In a sermon delivered to a huge congregation on May 4, 2024, Rt. Reverend John Charles Odurkani, known for his conservative views on marriage, has cautioned married couples against mingling with individuals who have experienced divorce.

The clergyman's statements ignited debate within the congregation attending the golden jubilee wedding anniversary of elder David and wife Edith Wakumire at Mbale Resort Hotel.

Some guests applauded his stance on preserving marital sanctity while others criticised it as discriminatory and divisive.

During his sermon, Reverend Odurkani argued fervently that interactions with divorcees could undermine the stability of existing marriages.

Retired Reverend Charles Odurkani (3rd from the left) standing behind the golden jubilee couple in a group photo.

He asserted, "Marriage is a sacred bond ordained by God, and we must protect its sanctity at all costs. Associating with those who have failed in their marital commitments can cast doubt and temptation into the minds of happily married individuals, potentially leading them astray."

Odurkani continued: “Some of them can be envious and hence eager to see your stable relationships also break up so that you are all at the same level.”

Instead, the 72-year-old preacher urged the married to embrace the company of the successful married people in their communities so as to learn how to better their own marital unions.

He emphasised the significance of role models in marriage stressing that; “Interacting with other successful couples who prioritize communication, compromise, and mutual respect can serve as valuable role models for our own relationship.”

Sam Wabuloko, one of the attendees lauded Rev. Odurkani’s efforts to uphold traditional values and safeguard the institution of marriage.

“He was driving at the point of us being aware of the influential role people we relate with can play in our marriages and general lives as well,” Wabuloko said.

Wabuloko progressed in his reasoning; “The people we surround ourselves with, particularly in marriage, can have a significant impact on our success and well-being.”

Alice Nabukwasi another attendee concurred with the clergyman.

“Observing how other couples navigate disagreements and conflicts can provide valuable insights into effective communication and conflict resolution strategies can be more helpful than relating with those who failed to uphold such key pillars,” she said.

On the other hand, others denounced Odurkani’s rhetoric as judgmental and exclusionary, emphasising the importance of compassion and understanding towards those who have experienced marital breakdowns.

Preferring anonymity, a congregant stated; “we ought to be kind and loving to the divorcees so as to avoid isolating them.”

In response to the backlash, Reverend Odurkani reaffirmed his stance, stating, "My intention is not to condemn or ostracise individuals who have gone through divorce, but rather to caution married couples about the influences they allow into their lives.

"We must prioritise the health and longevity of marital unions, guided by the teachings of our faith."

He also rallied couples on effective communication, to cherish one another and being faithful to one another.

To biblically qualify his argument, Odurkani quoted Romans 12:9 which states; “Let Love be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

He applauded the Wakumires for demonstrating true love for each other over the last 50 years of their holy matrimony.

The Wakumire’s path

It all begun at Nabumali High School in 1969 where both David and Edith studied. The duo were members of the chapel. David was a student in S.5 while Edith was in S.3.

“One day, after prayers, David his formal love proposal,” Edith recalled. “We were attracted to each other.”

After a few days of pondering over David’s proposal, Edith worked up the courage and wrote a positive note in response.

“Dear David, if what you said is from God, it will happen,” Edith recollected replying in a pencil.

After school, they decided to get married in 1974. The golden couple has four adult children; Solomon Wanandeya, Christopher Gidongo, Samson Watulatsu, and Tamar Kharono Ssembiro.

Having qualified as educationists, they both served in distinguished positions in society including being Principal of Nyondo Primary Teachers College (PTC) and teacher, respectively, as well as charitable activities such as the Christian Child Care Project (CCP), where they sheltered, provided for and educated vulnerable and orphaned children.

According to Wakumire, in the symphony of their lives, love has been the unwavering melody, weaving through the years like a timeless Sonnet.

“Together, we have danced through 600 months, embracing in warmth, laughing through 2607 weeks, and cherishing each of the 18,250 days testament as a precious gem.

“Our love, a masterpiece painted with love’s brush over 50 years, adorned with gratitude in every one of the 26,280,000 minutes we have been to share,” Wakumire said.

The golden jubilee wedding anniversary function was well attended to by several dignitaries ranging from the religious realm, business, academia, and political, sectors.