then, signalling to me, he steps inside to speak with his wife and says he will "revert" shortly. He warns me that she is quite private and may not be open to the idea.
To my delight, he returns with his wife, hand in hand. “You are in luck,” he says happily. Together, they sit down, ready to share their story with me.
The couple met on June 5, 1992, in the leafy suburb of Epsom, United Kingdom (UK), where Sophie had gone for a study vacation after completing her Uganda Advanced Certificate Examinations (UACE). She was staying with her sister, who was friends with Francis and his sisters. Francis often visited, enjoying meals cooked by the women. On one of these visits, he could not help but notice her beauty and soon, she was constantly on his mind.
Due to the unwelcoming nature of the landlord at her residence, Sophie would often visit Francis’ apartment, which he shared with his nephew. Because she needed to explore Epsom and London further, Francis, who had been living in the UK for two years, kindly offered to be her tour guide.
Soon, Sophie needed a job, and once again, Francis was there to help. He found her three part-time jobs at the places where he worked, and the two would often commute together. He became a big brother figure, especially since he still had a girlfriend in Uganda, with whom he regularly exchanged letters.
Protector
As their bond grew and after the relationship with his Ugandan girlfriend ended, Francis became protective of Sophie, ensuring she stayed away from what he considered the wrong
“London Boys.” He insists that it was merely his protective instinct at work, but over time, his affection for her grew stronger.
“She was very small and young, so I took on the role of a guardian,” he explains.
Their growing closeness eventually led to Sophie feeling something more for Francis. “I was always there for her,” he adds, reflecting on their special connection. Their relationship continued to blossom and their shared love of travel, music and sports further solidifying their bond.
They attended concerts together, including one by Bryan Adams at Wembley Stadium. Francis, along with his friend and housemate, had a turntable and a four-deck Aiwa disc player, and they were the life of house parties within the Ugandan community in Epsom and Kingston.
As Sophie’s visa was nearing expiration, Francis worked tirelessly to secure her permanent residency in the UK, ensuring they could remain together. In June 1994, their first child was born, and with it came the need for a home. They bought a two-bedroom flat in Mitcham, South London, which is now owned by their daughter.
Wedding
Five years later, in July 1999, Francis proposed, and they got married. Sophie describes Francis as caring, considerate, and always ready to listen to her opinion. “He was so caring, and still is,” she says, adding that he used to cook for her and was always neat and hardworking.
Their marriage proposal, however, was not without its hurdles. At one point, Sophie turned him down because she felt he was proposing simply because his friends were getting married, not because he was truly ready. Eventually, Francis proved his sincerity, proposing again one night after a birthday party and this time, Sophie accepted.
Their wedding was a grand affair. Initially, Sophie wanted a small wedding of 20 people, but the guest list quickly grew. The reception, held at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, had more than 470 guests. They even had a Ugandan priest, Fr Andrew Ssali, who officiated their wedding Mass at St Peter and Paul Church in Mitcham.
In the years that followed, they faced challenges, including living apart for eight years when Francis returned to Uganda for work. Sophie lived as a single mother in the UK, raising their three children while maintaining a long-distance relationship with Francis. During this time, their bond was tested but remained strong.
Their relationship is proof of the strength of companionship, openness, and trust. As they reminisce about their journey, they are grateful for the life they have built together.
At the end of the interview, I ask to take some pictures, and their playful nature shines through. With Sophie jokingly reminding Francis he is “omukungu,” they share flirtatious moments and romantic poses that reflect the deep bond they share.
Communication is key
Despite the distance, their communication was constant, with regular calls and visits. Francis would visit the UK every quarter, while Sophie and the children would travel to Uganda during the summer.
Their commitment remained anchored in friendship and they learnt to complement each other’s personalities, with Francis talking a lot and Sophie appreciating her quietness. Over time, they both learnt how to communicate and accept each other’s differences.
The couple, who have been married for 25 years, now find joy in the simple things; travelling together, laughing, and enjoying life.
“He can be romantic without giving me flowers. He is romantic in dollars,” Sophie says with a smile.
