Wife, 32, tells how she handles 78 year old husband
Aug 29, 2012
On August 5, James Rwaheru,78, and Ruth Kemirembe, 32, of Nshure Cell, Rwakabengo ward in Rukungiri Municipality, tied the knot at All Saints Church, Rukungiri, in a colourful ceremony attended by over 400 guests.
By Caleb Bahikaho
On August 5, James Rwaheru,78, and Ruth Kemirembe, 32, of Nshure Cell, Rwakabengo ward in Rukungiri Municipality, tied the knot at All Saints Church, Rukungiri, in a colourful ceremony attended by over 400 guests.
The couple, believed to be one of the poorest in the municipality, held a wedding worth sh3m. The money was raised by residents.
John Bosco Baryamanya, the chairman of the organising committee, said people contributed generously towards the wedding because the Rwaherus are loving people. “When we held the first meeting, Rwaheru said he only had sh700. We took on the responsibility and everybody was happy about the outcome,” he said.
Francis Byamukama, the LC1 chairperson, said the couple deserved the best. “They are friendly and caring. The man is liked by almost everybody in the village.”
He said towards the wedding, residents also contributed money for the construction of the couple’s house and latrine.
When Saturday Vision visited the couple three days after wedding, Rwaheru had just woken up, while his wife was busy digging.
Kemirembe, who has lived with Rwaheru for 15 years, said she was happy now that she is officially married. The couple had four children, two of whom passed on.
Kemirembe, who hails from Garubunda parish in Kebisoni sub-county, said she was introduced to Rwaheru by his sister. “I found him in a small, grass-thatched house, but we have managed to roof our house with 14 iron sheets. I thank God for what we are,” she said.
However, Kemirembe’s biggest challenge is fending for the family, since her husband is old and weak. “Whatever I do for the children, I also do for him. Sometimes we spend three months without sex, but I am used to it,” she said.
She said she works in other people’s gardens, where she earns sh3,000 a day, which she spends on feeding the family and paying school fees.
“My children, Gad Kayesu (P.2) and Resta Kiconco (P.1) go to a private school. I have to work hard to support them,” Kemirembe said.
Rwaheru said he had three children with his first wife, Tereza Baryomumwanda, but two have since passed on.
He said his son, Zaidi Kabegambire, and his family did not attend the wedding, although they were invited. “I do not have any problem with my son, I gave him land and he sold it, before moving to Kyamakanda,” he said.
According to Rwaheru, Kemirembe introduced him to her parents, where he paid a goat and two jerrycans of tonto ( local brew), but failed to raise the bride price of three head of cattle and a goat.
Kemirembe said she agreed with her brother to exonerate Rwaheru from paying the bride price since he had no money.