Ben Wanambwa and Grace Nambuya first met in early 2022 during a Sunday morning service at a church in Mbale City in eastern Uganda. Ben had travelled from his workplace to visit his elder brother and decided to attend the service with him. That is where he first laid eyes on Grace, smartly dressed in a simple red dress and singing in the church choir.
“That day, I met a woman who took my heart forever,” Ben recalls. “Her presentation was impressive, and I later learnt she was a dedicated member of the choir.”
After the service, Ben asked his brother to help him connect with Grace. A brief introduction led to an exchange of phone numbers, and soon after, they went on their first date.
“We talked like we had known each other for years,” Grace says. “His respect, calmness, and love for God immediately caught my attention.”
From that first date, the two became emotionally inseparable, even when they were apart physically.
“We kept in touch every day; morning, afternoon, and night,” Grace shares. “Through WhatsApp, direct calls, and texts. The communication was constant, and it helped us build a strong foundation.”
Their friendship soon blossomed into courtship.
“The bond grew stronger with every date,” Ben says. “We discovered we shared the same faith, marriage values, and character.”
Grace describes their year of courtship as peaceful, lovely, and exciting.
“We had fun with no regrets. Everything aligned, our dreams, goals, and how we envisioned marriage,” she says.
The proposal
In 2023, Ben planned a simple but intimate proposal. He invited Grace to a quiet hotel in Mbale City, with two close friends as witnesses.
“It was a surprise to her, but when I asked, she did not hesitate,” Ben recalls. “She said yes right away, and that moment changed everything.”
Grace adds, “It was not extravagant, but it was meaningful. I felt calm and sure that this was the right man for me.”
Introduction and wedding preparations
The couple held a pre-visit on September 9, 2023, in Mbale, where both families agreed to combine the traditional kwanjula with the church wedding, guided by their shared Christian values.
“The agreement was that only a few elders would handle the official introduction rites, and the rest of the celebrations would happen during the wedding,” Ben explains.
On November 4, 2023, the elders delivered the bride price and negotiated the required items, clearing the way for full-scale wedding preparations.
To ease the pressure of budgeting and logistics, the couple hired an event planner.
“Planning a wedding is not easy,” Grace says. “Between mobilising funds, attending counselling sessions, and preparing spiritually, the support we got from our planner and families was heaven-sent.”
They exchanged vows on December 2, 2023, at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Mbale, in a ceremony officiated by Rev Canon Alice Wataka. The reception followed in the church hall, with more than 500 guests in attendance.
Memorable moments
Grace says she will never forget the joy of their wedding day.
“I was overwhelmed with joy. The support and love I felt that day were beyond what I imagined. It was a deeply fulfilling moment.”
Ben fondly remembers the pre-visit.
“The welcome I received from her family was incredible. It was my first time visiting them, and they showed me so much love.”
Grace adds, “When the elders delivered the bride price, I felt a burden lifted; it was peaceful and simple.”
Marriage counselling and lessons learnt
The couple says their counselling sessions taught them key lessons: trust, patience, and the importance of privacy.
“Not everything needs to be discussed with outsiders,” Grace notes. “Some things are sacred between husband and wife.”
Challenges
Despite smooth planning, they encountered a single hiccup. The church service was scheduled for 2pm due to multiple weddings on the same day.
“That affected our photography and reception,” Ben says. “Some guests left early, which was disappointing, but overall, everything else went well.”
Advice
Ben’s message to men: “It is very possible to marry the woman of your dreams, but it takes commitment and a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who will uplift you.”
Grace’s message to women: “Wait on God and cultivate inner character. ‘Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.’ (Proverbs 31:30) Build your inner beauty. That’s what sustains a marriage.”
Quick notes
•Bride: Grace Nambuya
•Groom: Ben Wanambwa
•Church: St Andrew’s Cathedral, Mbale
•Reception: St Andrew’s Cathedral Church Hall
•Guests: 500+
•Celebrant: Rev Canon Alice Wataka
•Budget: Shs20 million (approx.)
