The UPDF family is wearing smiles after one of its gallant sons and a bush war Kadogo; Maj. Simon Nuwamanya and his longtime wife hon. Annah Kajojo finally said ‘I Do’ to each other.
The couple has been in a customary relationship for the past 36 years until they chose to formalize it in the Church over the weekend.
The wedding which was attended by cream de la cream in the land including army officers, local government leaders and SPA on Public Relations Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut, took place at St. Stephen’s-Kitara Church of Uganda. The couple later hosted their special guests at Freedom City’s Flamingo Hall where dining and wining punctuated the modest but colorful ceremony.
Col. Kenneth Shillingi, Director Administration at Defense Intelligence and Security (DIS) who represented the Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security (CDIS) Maj. Gen. James Birungi, congratulated the couple upon this milestone of holy matrimony, saying it now makes them stronger as stated in Ecclesiastes 4:12!
He told Annah that she had actually clinched the right deal by accepting Simon Nuwamanya as her husband and she will not ever regret her decision.
“Simon joined the UPDF in 1985 and has since made tremendous sacrifice and contribution to his country as a patriot. Nuwamanya is among the upcoming senior officers of UPDF who’s highly trusted on account of his outstanding discipline, hard work and loyalty to his nation” Col. Shillingi told the ceremony which took place on Saturday.
He added that Nuwamanya is reliable, gentle and focused in addition to being professional, the reason the UPDF continues to entrust him with very key assignments including his current role as Liason Officer-CCG (Contact Coordination Group) in DR Congo.
“I wish to thank Nuwamanya for the mature and bold decision you have taken to formalize your relationship with your partner who will no doubt support you as she has been doing before” he told the couple.
Col. Shillingi also had a word to Annah who is also a local councilor in Bushenyi district.
He thanked her for choosing one of the UPDF sons to be her bed warmer and thus welcomed her to the family of the artillery men.
“Like your husband, I trust you will make an excellent companion now that you’re officially wedded” he noted.
The senior army officer however, reminded Annah that her husband works in an institution with a unique environment which shall require a lot of patience and support from her towards the husband.
“I encourage you to be patient and understanding especially when Nuwamanya is overwhelmed with work. Many times you will miss his company because he must be out to serve his nation. When duty calls, Nuwamanya should never be found wanting. In this regard, your support and understanding will come handy” he counseled.
Col. Shillingi also commended the parents of both the bride and groom for the sacrifices they made to educate and nurture their kids to become respected and responsible citizens.
He said as the army, they were going to grant Nuwamanya some off for honey moon but didn’t forget to remind him that as he enjoyed his boat cruise with his wife, he should be open to deployment just in case.
SPA KAROORO SPEAKS
Meanwhile, like many other VIPs who attended, Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations Mary Karooro Okurut was part of them.
In her soft but on point tone, the former minister for general duties-OPM hailed the couple as exemplary people who have the Ubuntu spirit.
“Both of you have touched so many people’s lives in different aspects. Back home in Bushenyi, you are role models. You are looked at as a couple which is hardworking, focused and committed in whatever you do. Hon. Annah is like the woman in Proverbs : 31.
Very principled, calm but firm in her decisions, a fantastic home maker” she noted adding that Annah is a transparent, honest politician who cannot be bought to abandon her position once she knows she is on the right course.
Karooro thanked her for hating dishonesty noting that Uganda needs this calibre of politician.
As for Maj. Simon, she said Uganda is very proud of him.
“He exemplifies the discipline and professionalism of UPDF and if I am lucky to meet the President, I will humbly request him to promote our gallant son/brother because he deserves it” she noted in a motherly tone.
She thanked them for the support they have always accorded President Museveni and the NRM government.
“On a personal note, I wish to thank the couple for always being there for me. Mwebare kumberaho” She said.
ABOUT THE COUPLE
Maj. Simon Nuwamanya is a bush-war comrade, having joined the NRA as a Kadogo in 1985 towards the fall of Obote II government.
He was part of the young men (Kadogos) who were mobilized and recruited by late Rushegyera of Rwenjuru. He, together with his pals, were trained in the Rwenzori ranges and later joined others to siege Mbarara and onward until they captured Kampala.
He has been in a Customary Marriage with Annah for 36 years but had always yearned to formalize it in the church although this dream hadn’t come true until Saturday!
In fact, several years ago when they had wanted to go to church, Annah was involved in a nasty car accident which almost took her life but God was still on her side and she recovered.
The reception was not a flashy affair and was well attended in a modest way.
Maj. Simon noted the economic hardships many people are going through especially paying tuition hence the decision to keep it low without bothering people with wedding meetings.
“Many people are busy trying to fend for their families..school fees etcetera. I and Annah (therefore) didn’t want to put another burden on them” he joyously said.
Nuwamanya thanked the CiC Gen. Yoweri Museveni for bringing sanity and the rule of law back into the country and pledged to always pay allegiance to him and the state.
He thanked his wife for being loving, understanding and patient.
“I could be away on duty for long but she would understand that it was because of the call of duty” he said.
The bride Annah thanked her husband for being an excellent family man.
“As a Councillor, I am also always up and down . He never stopped me from joining politics and has always supported me” She said adding that women politicians have to learn to balance family and politics because many families have had problems because of politics.
Describing herself as NRM 3: 1 : 1, Annah also described Museveni as a rare leader whom God brought to save the country and should always be supported and NRM.
The wedding was also attended by the LC 5 Chairman-Bushenyi District, Jafferi Basajjabalaba, the Speaker and line of councillors from the district.
The district boss Jafferi hailed Councillor Annah for her hard work, saying Bushenyi is lucky to have her and her husband as they both give the district wise counsel.
