Last week, Ugandan music sensation Ykee Benda, born Wycliff Tugume, took a huge leap forward in his love life: he proposed to his longtime partner, Emilly. The heartfelt moment unfolded at the idyllic Divine Resort, graced by a small gathering of close friends and family, and it has since captivated both fans and the media.
The celebrated “Farmer” hitmaker, who is also the CEO of Mpaka Records, knelt before Emilly against a picture-perfect backdrop of water and tropical foliage. As onlookers held their breath, he popped the question, and she joyfully said yes.
Though Ykee and Emilly made their relationship public only in 2023, their bond has since deepened significantly. In 2024, he revealed in an interview that he was ready to get married, sharing his vision for a future beyond music. “Getting married is also important… Who will stay with you when you are old? That is what matters,” he said, referencing both his spiritual and emotional priorities.
The June 13 proposal ceremony was kept intimate, shared among loved ones, with simply elegant décor and heartfelt expressions. Fans quickly took to social media to express their congratulations, his Instagram lighting up with supportive posts and messages from fellow celebrities. The excitement has only increased following confirmation that preparations for a traditional “kwanjula” introduction ceremony are already in motion, potentially set for later this year.
For Ykee Benda, this engagement symbolises more than romance; it reflects personal growth. He has spoken openly about his prior, highly publicised relationship with Julie Batenga, which ended in 2018 after a public engagement and traditional introduction failed to lead to marriage. He acknowledged that making that relationship so public created undue pressure: “I put it out there … It should have been more private because publicising the relationship created so much pressure on both sides.”
That experience shaped his approach this time: deliberately private yet meaningful. He has been careful and considered, ensuring that the engagement remained an intimate event. Compared to the fanfare of his previous proposal in 2017, which included a public dinner and Instagram shares, this ceremony emphasised emotional authenticity over spectacle.
In combining his musical success with newfound domestic stability, Ykee Benda appears ready for a life chapter grounded in love, family, and faith. Many are saying this is his most mature and heartfelt proposal yet; a testament to the artist he has grown into. As Uganda cheers him on, one thing is clear: for Ykee Benda and Emilly, the future is looking bright.
