A send-off loaded with love
Aug 05, 2009
Endless love is a befitting theme for Esteri Mugurwa’s Kuhingira over the weekend as parents; Gen. Caleb (also known as Saleh) and Jovial Akandwanaho blessed her marriage to Roland Sekaziga, an engineer with UTL.
By Hellen Mukiibi
Endless love is a befitting theme for Esteri Mugurwa’s Kuhingira over the weekend as parents; Gen. Caleb (also known as Saleh) and Jovial Akandwanaho blessed her marriage to Roland Sekaziga, an engineer with UTL.
After a sumptuous lunch buffet served by Serena Hotel Kampala, guests listened to testimonies about ‘raising Esteri,’ whose parents were among the National Resistance Army fighters between 1981-86. Entertainment included NRA patriotic songs.
Throughout the ceremony, the veiled bride and her five escorts sitting on a mattress platform in the centre of the tent occasionally stole glances at the suitors, chatted and giggled in low tones.
Mzee, as the Akandwanahos fondly refer to President Yoweri Museveni, said he had endorsed his niece’s marriage. The couple exchange vows over this weekend.
Museveni re-echoed his sister, Dr. Violet Kajubiri Froerich’s remarks emphasising the family’s affection for Esteri.
Addressing guests at Akandwanaho’s ranch at Omukakyiinga, Nyakashashara in Kiruhura district, Kajubiri, a paternal aunt to the bride, summarised the sentiments of the Kaguta family: “We love and care for her. We do not spoil her.â€
Museveni referred to Esteri as a special child to the family. “That is why she has the name of our late mother (Esteri Kokundeka).
“I also named her Mugurwa, after our great, great grandmother.
She was born on January 1st 1985, the day Saleh (Gen. Akandwanaho), on my instructions successfully attacked Kabamba for the third and last time. She is a very special child in our family. We treat her with a lot of love.
When she told me that Sekaziga hailed from the Abachaba clan of Kisoro, I told her I knew Sekaziga (senior) and gave her my blessings,†he said.
Museveni described his brother Saleh and wife Jovial as good parents who love their children.
“Children need parental love. With love they feel secure and strong in character,†he said.
He gave Esteri 50 cows as a start-up pack for her new home. In a tearful send-off, Esteri’s mother said: “After I told Esteri I was happy about the relationship, she asked me to take her to Daddy. She said it would be easy to break the news to Mzee (Museveni) but was anxious about her father’s reaction. I am happy he finally agreed.
“I thank God for enabling me to see Esteri’s wedding. I am watching it like a slow movie. Esteri plays a very crucial role in our family,†Saleh said.
Endless love is a befitting theme for Esteri Mugurwa’s Kuhingira over the weekend as parents; Gen. Caleb (also known as Saleh) and Jovial Akandwanaho blessed her marriage to Roland Sekaziga, an engineer with UTL.
After a sumptuous lunch buffet served by Serena Hotel Kampala, guests listened to testimonies about ‘raising Esteri,’ whose parents were among the National Resistance Army fighters between 1981-86. Entertainment included NRA patriotic songs.
Throughout the ceremony, the veiled bride and her five escorts sitting on a mattress platform in the centre of the tent occasionally stole glances at the suitors, chatted and giggled in low tones.
Mzee, as the Akandwanahos fondly refer to President Yoweri Museveni, said he had endorsed his niece’s marriage. The couple exchange vows over this weekend.
Museveni re-echoed his sister, Dr. Violet Kajubiri Froerich’s remarks emphasising the family’s affection for Esteri.
Addressing guests at Akandwanaho’s ranch at Omukakyiinga, Nyakashashara in Kiruhura district, Kajubiri, a paternal aunt to the bride, summarised the sentiments of the Kaguta family: “We love and care for her. We do not spoil her.â€
Museveni referred to Esteri as a special child to the family. “That is why she has the name of our late mother (Esteri Kokundeka).
“I also named her Mugurwa, after our great, great grandmother.
She was born on January 1st 1985, the day Saleh (Gen. Akandwanaho), on my instructions successfully attacked Kabamba for the third and last time. She is a very special child in our family. We treat her with a lot of love.
When she told me that Sekaziga hailed from the Abachaba clan of Kisoro, I told her I knew Sekaziga (senior) and gave her my blessings,†he said.
Museveni described his brother Saleh and wife Jovial as good parents who love their children.
“Children need parental love. With love they feel secure and strong in character,†he said.
He gave Esteri 50 cows as a start-up pack for her new home. In a tearful send-off, Esteri’s mother said: “After I told Esteri I was happy about the relationship, she asked me to take her to Daddy. She said it would be easy to break the news to Mzee (Museveni) but was anxious about her father’s reaction. I am happy he finally agreed.
“I thank God for enabling me to see Esteri’s wedding. I am watching it like a slow movie. Esteri plays a very crucial role in our family,†Saleh said.