Ugandan Celebrity Weddings that Rocked 2023
The wedding treadmill in Uganda never stops running with its glam, luxury and pomp and neither did 2023 disappoint with the highest profile wedding being that of Kyabazinga William Nadiope IV of Busoga and his Inebantu, Jovia Mutesi. But the Busoga Royal wedding simply crowned a year that saw a number of Ugandans in the limelight tie the knot with people they love, vowing to share their joys and sorrows till death does them part. Here’s a list of some of the weddings we compiled.
1. King William Gabula Nadiope IV and Queen Jovia Mutesi (The Royal wedding of Busoga kingdom)
Arguably the wedding of the century, this wedding will resound for years and generations amomg the iconic weddings of the 21st century. King William Gabula Nadiope IV and Jovia Mutesi tied the knot on 18th November in church at Bugembe, Jinja city and later hosted their guests- a flurry of dignitaries at a reception in Igenge Palace.
Notable dignitaries included Vice President, Jessica Alupo , Queen of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda among others.
We could go on and on about this wedding but we already did in our Kyabazinga wedding series that you are welcome to binge on.
2. Anna Talia Ozze and Wallace Kafumbe
Anna Talia Ozze, famous media personality and Sanyuka TV presenter, married Wallace Joseph Kafumbe after 12 years of love and romance. They exchanged vows on 27th December 2023 with friends and family.
Anna looked stunning in a strapless wedding gown while Wallace wore a black and white tuxedo. Her bridesmaids included celebrity figures like Ugandan performing artist Lydia Jasmine and former Miss Uganda, Stella Natumbwe.
Anna, usually quite private, who thanked everyone for their support on Instagram, finally revealed her husband to the curious public.
3. Hon. Allan Ssewanyana
Lydia and Hon. Allan Ssewanyana, the MP for Makindye West, had a traditional wedding on 22.12.2023, two days before Christmas. Having lived together for a long time before the ceremony, MP Ssewanyana did the honourable thing by visiting Lydia’s parents in Nansana, Wakiso District. The venue and the couple’s attire were a mix of culture and modernity. The event was graced by relatives, friends, politicians, celebrities and pastors. Maureen Nantume, Catherine Kusasira and David Lutalo all performed to entertain guests at the function.
4. Moses Mbogo.
The celebrated photographer reveals he met his wife Gloria in Seychelles where he was on job whilst she was on vacation with family. He was introduced to her then, but continued communicating after returning to Uganda.
He later asked to see her parents for which a Kukyala was organized in Kawuku, Entebbe road. The two are now traditionally married after their function in December.
5. Edrine Ssenkindu
On 30th November, one of Kampala’s renown creatives, Edrine Ssenkindu was introduced to the family of his fiancee, Joy in a colourful function graced by the ‘who is who’ of the Uganda events industry. The photography was not only captivating, it was extremely creative. Décor was as classy as anything you would expect from A-Classic Events.
6. Oscar Ntege
Most popular for handling the lens, Oscar this time on the opposite side of the lens, was introduced to his wife, Saidah’s family on 29th November in Nakaseke district after a successful proposal in September.
Having dated for some time, they decided they wanted to do this life thing together. Oscar’s entourage was filled with his longtime friends in the photography industry like Nicholas Bamulanzeki, Walter photography and many more.
Nyom Planet wishes the couple success as they start their marital journey.
7. Anderson Burora.
Rubaga’s Deputy RCC was not elusive enough for cupid’s arrow. On the 25th of November, Anderson Burora wedded his wife Georgina. His entourage of big names included news anchor, Canary Mugume; Masaka City RCC, Hudu Hussein; an MP and others whose elegant 3-piece blue suits accentuated the bride’s predominantly pearl infused dress and the bridesmaids’ olive green long silk dresses. The wedding was emceed by media personality Andrew Kyamageero.
The Bridal entourage poses for a photo at the entrance to the reception venue
8. Hon. Muhammad Nsereko
Outside being an MP, Honourable Muhammad Nsereko seems to take marriage business quite seriously. Just like he did two years ago, Nsereko was on Saturday 24th November introduced to another set of parents in a glamorous Kwanjula Ceremony at his now third wife.
A religious right for a very capable man, he has up to four wives awaiting and Shamila is the just the third. But this particular wedding seemed quite secretive, heavily guarded and was only attended by close friends and family.
Guest performances from artists like Eddy Kenzo and Lydia Jazmine had guests on their feet. Despite all the secrecy, a few pictures managed to make it to the internet and were stunning and beautiful.
9. Robert Kayanja Jnr
Robert Kayanja Jr, son to Pastor Robert and Jessica Kayanja married his longtime sweetheart Marlena Gailis in a splendid wedding at Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral on 7th October 2023.
The exclusive wedding was a feast for the eyes with stunning decor, wedding outfits, a heavenly-like cake, and fabulous guests. Many called it “a touch of magic”. One attendee confirmed an abundance of food and according to him, it was the finest wedding they had ever been to.
10. Justine Nameere.
Former TV presenter and special senior presidential advisor, Justine Nameere introduced her boyfriend to parents in a grand and lively “Kukyala” ceremony in October after their earlier engagement in the same month.
The colourful Kukyala ceremony held in Kalungu district presented the groom to his in-laws thronged by several media personalities and celebrities.
The couple will hold the rest of the marital ceremonies this year to seal their ‘happily ever after’.
11. Zari Hassan and Shakib Lutaaya
Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan wed her latest catch, Shakib Lutaaya on October 3, 2023. Their glamorous all-white wedding in Pretoria, South Africa, was attended by some of Africa’s biggest celebrities after previously having a traditional ceremony in April following a visit by Shakib’s family to Zari's in Uganda.
