By Claire Balungi
August 15, the wedding anniversary date for Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, former Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs in the Cabinet of Uganda, now Senior presidential advisor on gender and youth affairs, also happens to be her birth date. On this date, yesterday Florence and her husband, Deogratius Kiyingi celebrated their silver jubilee.
Seeing as it was a Monday, one would doubt if guests would show up for the celebration but The Kiyingis’ anniversary celebration drew great numbers to the scene. The event started in prayer at Rubaga Cathedral and was attended by a number of guests including child musician Fresh Kid.
Florence dressed in a white wedding dress while her husband stepped into church in an Ankara suit. In an interview, the couple expressed their excitement and commitment to their journey. Mr Kiyingi revealed that they planned “to do this every year” noting that this year was however exclusive being a silver jubilee.
“I promise to love him”, Florence said, while her husband emphasized in response, “Nja kumufiirako!”
Minister Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi renews wedding vows after 25 years, joined by child rapper Fresh kid.#LiveWireUpdates pic.twitter.com/qGuJzkmPUA
— SPARK TV (@sparktvuganda) August 16, 2022
The Kiyingis later received and served their guests at their home. The banquet was full with friends and family in attendance; Hon Kiwanuka Ssekandi was Guest of Honor, other public figures like Amelia Kyambadde, Pr Bugingo and lover Makula graced the ceremony. Pr Bugingo congratulated the couple and noted that their celebration was a learning experience for him and others, especially regarding building and leaving wealth to their offspring.
The Minister wore a colourful feathery dress and her husband was clad in ankara attire. Of the songs they danced to, the couple enjoyed Afrigo Band’s classic song, Sikulimba as they greeted and waved at their guests.
The 50-year-old Florence was very much commended for her humility by her in-laws who said she’s always respected them in the special tranditional gesture of kneeling each time they met. Her mother-in-law thanked her for taking care of her by always sending her “ka mobile money”.
The guests who were allowed to speak especially demanded for the couple’s 50-year anniversary. Congratulations to the Kiyingis.
