Kampala’s Prominent Couples
Feb 05, 2004
Valentine's Day is approaching and couples are bracing to give each other a treat of a lifetime, though not every couple is happy and so in love. However, there are those whose relationships are as if made in Heaven. At every function, they show up together and appear to be madly in love –– they
John and Christine Ssebaana
This is rule number one. Do not make a mistake of inviting mayor Ssebaana Kizito at any social function without inviting Christine as well. In fact her name must always be emphasised. Anyway, whether he is being sworn in as mayor of Kampala or appearing at small graduation ceremonies, Ssebaana will always turn up with his wife.
Sarah Kizito and Godfrey Nyakaana
What didn't you hear when the rumours started about their relationship? Money was put forward as the main reason for the relationship and the detractors were dumbfounded when the couple decided to make their relationship official. Sarah, commonly known as Lady Charlotte after her beauty business, and the erstwhile boxer have continued to make headlines. The only time Nyakaana missed out of society action was when he made that poor decision of returning to the ring last year and even then, he could only disappear days to the bout. That appearance instead of spending hours in the gym under such circumstances shows how he is blessed with gallons of love. The couple always hold hands at functions. At Ange Mystique, their favourite hang out place, the lovebirds always take to the floor together. Sarah must have cried when the Tanzanian boxer Oswald Maneno floored down Nyakaana at Nakivubo Stadium.
Bebe Cool and Zuena Kirema
When is the wedding? Maybe they are waiting for their newly-born son to grow up. Zuena was rare in the last year because of pregnancy. After giving birth, do not rule her out on the social scene this year. She will be out and about. Anyway before Zuena got heavy, she was everywhere with singer Bebe Cool. They looked so in love that when she was first rumoured pregnant, nobody wondered who the owner was. Cool has included her in the lyrics of one of his song-Twezinire and while performing at a Miss Uganda dinner at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Cool invited her to do a catwalk as he drooled away. And we think it was part of love that Cool could fight anybody he saw trying to lure his dream girl away. Even annoying her would earn one a thorough beating. Ask those snoops from the gutter press.
Dr Martin and Camille Aliker
The presidential adviser and chairman of many successful businesses and his socialite wife always step out together. There are so many parties on the Aliker social calendar and I doubt they ever disappoint those who invite them.
Even twins find their own separate ways just like the famous Iranian conjoined twins albeit unsuccessfully but the Alikers are inseparable. They arrive at functions together, hand-in-hand and observe events unfold together.
In case the building has a staircase, Martin gladly gives his wife a hand. At their age, they are still always there for each other. The media has branded them the prom king and queen of the social scene.
Arthur and Noella Blick
It is very uncommon to meet one without the other. From the days when Arthur used to ride a speedy motorbike around town, Noella was always on the backseat. And when he decided to upgrade from motorcycle racing to motor rallying, Noella simply followed him as co-driver. Nowadays when you see Arthur in a red mitsubishi gallant at times pulling a cart, Noella will still be in the co-driver's seat. They are always smiling even when the rally is not in their favour. The two cemented their relationship with a low-key wedding ceremony last year.
Jyostna and Sudhir Ruparelia
They are not only man and wife but also business partners. Apart from sharing an office, the moneyed couple always attend social functions together though Jyostna tries to keep a low profile. It never matters where the function is held, they will always make it. Amid excitement, they will not hesitate to warm-heartedly kiss each other in public.
Sam and Sophie Gombya
THEY are the hottest showbiz couple in Kampala. Sophie and Sam Gombya are local artistes who sing together. They have released a couple of songs, the most highly acclaimed hit being Ngugumuka Ekiro, for which they won a PAM award last year. Their relationship goes way back while at Nnabagereka primary school. "I was in Primary five and she was in Primary three," Sam Gombya said. After school, they went their separate ways but fate brought them together later. (seven years ago). The two love birds always move together at social functions. They are not shy to demonstrate their true feelings for each other, as seen in the picture (left). Sam is also a DJ at Radio Simba. They are engaged and have two sons -- Solomon and Silus.
Wako and Gladys Wambuzi
The retired chief justice never attends a party alone. As one hand holds his walking cane, the other always holds Gladys' hand. Gladys is the rector of Greenhill Academy. During the celebration to mark 50 years of Gladys' teaching, Wako said he feels happy when he is addressed as Mrs. Wambuzi's husband. Work that one out and it will definitely equal to love.
Drucila and Alex
Right from the moment they set eyes on each other, they have had a tempestuous relationship. And it seemed that the more they argued, the more their love grew into a marriage. And barely days after the wedding they were at it again -- arguing in public that people started taking bets on how long their marriage would last. Well despite the rows, they are still together and when it comes to accepting corporate invitation cards, Alex will not attend if it is not addressed to 'Dru and Alex Ndawula.