Zari shared a video of their wedding on her Instagram page, where she looked stunning in a white bridal gown and veil. Shakib wore a silver tuxedo and a white shirt. Zari’s five children were also part of the celebration.
No official pictures were shared due to copyright issues. The ceremony was filmed by Netflix’s crew behind the ‘Young, Famous, and African’ series to be featured in the forthcoming season.
12. Roger Fysh and Phina Mugerwa ‘Masanayalaze’
On 16th September, famed musician and dancer Phina Mugerwa aka 'mansanyalaze' (translated electric power) introduced her Muzungu hubby, Roger Fysh to an expectant audience at her home. We saw Phina in her most beautiful element.
13. Uncle Mark and Patricia Valeria Namata
Mark Agaba aka Uncle Mark, a popular comedian and MC married his lover Patricia Valeria Namata after exchanging vows. The proposal was made a few months prior followed by traditional Kukyala and introduction ceremonies. They finally tied the knot on Friday, August 25, 2023 with early morning vows and later an evening reception.
They looked amazing in their wedding outfits on the day that Uncle Mark called the most wonderful day of their lives on his X app account.
14. Josephine Namakumbi
NBS TV presenter, Josephine Namakumbi recovered from the beating by the army two years before to walk down the aisle to her fiancé Asaph Motoy at Seventhday Adventist Church on 30th July 2023. This followed an introduction ceremony in the previous year.
Josephine and Asaph pose for a photo at their nuptials
15. Vivien Tendo and Moses Tinsley
Uganda Musician and celebrity Vivien Tendo wedded her fiancé in July 2023 at a destination wedding in Mombasa. It’s said that they met through Facebook Messenger, another reason why single folks on social media need to learn to use their handles more effectively. Shoot your shot!
The newly weds pose for a photo at their wedding
16. Papa D Reign and Judith Nyesigomwe
Celebrated worship musician and CEO of D’reign tied the knot with his love, Judith on the first weekend of May, 2023. Together they are now taking worship music to greater heights but also enjoying marital bliss.
17. Mukasa Mbidde and Phiona Nayebale
Former Member of Parliament Mukasa Mbidde also known for his ‘big English words’ wedded Phiona Nayebale on the 28th April at the Uganda Martyrs Basilica, Munyonyo and later had a reception at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort where many distinguished guests like Nobert Mao, Thomas Tayebwa amongst other politicians attended.
A multimillion wedding, the best man was finance state minister Haruna Kasolo and entertainers included Bebe Cool and Chameleon. Meals and drinks were served in accordance to the high profile guest list and its tastes.
At Nyom Planet we like to especially celebrate second chances at love. We celebrate Hon. Mukasa Mbidde who found love again and gave it another shot. We wish them a happy married life.
The Mbidde’s pose for a photo moment Credit: XCY Events
The celebrated BBC journalist got married to her partner only identified as Gabriel early this year on an unknown date but she took to social media to announce it on 8th February captioning it as ‘I got married. It was such a beautiful day!” She was stunning in her off shoulder long dress that complemented all her features to the dot.
Her love life is a secret many keep speculating about. She did extend it to her wedding making sure only very close family and friends got invited to the wedding ceremony leaving online in-laws in amazement when the news broke out but it was all love and good wishes to the newlyweds.
19. Collins ‘Emeka’ Bareija and Mackline Asiimire
Celebrated comedian and events Emcee, Collins Bareija also known as ‘the Romantic Mukiga’ married Mackline Asiimire on January 28, 2023 at Watoto church Kampala. Reception was later held at Canary Gardens, Kyanja.
What has come to be known as ‘the Bushenyi affair’ started off last year when Emeka proposed to Mackline. This was later followed by the traditional Banyankore Kuhingira in December. In January, Emeka and Mackline sealed their fate together when he tweeted saying “Today, I married my best friend, the love of my life and wife of my youth.”
20. Anita Fabiola and Mark Mubiru
We told you about Fabiola and Mark’s ‘kugamba obugyenyi’ in late 2022. Well, they did not stop there. They proceeded for a Kuhingira early in 2023 which graced Instagram and all online in-laws with a topic of discussion for probably the whole of the first quarter.
21. Edrine and Laura Ssempebwa
The Founder and CEO of Spare WO (U) Limited kickstarted the year in style by being introduced at his fiancée, Laura’s home. He tweeted on 13th January with love emojis.
“How to carry out a Girl Heist.
Step 1: Crack some jokes for the girl, to ease her into the situation.
Step 2: Give the brother chicken to distract him as you execute the plan
Step 3: Eat the luwombo, so they don’t suspect what you are doing
Step 4: Take the girl.”
They later got married on 13th January, a couple of days after the Introduction.
22. Hon. Derrick Nyeko
Just a few days into the new year, Makindye East MP, Honourable David Nyeko with a host of NUP bigwigs was hosted by his fiancee at her home for their introduction ceremony. Following a wave of weddings by NUP party members in the previous year, Nyeko started off what would be a less eventful wedding year for the country’s leading opposition party compared to 2022.
That’s a wrap for what 2023 had in stock for us, we can’t wait to witness more great weddings in 2024. But before that we need to tell you about the prankster wedding of the year. You all do remember the comedian called Kapale. Well, apparently he got married.
Unverified videos shot in the US, his current country of residence showed him kissing a Muzungu in what seemed like a wedding ceremony following his vows. Until we can prove it, we don’t want to take Kapale’s videos at face value.
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