Professor Simeon Kayiwa (the Chancellor of Kayiwa International University, also the founding Pastor of Namirembe Christian Fellowship) and his wife Dr Celia Kayiwa are now ruby jubilarians. 

They celebrated their 40th marriage anniversary on Sunday, May 16. Their function was colorful, blissful stylistic, jubilant and musical.

How it Unfolded

Early in the morning, Prof Simeon Kayiwa drove his wife Dr Celia Kayiwa to a hotel at Rubaga Road, where she was dressed in a sparkling white bridal gown.

The Kayiwas cutting a cake during the reception at Namirembe Christian Fellowship Church

The couple subsequently proceeded to St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, where they were wed by the late Bishop Misaeri Kauma, four decades ago, to give thanks to God the almighty.

Although the Kayiwas are not alien in the Anglican Cathedral, in which they sometimes congregate, their conspicuous presence took the Cathedral’s 10 O’clock congregants by surprise. 

In any case, they did not interrupt the normal flow of the service, which progressed as usual.

Pastor Wilson Bugembe performs a song with Mesaach Ssemakula during the function

 There was nonetheless unprecedented jubilation when the Vicar of the Cathedral, Rev George William Kyeyune introduced the Kayiwas and their bridal entourage to the congregation before commending them for remembering to say thank you to the creator.

 He also thanked them for maintaining their devotion to the Cathedral. Kyeyune also, in a special way, thanked the Kayiwas for their quest for human solidarity.

Rev Kyeyune conducted a private prayer for the Kayiwas after which he handed to them their 40th-anniversary marriage certificate.

After the service, the Kayiwas and their stylish bridesmaids and groomsmen proceeded to Namirembe Christian Fellowship Church, where they held another thanksgiving function, which started with a service (at about 2:30pm). 

The service was followed by a lavish reception that went as late as 10:00pm.

The function attracted prominent evangelical ministers including the Presiding Apostle of the Born-Again Faith, Dr Joseph Sserwadda, Pastor Aaron Mutebi of Entebbe Miracle Centre, Pastor Aloysius Bugingo and the Rev Irene Irene Manjeri Nalongo of Bethel Healing Ministries, whose black limousine excited Christians.

One interesting aspect of the function was its musical character. Further to the Calvary Cross Choir, the church’s affiliate gospel acapella ensemble, the guests were also entertained by secular and soul artistes including Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Mesach Ssemakula, Dr Tee and others.

Makula and Pastor Bugingo dancing to a gospel song

Another marvel of the function was the beautiful décor, which created a highly blissful spectacle. 

The guests will also live to remember the overflow of soft cock-tails and the sumptuous dinner that crowned the function.

The extra-ordinarily joyous disposition of Prof Simeon and Dr Celia Kayiwa also excited their followers.

Further to the thanksgiving prayers, music and the overflowing cocktails, the Kayiwas, through their marvellous function, projected the beauty of Christian marriage.