Patrick and Carol Bitature
They started Simba Telcom together. They work together and they always go out together. They don't stay late at parties -- just showing their faces for an hour or two and leave after.
Klaus and Madeline Holderbaum
He may no longer have diplomatic immunity but that does not stop former German Ambassador Klaus Holderbaum from stepping out onto the party scene with wife Madeline.
Moraine and Gordon Wavamunno
The Spear Group of companies man and wife are not only an epitome of a worldly successful couple (their Monyonyo mansion boasts of over 60 bedrooms with elevators for easy access to the different floors), they are an embodiment of love as well. The only time they are not seen together is when they are driving the two over-powerful engine sporty Mercedes coupes. At Spear House, Morine and Gordon share an office suite. No wonder Wavah describes his wife as the biggest pillar of his business 'kingdom.' When it is time to dance, the Wavahs will waste no time to pull out a blend of the 1970s strokes. It is like the couple has taught their son Elvis Ssekyanzi and wife Dr Julie exactly that. The Ssekyanzis always show affection in public and they almost made it to this coveted Kampala A-list.
Maggie and Alan Mugisha
They have been nicknamed 'Kampala's longest suffering couple!' Kudos to Maggie because she always stands by her man. People recall an incident when Maggie's father had Alan thrown into CPS. When Maggie found out what her father had done, she calmly walked up to CPS and told the duty officer that as you have my man in custody, you might as well lock me up with him. Her wish was granted and she was thrown in too.
Esther and Apollo Nsibambi
The Prime Minister found his groove back last year when he walked down the aisle for the second time with Esther. The new Makerere University chancellor had been seen through the snapper's lens dancing away on New Years Eve (2003) with Esther at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The way they danced, nobody doubted the wedding was in the pipeline. When the premier steps out, Esther is always on the side serving him when dinner is ready, like is seen in the photo above. When street photographers snap them and bring their pictures, the premier beaming with a smile always shows his wife which pictures portrays them in the best way. After the selection, they always smilingly walk away hand in hand.
Gladys and Capt mike Mukula
We presume that when Capt. Mukula takes to the bushes to fight Joseph Kony and his bunch of coarse savages, Gladys is behind with food rations and other supplies. We are not sure whether we are wrong or not as the couple is indivisible. At all social functions, Mukula turns up with his wife, the director of George Michael Fashions.
Give him a microphone to make a statement and after his favourite line: "Ladies and gentlemen," Mukula will introduce his wife to all. In turn, when you get to talk to Gladys and she does not seem to know who you are, she will happily introduce herself as "Gladys, Capt. Mike Mukula's wife." Isn't that love?
Janet and Yoweri Museveni
When the most important man in the land steps out with the First Lady, they are always love. Who said a soldier cannot show his affection in public? Well, when first daughter Patience Rwaboogo was launching her Nature Bread millet brand at Garden City some time back, the president and his wife held hands together the way newly married couples do while matching on the aisle out of the Church. And at the opening of the HIV/AIDS conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo in November last year, Museveni stopped Janet in her tracks, telling her to be careful so that she does not fall into a steel gutter. And what do you call that? In the picture is Museveni sheltering Janet from the sun.
Margaret and Francis Babu
The state minister of housing and his wife MP Margaret Ziwa are always together. Walk into Uchumi Supermarket on a weekend evening and you will find them shopping together. At one time, they were seen pushing an empty trolley while on their shopping binge. And hear this. When Ziwa's cell phone is off, do not waste your time. Dial up Flight Capt. Babu and it would be an accident if they were not in each other's company. Even then, one of them will know a telephone number, which you can dial and get him or her. At one function at Munyonyo, they got so much involved in dancing that petty thieves successfully picked a phone from his jacket pocket.
Ezra and Chantel Bunyenyezi
Chantel towers way above Ezra Bunyenyezi. The only was Ezra can keep up with her is to put his arm round her waist as he shows her off. he usually keeps his arm round Chantel's waist as he shows her off. They compliment each other in that both hold their own ground as they occasionally glance at each other from across the room. In the picture is Ezra kissing his daughter as Chantel looks on.
Kithili and Brenda Mbathi
He is the MD of Stanbic Bank and she is Director of Marketing at Uganda Breweries and they are an expat couple from Kenya making a name for themselves here. They stand out because they both have height and appear at most parties that are thrown. Brenda keeps a tight rein on him, making sure that he always drinks her UBL products while he keeps a tight grip on her purse to make sure she does not over-spend when she goes on her shopping sprees.
