My mother liked him before I did

When and how did you meet?
Raymond: I was with one of my friends at Livingstone Hall at Makerere University. When I saw Couline, I told my friend that I needed to be friends with her. The second time, I saw her and wanted to declare my feelings to her but my friend advised me not to.
While at a cousin’s kasiki, I met her again and told her she was the person I was looking for and we exchanged contacts. I had left my phone in the car but I memorised her number.
I later invited her home. She turned down my proposal and called it off because she had a boyfriend by then. I still insisted. One time when I called her, she was at home and, I asked if I could talk to her mother. She accepted and we had a chat for one hour.
Couline: After I had turned down Raymond’s relationship proposal, we met again in the university main library after seven months of not communicating. At that moment, I sent Josephine Nankya , my close friend a message that I had met Raymond again.
My friend, who later became my matron on the wedding, then said I was destined for Raymond because we had met again after a long time. The day he talked to my mother, she told me if I was looking for a man to marry, I should settle for Raymond. On hearing that, I didn’t look back and started a relationship with him.

When was the proposal?
Couline: The proposal was on the day we met.
Raymond: From the day I met her, I told her I wanted to marry her and that was in 2007. I didn’t want anything like friendship between us except marriage.

What attracted you to each other?
Raymond: She is beautiful, calm and a very understanding, patient, strong- hearted, firm and very trustworthy. I don’t know what other men have, but I have the best wife.
Couline: The first time I saw him he was handsome but when I got to know him more, he was determined, resilient, compassionate, and passionate about everything. He loves me unconditionally. Even if he makes a mistake, I’ll forgive him because I know that he’s good at heart.

Where was the wedding and why?
Raymond: The wedding was at Mushanga Parish in Sheema District and we were wedded by Bishop Lambert Bainomugisha. The reception was at my parent’s home in Mukinga.
As the eldest boy at home who loves tradition, it was always traditional for the first boy to marry from the parent’s home. And many people who matter most in my life were at home because I believe serious friends can go to wherever the wedding is; and indeed they travelled home in big numbers.

Did you involve any wedding planner?
Raymond: Yes we did but friends and family worked on other things at home. The wedding launch was done at Kololo Gardens and meetings held at Hotel Africana courtesy of Sarah Kibirige. The music by Dr Conrad Muzoora’s Kool sounds of Mbarara, fireworks by Quality Fires and Frank Nyesiga did catering. Then friends and family worked on other things at home.

What were the interesting moments of the wedding?
Raymond: Setting up the tents the night before the wedding feeling and the big turn up of people for the wedding meetings was also exciting. My teams did everything on time. Also, when she was entering church, she

looked smart and it was a joyful moment.
Couline: When I arrived at the church and saw my parents there, that’s when it dawned on me and I knew I was being given away. But one of the most memorable things was when I asked my parents to walk me down the aisle to my husband and when I saw him standing at the altar, I was relieved.

How was the wedding eve?
Raymond: The kasiki was so ballistic in that Guvnor night club was packed to capacity and people danced until morning. When they stopped the music, we went to Ballistique night hangout in Ntinda and danced until 1pm the following day .
It was tense because I was moving up and down but somehow, I managed most things myself. I had to make sure that everything was done properly.
Couline: It was good because I was chatting with my maids looking forward to the next day.

Did you face any challenges during wedding preparations?
Raymond: Yes. For example, we had a budget of Shs100m and as a couple, we didn’t even have Shs10m. There was negative energy from some people but I remained hopeful. At the end of it all, we had a successful debt-free wedding than planned.
Numerous travels and managing the committees in Kampala, Mbarara and at home was also very hectic.
Couline: I didn’t have a lot of challenges because I had prepared early and by the time I left for the village, I had everything I needed.

Did you go for premarital counselling?
Raymond: Yes, George William Kyalimanya at Naguru Parish shared information about successful marriages at no cost. We learnt the importance of sacraments as voices through which God speaks to us.
Couline: Tolerance and how to keep the relationship worthwhile are vital.

How did you get the funds and how much did you use?
Raymond: We got people to contribute for us in meetings and I was happy that we got everything in kind. Friends and family contributed immensely. In total, it was approximately Shs93m. We got more than 300 people contributing to our wedding.

What do you think went wrong that day?
Raymond: I would say everything went on perfect but time was moving so fast; for example, going to church, we had planned to begin at 10am but we began at noon.
Couline: We delayed a bit in the salon because it was one person who was doing the make-up for all the five maids I had which made us arrive at church late.

If there was a chance to redo the wedding, what would you change?
Raymond: Nothing except just to try and keep time for everything.
Couline: I know I did things early but I would instead do them earlier so that I would have time to have less issues bothering my mind.

What advice would you give to those intending to wed?
Couline: Those intending to wed should do it earlier as soon as they get the opportunity and shouldn’t be scared about the budget. It is just letting your friends and family know that you are getting married and everything will fall in place.
Raymond: Work within your means but as long as you meet the right person and you’ve agreed, then you call for a function, wed and it will end. What is important is to have a ring on your finger as long as you feel you are with the right person.

How can one cut costs for their wedding?
Raymond: Plan in advance because when you have time, you are in a position to negotiate better deals. Also get diverse information because then, you can do with help instead of hiring.
For instance, you can borrow your friends’ cars instead of hiring from service providers.
Couline: people to involve in your wedding entourage should be financially stable for purposes of covering some costs.

HIGHLIGHTS
Date : August 22, 2014
Celebrant: Bishop Lambert Bainomugisha
Groom: Raymond Kamugisha
Bride: Couline Akugizibwe
Church: Mushanga Parish in Sheema District
Photography: Nebath Kiiza of Elite Studios in Rukungiri.
Honey moon: Lake View Regency Hotel in Mbarara for two nights, a night at home then to Kalangala.
Budget: Shs 93m