How a man made it with two wives at his kwanjula

Aug 06, 2013

According to the arrangements, Mpiima’s entourage was supposed to set off from Kigagga Zone in Nateete, a Kampala suburb. When Nakibuuka arrived at Nateete, people were shocked to see her. Some thought she had ill intentions, as it is uncommon for a man’s wife to go with him for a kwanjula of her c

By Vision Reporter

He has been married for 12 years. Twelve with the older wife and nine with the younger one. This year, he decided to have a kwanjula (introduction) ceremony.

Many thought the older wife, Hadijah Nakibuuka, would introduce him first, but Ibra Mpiima was of a different opinion. The businessman chose to go to the home of the younger wife, Rahma Nambassa, in Buloba, Wakiso district.

The ceremony took place about a month ago. Islam allows a man to marry up to four wives.

According to the arrangements, Mpiima’s entourage was supposed to set off from Kigagga Zone in Nateete, a Kampala suburb. When Nakibuuka arrived at Nateete, people were shocked to see her. Some thought she had ill intentions, as it is uncommon for a man’s wife to go with him for a kwanjula of her co-wife.

However, tension was eased when they saw her freely mixing with the entourage. Unknown to them, was that she had agreed with both her husband and the bride, to attend the function.

On arrival, Nakibuuka sat next to her husband in the tent, before he was identified by his in-laws. After the kwanjula, Mpiima and Nambassa were wed at a nearby mosque. Thereafter, the couple returned to the venue to serve cake and drinks.

After Nambassa had served Mpiima cake, he also served Nakibuuka. Nakibuuka returned the favour, by feeding Mpiima cake, amid ululation from the crowd. Mpiima was on his knees as all this happened.true

When he was given an opportunity to address the gathering, he thanked Nakibuuka for supporting him. He thereafter called on her to address the people. But suddenly, there were all indications that the moment everyone had dreaded had come. Nakibuuka sat silently and refused to join her husband, despite several pleas from those seated closest to her.

When he sensed that all was not well, Mpiima publicly announced that his wife was free to choose any month next year for them to hold a kwanjula and a wedding.

What Mpiima says

In the time I have been with Nakibuuka and Nambassa, I have not seen them quarrel. As a result, I strive to love them equally. They each know what the other owns. We reached a decision to hold a kwanjula for Nambassa after a discussion involving the three of us. Because of the openness in my family, there was no suspicion of foul play.

Nakibuuka did not only attend the ceremony, but actively participated in the preparatory meetings. The only condition she put for me was to provide her a gomesi which would not embarrass her at Nambassa’s kwanjula. My only problem with them is they do not want me to marry a third wife.  Whenever they discover that I am about to bring another woman home, they join hands to fight her.

I was happy to see my co-wife - Nambassa

I was delighted, though not surprised, to see my co-wife. We have always been on good terms. My husband built for me a house in Bbira, Wakiso district. He also constructed for me nine rental units, from which I collect money for upkeep. With all this, there is no reason to begrudge Nakibuuka. I am happy my ceremony has ended well. I will participate in preparations of Nakibuuka’s too, next year.

I am now waiting for my kwanjula, says Nakibuuka

I have no problem with my co-wife. I am lucky to be Mpiima’s wife because he treats the two of us differently from how other men treat their wives. As a result, I treat my co-wife as my younger sister. Our husband built a house for me in Kikajjo, Nsangi sub-county, Wakiso district. He also built me nine rental units, from which I get money for upkeep. When Mpiima ­ nished constructing the house in Kikajjo, we threw a big house-warming party. Nambassa was also present.

When he finished constructing a house for Nambassa in Bbira, Wakiso district, he also suggested a party. However, she declined.

Instead, she requested to introduce him to her parents. That is how the idea of the kwanjula was conceived.

Although we have not yet held a kwanjula, he has been to my parents’ home several times. Since he had not yet visited my co-wife’s home, I gave the kwanjula proposal a go-ahead.

 

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