Kwashie and Maryan Gbedemah
When the Sheraton manager is off duty from his food and beverages office, his wife Maryan is always nearby.
Ends
This is rule number one. Do not make a mistake of inviting mayor Ssebaana Kizito at any social function without inviting Christine as well. In fact her name must always be emphasised. Anyway, whether he is being sworn in as mayor of Kampala or appearing at small graduation ceremonies, Ssebaana will always turn up with his wife.
Sarah Kizito and Godfrey Nyakaana
What didn't you hear when the rumours started about their relationship? Money was put forward as the main reason for the relationship and the detractors were dumbfounded when the couple decided to make their relationship official. Sarah, commonly known as Lady Charlotte after her beauty business, and the erstwhile boxer have continued to make headlines. The only time Nyakaana missed out of society action was when he made that poor decision of returning to the ring last year and even then, he could only disappear days to the bout. That appearance instead of spending hours in the gym under such circumstances shows how he is blessed with gallons of love. The couple always hold hands at functions. At Ange Mystique, their favourite hang out place, the lovebirds always take to the floor together. Sarah must have cried when the Tanzanian boxer Oswald Maneno floored down Nyakaana at Nakivubo Stadium.
Bebe Cool and Zuena Kirema
When is the wedding? Maybe they are waiting for their newly-born son to grow up. Zuena was rare in the last year because of pregnancy. After giving birth, do not rule her out on the social scene this year. She will be out and about. Anyway before Zuena got heavy, she was everywhere with singer Bebe Cool. They looked so in love that when she was first rumoured pregnant, nobody wondered who the owner was. Cool has included her in the lyrics of one of his song-Twezinire and while performing at a Miss Uganda dinner at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Cool invited her to do a catwalk as he drooled away. And we think it was part of love that Cool could fight anybody he saw trying to lure his dream girl away. Even annoying her would earn one a thorough beating. Ask those snoops from the gutter press.
Dr Martin and Camille Aliker
The presidential adviser and chairman of many successful businesses and his socialite wife always step out together. There are so many parties on the Aliker social calendar and I doubt they ever disappoint those who invite them.
Even twins find their own separate ways just like the famous Iranian conjoined twins albeit unsuccessfully but the Alikers are inseparable. They arrive at functions together, hand-in-hand and observe events unfold together.
In case the building has a staircase, Martin gladly gives his wife a hand. At their age, they are still always there for each other. The media has branded them the prom king and queen of the social scene.
Arthur and Noella Blick
It is very uncommon to meet one without the other. From the days when Arthur used to ride a speedy motorbike around town, Noella was always on the backseat. And when he decided to upgrade from motorcycle racing to motor rallying, Noella simply followed him as co-driver. Nowadays when you see Arthur in a red mitsubishi gallant at times pulling a cart, Noella will still be in the co-driver's seat. They are always smiling even when the rally is not in their favour. The two cemented their relationship with a low-key wedding ceremony last year.
Jyostna and Sudhir Ruparelia
They are not only man and wife but also business partners. Apart from sharing an office, the moneyed couple always attend social functions together though Jyostna tries to keep a low profile. It never matters where the function is held, they will always make it. Amid excitement, they will not hesitate to warm-heartedly kiss each other in public.
Sam and Sophie Gombya
THEY are the hottest showbiz couple in Kampala. Sophie and Sam Gombya are local artistes who sing together. They have released a couple of songs, the most highly acclaimed hit being Ngugumuka Ekiro, for which they won a PAM award last year. Their relationship goes way back while at Nnabagereka primary school. "I was in Primary five and she was in Primary three," Sam Gombya said. After school, they went their separate ways but fate brought them together later. (seven years ago). The two love birds always move together at social functions. They are not shy to demonstrate their true feelings for each other, as seen in the picture (left). Sam is also a DJ at Radio Simba. They are engaged and have two sons -- Solomon and Silus.
Wako and Gladys Wambuzi
The retired chief justice never attends a party alone. As one hand holds his walking cane, the other always holds Gladys' hand. Gladys is the rector of Greenhill Academy. During the celebration to mark 50 years of Gladys' teaching, Wako said he feels happy when he is addressed as Mrs. Wambuzi's husband. Work that one out and it will definitely equal to love.
Drucila and Alex
Right from the moment they set eyes on each other, they have had a tempestuous relationship. And it seemed that the more they argued, the more their love grew into a marriage. And barely days after the wedding they were at it again -- arguing in public that people started taking bets on how long their marriage would last. Well despite the rows, they are still together and when it comes to accepting corporate invitation cards, Alex will not attend if it is not addressed to 'Dru and Alex Ndawula.
