The newly wed couple Abraham Kapindi Mumbere and wife Charity Masika. PHOTO/DAPHINE NAKABIRI
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Abraham Kapindi Mumbere’s life is a testament to the power of transformation, faith, and unshakable resolve. Born into tragedy and orphaned by violence, Mumbere emerged from the shadows of a brutal massacre to celebrate a wedding graced by Uganda’s most powerful and influential. On June 14, at Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine, he married the elegant Charity Masika, a union witnessed by dignitaries, clergy, and academic leaders alike. Adding to the moment’s gravity, Pastor Patience Rwabwogo, daughter of President Yoweri Museveni, delivered the sermon at their church ceremony, drawing from Deuteronomy 11:18–20 in a deeply moving address.
Her gift? A heifer, both symbolic and generous. (In many Ugandan cultures, a heifer is a traditional wedding gift representing blessings, prosperity, and fertility.) “Fix these words of mine in your hearts,” she quoted, urging the couple to uphold and pass on the teachings of God. Her presence left even seasoned clergy, including Rev Fr Cosmas Asaba of Kasese Diocese, in awe. “She reminded us of the value of God's commandments in marriage and parenting,” a grateful Mumbere reflected. “Her message and presence meant the world to us.”
From a nightmare to a new name
Mumbere’s story begins with blood and fire. In 1998, at just one and a half years old, he survived a massacre carried out by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU) rebels at Kyarumba Catholic Church in Kasese District. ADF and NALU were rebel groups responsible for violent attacks in western Uganda during the late 1990s.) While his parents, Josephat Bathimwa and Peskezia Basikania, were killed in cold blood, Abraham, asleep among the bodies, was miraculously spared.
He remembers none of it, but the scars shaped him. Raised by loving relatives, Mumbere channelled his trauma into purpose, carving a path marked by academic brilliance and resilience. From Kagondo Primary School to Uganda Martyrs Namugongo, Uganda Christian University (UCU), and the Law Development Centre (LDC), he stood out, often at the top of his class. Years later, Mumbere is now a law tutorial assistant at UCU and pursuing his Master of Laws at Makerere University, steadily rising as a bright light in Uganda’s legal landscape.
A heart that stepped in
His journey, however, could have been cut short if not for the intervention of Prof Alex Bashasha. The professor was moved when his son, Livingstone Mugume, shared that he had topped the class only because Mumbere had dropped out due to a lack of fees. “That brain was too valuable to waste,” Prof Bashasha recalled emotionally at the wedding. “We had to do something.” That act of kindness changed everything. Mumbere returned to school, soared academically, and now commands respect both in courtrooms and lecture halls. “He was assumed dead,” Prof Bashasha said. “But he slept through death and woke into destiny. With this wedding today, he has become a complete man.” While Mumbere’s professional life is inspiring, it was love that made him feel whole. “I have become a complete man today,” he said at the reception, drawing cheers and laughter, especially when guests jokingly wished the couple immediate twins.
The newly wed couple joined by family members and the clergy display their marriage certificate after the nuptials. PHOTO/DAPHINE NAKABIRI
The couple’s love story began in 2019 during a university students’ sports gala organised by their respective Kasese students’ associations. Charity, then studying Education at Kyambogo University, struck a friendship with the budding lawyer from UCU. Their bond deepened after her graduation, leading to a proposal on December 6, 2024. A traditional introduction ceremony was held in Kasese-Kisinga on February 22, 2025. “It was not love at first sight,” Mumbere admitted. “But we built something real. Our wedding was beyond my wildest dreams.”
Applause for a survivor
The wedding was not only a personal victory, it became a public celebration of resilience. Prof Augustus Nuwagaba, the deputy governor of the Bank of Uganda, offered words of wisdom: “Invest in each other. Trust and financial honesty are also key.” Former Leader of the Opposition, Winfred Kiiza, added humour and insight: “Mumbere, you are the president in this marriage. But Charity is the leader of government business; she must know all your income and expenditure.” UCU law lecturers beamed with pride, praising Charity for marrying “the best man available.” Laughter, wisdom, and love filled Las Vegas Garden Hotel in Bunga, Kampala, that evening. It was not just a wedding, it was the culmination of a journey marked by loss, lifted by grace, and crowned by love.
Forever
For Mumbere, the applause that echoed at his wedding was more than a celebration, it was an affirmation. From a life nearly extinguished before it began, he has forged a legacy built on faith, intellect, and heart. His story is not just one of survival. It is a powerful reminder that even from the deepest sorrow, hope can rise. And on June 14, with vows, cheers, and unwavering love, it did.
