For Don Vincent Bwana and Beatrice Ayinkamiye, October 30, 2026, marked more than the celebration of a wedding. It was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, bringing together two families, shared aspirations and a commitment to building a home founded on love, faith and responsibility.
Their wedding ceremony attracted an impressive gathering of religious leaders, government officials, National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders, relatives, friends and other distinguished guests, making the occasion a memorable celebration of love and companionship.
Among the most notable messages received by the couple was a congratulatory message from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who praised their decision to enter marriage and encouraged them to build a lasting union.
Although unable to attend personally, the President was represented by the Minister for the Presidency and Budiope West Member of Parliament, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, who delivered his message on Friday, October 30.
Speaking on behalf of President Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, and the entire staff of the Office of the President, Babalanda conveyed warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds.
In his message, President Museveni thanked Bwana and Beatrice for inviting him to share in their special occasion. Affectionately referring to them as his bazzukulu (grandchildren), he congratulated them on making the important decision to enter into holy matrimony while still young and energetic.
For the President, marriage represents more than a celebration or a personal commitment. It is an important milestone that reflects maturity, focus and readiness to embrace responsibility.
He described the decision as one of the cherished aspirations parents have for their children, expressing confidence that the couple would nurture their union and make it successful.
“This is a sign of focus and readiness to take up responsibility, which is a yearning of parents for their children. The choice you have made is between you and God, and before all of us. We believe that you will make it work and that it will yield fruits in the years to come,” President Museveni said.
His message placed emphasis on the values that sustain a successful marriage, including commitment, trust, understanding, mutual respect and shared responsibility.
He urged the couple to remain supportive of one another as they establish their home, overcome life’s challenges and raise responsible children who will contribute positively to the country’s future.
The President also reminded them of the importance of preserving the good values instilled in them by their respective families, education and the institutions that have shaped their lives. He expressed confidence that these foundations would help them become responsible and exemplary members of society.
A tribute to service, loyalty and patriotism
Beyond celebrating their marriage, President Museveni used the occasion to recognise Don Bwana’s contribution to public service through his work at the NRM Secretariat, where he serves as Head of Protocol.
The President commended Bwana for his hard work, loyalty, diligence and unwavering patriotism, appreciating his commitment to the country and expressing confidence that he would continue serving with dedication while achieving even greater success.
For Bwana, the recognition was an acknowledgment of his professional journey and the responsibility that comes with serving the ruling political organisation.
President Museveni also observed that a supportive marriage partner can be an important pillar in one’s personal and professional development.
Noting that both Bwana and his wife serve in government institutions, he expressed confidence that their marriage would strengthen their individual ambitions and provide a supportive environment for their shared responsibilities.
“Since you have now got a pillar of support as your wife, and since both of you are serving in government offices, I trust that this union will help you excel to greater heights in life, nurture responsible children of this nation and become an example to other people, especially the youth,” he said.
He encouraged the couple to strike a healthy balance between their responsibilities to the country and their aspirations as a family, while remaining committed to building a prosperous future.
A shared commitment to hard work and national development
President Museveni’s message also carried a broader appeal to the newlyweds to use their influence and positions to inspire positive change in their communities.
He challenged them to embrace and promote the NRM’s message of hard work and the principle of “No More Sleep”, encouraging them to become ambassadors of productive work, personal responsibility and wealth creation.
The President reminded them that their conduct, commitment and achievements should set an example for other Ugandans, particularly young people.
He urged them to champion the broader national effort to eradicate household poverty and improve people’s livelihoods through productive engagement and responsible economic activities.
His message presented marriage not only as a personal commitment between two people but also as an opportunity to contribute to society through responsible family life, service and positive leadership.
Remembering the families behind the union
The President also recognised the important role played by the parents of the newlyweds, appreciating their guidance, sacrifices and contribution towards raising the couple into responsible adults.
In a particularly touching tribute, he remembered the late Bwana Yeko, whom he described as his friend.
By acknowledging the late Yeko, the President paid tribute to the family values and parental guidance that had helped prepare the family for this important milestone.
The recognition added a personal dimension to his message, highlighting the important role of family foundations in shaping individuals and preparing them for the responsibilities of marriage.
As a special gesture of support towards the couple’s marriage, President Museveni contributed cows worth UGX 10 million.
He concluded his message with prayers for God’s guidance and blessings upon the newlyweds as they embark on their journey together, establish their home and pursue their shared aspirations.
“May God bless your marriage,” he wished them.
Babalanda’s message: A marriage built on faith and companionship
Delivering her own message of congratulations, Minister Babalanda also wished Bwana and Beatrice a lifetime of love, companionship, mutual respect and God’s abundant blessings.
She encouraged them to cherish one another, remain steadfast in their commitment and build a home founded on faith, understanding, responsibility and shared purpose.
Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 18:22, which states, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour from the Lord,” Babalanda prayed that God would strengthen their bond, guide their decisions and bless their home with lasting peace, happiness and prosperity.
She further wished the couple a fulfilling marriage and success in their respective professional responsibilities and family life.
Her message reinforced the central theme of the occasion: that a successful marriage requires more than the excitement of a wedding day. It calls for continuous commitment, patience, understanding, faith and the willingness to grow together.
A gathering of family, faith and distinguished guests
The celebration brought together a distinguished congregation of religious leaders, political figures, government officials, NRM leaders, relatives and friends who joined the couple in marking the beginning of their married life.
Among the notable guests were Pastor Robert Kayanja, Ambassador Hon. Barbara Nekesa, the NRM Treasurer, Hon. Naigaga, Hon. Kawalya, Hon. Veronica Kadogo of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Hon. Gabriel, former Member of Parliament for Arua, Hon. Jackson Ntwatwa, Hon. Dr Rosemary Sseninde and Hon. Phiona Nakku, the National Female Workers Member of Parliament.
Officials from the NRM Secretariat, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and State House Protocol also attended, alongside other distinguished guests, family members and friends.
For Don Bwana and Beatrice Ayinkamiye, the occasion brought together personal happiness, family heritage, professional recognition and spiritual blessings.
As they begin their journey as husband and wife, the messages from President Museveni and Minister Babalanda offer a shared reminder of the values upon which they are expected to build their home: love, faith, loyalty, mutual respect, hard work and responsibility.
Beyond the wedding celebrations, the couple now embark on the lifelong adventure of growing together, supporting each other’s dreams and building a family whose values and contributions will extend beyond their home.