Patrick and Carol Bitature
They started Simba Telcom together. They work together and they always go out together. They don't stay late at parties -- just showing their faces for an hour or two and leave after.
Klaus and Madeline Holderbaum
He may no longer have diplomatic immunity but that does not stop former German Ambassador Klaus Holderbaum from stepping out onto the party scene with wife Madeline.
Moraine and Gordon Wavamunno
The Spear Group of companies man and wife are not only an epitome of a worldly successful couple (their Monyonyo mansion boasts of over 60 bedrooms with elevators for easy access to the different floors), they are an embodiment of love as well. The only time they are not seen together is when they are driving the two over-powerful engine sporty Mercedes coupes. At Spear House, Morine and Gordon share an office suite. No wonder Wavah describes his wife as the biggest pillar of his business 'kingdom.' When it is time to dance, the Wavahs will waste no time to pull out a blend of the 1970s strokes. It is like the couple has taught their son Elvis Ssekyanzi and wife Dr Julie exactly that. The Ssekyanzis always show affection in public and they almost made it to this coveted Kampala A-list.
Maggie and Alan Mugisha
They have been nicknamed 'Kampala's longest suffering couple!' Kudos to Maggie because she always stands by her man. People recall an incident when Maggie's father had Alan thrown into CPS. When Maggie found out what her father had done, she calmly walked up to CPS and told the duty officer that as you have my man in custody, you might as well lock me up with him. Her wish was granted and she was thrown in too.
Esther and Apollo Nsibambi
The Prime Minister found his groove back last year when he walked down the aisle for the second time with Esther. The new Makerere University chancellor had been seen through the snapper's lens dancing away on New Years Eve (2003) with Esther at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The way they danced, nobody doubted the wedding was in the pipeline. When the premier steps out, Esther is always on the side serving him when dinner is ready, like is seen in the photo above. When street photographers snap them and bring their pictures, the premier beaming with a smile always shows his wife which pictures portrays them in the best way. After the selection, they always smilingly walk away hand in hand.
Gladys and Capt mike Mukula
We presume that when Capt. Mukula takes to the bushes to fight Joseph Kony and his bunch of coarse savages, Gladys is behind with food rations and other supplies. We are not sure whether we are wrong or not as the couple is indivisible. At all social functions, Mukula turns up with his wife, the director of George Michael Fashions.
Give him a microphone to make a statement and after his favourite line: "Ladies and gentlemen," Mukula will introduce his wife to all. In turn, when you get to talk to Gladys and she does not seem to know who you are, she will happily introduce herself as "Gladys, Capt. Mike Mukula's wife." Isn't that love?
Janet and Yoweri Museveni
When the most important man in the land steps out with the First Lady, they are always love. Who said a soldier cannot show his affection in public? Well, when first daughter Patience Rwaboogo was launching her Nature Bread millet brand at Garden City some time back, the president and his wife held hands together the way newly married couples do while matching on the aisle out of the Church. And at the opening of the HIV/AIDS conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo in November last year, Museveni stopped Janet in her tracks, telling her to be careful so that she does not fall into a steel gutter. And what do you call that? In the picture is Museveni sheltering Janet from the sun.
Margaret and Francis Babu
The state minister of housing and his wife MP Margaret Ziwa are always together. Walk into Uchumi Supermarket on a weekend evening and you will find them shopping together. At one time, they were seen pushing an empty trolley while on their shopping binge. And hear this. When Ziwa's cell phone is off, do not waste your time. Dial up Flight Capt. Babu and it would be an accident if they were not in each other's company. Even then, one of them will know a telephone number, which you can dial and get him or her. At one function at Munyonyo, they got so much involved in dancing that petty thieves successfully picked a phone from his jacket pocket.
Ezra and Chantel Bunyenyezi
Chantel towers way above Ezra Bunyenyezi. The only was Ezra can keep up with her is to put his arm round her waist as he shows her off. he usually keeps his arm round Chantel's waist as he shows her off. They compliment each other in that both hold their own ground as they occasionally glance at each other from across the room. In the picture is Ezra kissing his daughter as Chantel looks on.
Kithili and Brenda Mbathi
He is the MD of Stanbic Bank and she is Director of Marketing at Uganda Breweries and they are an expat couple from Kenya making a name for themselves here. They stand out because they both have height and appear at most parties that are thrown. Brenda keeps a tight rein on him, making sure that he always drinks her UBL products while he keeps a tight grip on her purse to make sure she does not over-spend when she goes on her shopping sprees.
Kwashie and Maryan Gbedemah
When the Sheraton manager is off duty from his food and beverages office, his wife Maryan is always nearby.
Ends