Ruganzu’s suit and Grace’s gown were not your usual wedding outfits. In line with his belief in the Ubuntu spirit, Xenson used barkcloth he had kept for 12 years to craft Grace’s gown. PHOTO | TNASHOTS
Bruno Ruganzu always knew his wedding would not be the typical celebration. Being an artist, he envisioned something creative and deeply personal to honour his love for Grace Twizere.
“I wanted it to feel like an extension of who we are,” he shares.
With the help of friends and family, Ruganzu made it happen in Kisoro, his hometown. His best man, Alex Kwizera (Kwiz Era), introduced him to Rebecca Gumobare of Zuri Lifestyle, who took charge of the décor, while his longtime friend, designer Xenson Ssenkaaba, created one-of-a-kind attire for the couple.
Ruganzu’s suit and Grace’s gown were not your usual wedding outfits. In line with his belief in the Afrocentric spirit, Xenson used barkcloth he had kept for 12 years to craft Grace’s gown.
“It was natural and meaningful,” Ruganzu says.
As an art lecturer at Kyambogo University, Ruganzu also brought his former students on board. Jackson Kirisa and Joachim Ogwado worked on building the reception venue from scratch, supervised by artist Peter Arinitwe. Logistics were handled by Julius Lugaaya, an experienced event manager.
“Having Julio in charge made everything stress-free,” Ruganzu adds with a smile.
A venue full of memories
The wedding took place on Karunga Hill, a location rich in sentimental value for Ruganzu. Friends offered the venue at an affordable price and even provided construction materials. His nephew, Bruno Arinaitwe (Kluivert), led the photography team alongside Gregory Tulley, an international photographer who flew in from the US.
“It all came together beautifully,” Ruganzu recalls. And then, surrounded by loved ones, he finally walked down the aisle with Grace, his partner of 18 years.
Choosing Kisoro for the wedding was not only sentimental but practical. Ruganzu’s love for Karunga Hill dates back to his childhood, and having the wedding nearby meant Grace’s elderly grandmother could attend. Combining traditional and church ceremonies also simplified planning and saved money.
Test of time
The couple’s journey began in February 2006. Ruganzu remembers returning a borrowed camera to Grace’s home when their paths crossed. “She was stunning; big eyes, afro hair, calm presence. I just knew she was the one,” he says.
Grace remembers it vividly too. “One evening, my younger sister Sarah and I were coming back from Rwaramba Village when we saw him painting at Virunga Hotel. He greeted us so warmly, and I noticed how calm and respectful he was,” she recalls.
After exchanging numbers (or rather, realising she already had his), their connection blossomed. “Whoever meets Shushu knows she is as graceful as a crested crane,” Ruganzu says. “She is kind, and our conversations felt so meaningful. That is what won me over.”
The little things
Over the years, their relationship was built on simple, heartfelt gestures. Ruganzu made weekly deliveries of samosas from Kabale to Kisoro, took Grace on walks by Lake Mutanda, and helped her garden at her grandmother’s home.
They built a life together, raising two children, Freddie and Ubuntu.
“Her patience amazes me. She is the most intentional person I have ever met,” Ruganzu shares.
When Ruganzu proposed last year in Gstaad, Switzerland, Grace was overjoyed. “We were visiting for an art project, and Glacier 3000 was the perfect spot,” he recalls. “It felt symbolic; like merging the beauty of Switzerland and Africa’s Kabale.”
Navigating challenges
Their love story was not without challenges. Grace, the daughter of a Canon, faced rejection from her family for living with Ruganzu before marriage. “It was humiliating and made me feel like an outcast,” she admits.
Ruganzu adds, “We had to prioritise each other. At the end of the day, it is just the two of us, with God guiding our journey.”
“Our journey has been about patience, creativity, and choosing each other every day,” Ruganzu says. “And it is only the beginning.”
A partnership
Grace Twizere and Bruno Ruganzu’s marriage thrives on teamwork and mutual respect. With Grace’s background in Microfinance, she manages the daily expenses while Ruganzu plans for long-term needs. “It is all about trust and working together,” she says. Their advice to couples? “Marry for love,” Grace emphasises. “Everything else fades, but love will carry you through.” With God at the centre of their union, they dream of continuing to grow together, raising their children well, and exploring the world as
