
The couple held their introduction ceremony on November 23 in Kisoro District and their wedding a week later on November 30. PHOTO/OLIVIER MUKAAYA
Mulyamboga and Tumusiime's first encounter was nothing short of intriguing. The couple met at Mbale Court in eastern Uganda while Mulyamboga, an investigative journalist, was on assignment. He fondly recalls the moment he spotted her with a friend and decided to approach them to say hello. What began as a casual greeting ended with Mulyamboga asking Tumusiime out on a date, which she gladly accepted. “We planned our first meeting and ended up having dinner at Piato Restaurant, near the French Embassy in Kampala,” he reminisces. What set their story apart was how their first date unfolded. Instead of the typical small talk and getting to know each other, the pair delved straight into wedding plans. “During that first dinner, we started planning our wedding,” Mulyamboga shares with a laugh. “I assumed the role of chairman while she became the secretary. Together, we drafted a budget that very evening, before we even knew much about each other.” Tumusiime adds that their relationship mostly blossomed through phone calls and WhatsApp messages since she lived in Kampala while her sweetheart was based in Mbale. “Our busy schedules made face to-face meetings difficult, but we stayed connected through frequent calls and messages,” she explains. Mulyamboga was captivated by Tumusiime’s intelligence and critical thinking skills, while she admired his honesty and sincerity, which inspired her to know him better.
A unique courtship During their seven-month courtship, Mulyamboga and Tumusiime grew closer by exchanging thoughtful gifts and sharing meaningful moments. Mulyamboga was particularly touched by Tumusiime’s generous gestures. “Many assume only women enjoy receiving gifts, but men appreciate them too. The thoughtful presents she gave me made me realise she was truly one of a kind,” he says. Initially, Mulyamboga felt shy about Tumusiime’s fondness for public displays of affection, such as hugging. “At first, I was hesitant, but she loved hugging me in public. Over time, I grew to enjoy it even more than she did,” he admits. Their bond deepened through prayer and mutual support, laying a solid foundation for their relationship.
The proposal
When it came time to propose, Mulyamboga chose a private, intimate setting rather than a public spectacle. “I was nervous about proposing in public, so I opted for an indoor proposal. When I asked her to be my future wife, she said yes, and it made me incredibly happy,” he recalls.

Introduction and wedding
The couple held their introduction ceremony on November 23 in Kisoro District and their wedding a week later on November 30. With support from friends and family, they successfully planned both events without hiring a professional event planner. “It was not easy to find affordable and quality service providers for décor, catering, and other essentials, but the encouragement and help from loved ones made it possible,” Mulyamboga shares. Travelling from Mbale to Kisoro for the introduction was challenging for Mulyamboga due to the long distance, but the effort was worth it. “In Western Uganda, during an introduction ceremony, the man has to pick out his bride from a group of girls, which is quite different from my culture in Eastern Uganda. It was an interesting experience,” he says. For Tumusiime, seeing Mulyamboga in cultural attire and witnessing her family’s joy made the day unforgettable.
Lessons from counselling
Through marriage counselling, the lovebirds learnt the importance of putting God at the centre of their union, prioritising each other, and fostering strong communication. “Marriage is a partnership where both people must work together to make it successful. Forgiveness is also key,” Mulyamboga notes. Tumusiime adds that being part of a community of married couples has been invaluable for their growth.
Memorable moments
For Mulyamboga, the most memorable moments were when Tumusiime crowned him with a traditional headpiece, their exchange of vows, and the heartfelt speeches from loved ones. She treasures the vow exchange, their grand entrance into the reception hall, and the moment Mulyamboga chose her during the introduction ceremony.
Advice
Mulyamboga encourages young men to seek God’s guidance in finding the right partner. “Let God lead you in your search rather than relying solely on your judgment,” he advises. Tumusiime urges young women to remain prayerful, hopeful, and open-hearted. “Stay faithful to God, as He is faithful to the faithful. Be kind, smile, and do not hesitate to put yourself out there; you never know when the right person will come along,” she says.