By Methodius Agaba
Anaclet Maniraguha 72, is a retired technician with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), formerly Radio Uganda.
In the last 30 years, Mr. Maniraguha and Kampire Federesi 50 have managed to build a home and raise a family of five children, living together as Common- law partners
Couples who live together or co-habit are referred to as common-law partners.
Yesterday all that changed for the couple from Shozi village, Gasiza Parish, Nyakabande when they joined 10 other couples in a mass wedding organized by Eden Mission.
The newlyweds are part of a bigger class of 72 couples who also graduated with certificates following a one-year empowerment course.
Eden Mission’s Executive Director Kenneth Rwego Gahuriro, in absentia said yesterday’s events marked a special day in the history of Eden Mission as the Organization embarked on a new chapter, with a Vision of Healthy Families, Glorifying God.
Mr. Rwego’s communication was ably delivered by Eden Mission Programs Manager Rev. Amon Byiringiro who further expressed his appreciation towards Mutolere Deanery Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Joseph Sebatware who made sure St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Shozi Village was available for the classes all year round.
Rev. Byiringiro said couples have been equipped with skills on how to how to handle finances as a family as well as raising children with a Christian foundation.
The Couples who were wedded yesterday belong to different faiths including the Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Baptist Church as well as Pentecostal churches among others.
Eden Mission offered all the services yesterday at no cost to the couples and even went an extra mile to offer a Christmas gift of rice and other essential items for the couples to take home to share with their families during the Christmas holiday.
The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Joseph Sebatware commended the couples for making the decision to get the holy sacrament of holy matrimony.
He explained that their actions will inspire the younger generation to value Marriage and give honor to God, the creator of families.
He thanked Eden Mission for their tremendous contribution towards supporting church leaders with financial support through church Saccos and also extending a loving hand to communities through various projects.
Poverty stopped me from Wedding
Steven Munyaribanja 38, also known as Mabondo or Doctor on Shozi village has been blessed with five children.
The love of his life, Sylivia Mucunguzi had to wait 15 years before Munyaribanja could put a ring on it.
“It was because of poverty that I could not afford to give her the dream wedding she deserved but thanks to Eden Mission, my wife can now walk confidently among her peers in the village without shame or fear, she is now a married woman, before Men and God”, Munyaribanja explained.
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