Museveni hands a an envelope to MP Katushabe. Photos by Christopher Kisekka
Residents who did not have a merry Christmas in the hunger-stricken Bukomansimbi District were consoled on Boxing Day as Ms Ruth Katushabe, the Bukomansimbi North Member of Parliament, who also happens to be an adopted daughter of president Museveni, introduced the love of her life. This was in Nakateete village in Bigasa Sub County.
Unlike the “Shs3b Mbuga wedding” where guests ended up missing food, everybody who accessed Katushabe’s introduction ceremony was served to satisfaction and many locals were seen with polythene bags packed with food.
President Museveni who was the omuhingizi (someone who gives you a wife) whom many awaited, arrived late but when he appeared the function got a new tone.
L-R: Ruth Katushabe President Museveni, HB Matovu and EALA MP Mukasa Mbidde
The president kept on cracking political jokes as he delivered his speech in total silence with intervals of hand claps.
Museveni warned HB not to mistreat his daughter. “If you mistreat her, you will see me,” he said jokingly, making the people laugh.
Museveni said that he never asked the son-in-law for bride price and instead gave the couple blessings and some gifts including houseware. He promised to add them 10 cows from his Kisozi farm.
The function had some moments of comedy as Mr Shafik Mwanje, Bukomansimbi District NRM chairperson was chased away from the function by organisers.
Museveni addessing the gathering, Seated at the front are Mr James Lubega and his wife; the biological parents of Ruth Katushabe
“You were not invited…show me your invitation, if you don’t have one it is better you march out of this place before you are harassed,” one of the organisers told the chairperson who later stood and left amidst booing.
When contacted, Mr Mwanje told Sqoop that he did not want to ‘pull ropes’ with the organisers but he was entitled to be at the function since the president was attending.
Mr Ibrahim HB Matovu, Katushabe’s fiancé, and a real estate dealer was introduced in the multicultural ceremony which embraced both the Kinyankole and Ganda cultures.
Residents were surprised as Mr Fred Mukasa Mbidde the Democratic Party Vice President came along with HB Matovu his known political rival and the master of ceremonies introduced him as the best-man.
HB Matovu on the right being guarded from sunshine
Many big wigs attended the function including Members of Parliament, RDCs, ministers and high ranking police officers.
Afande Sam Omala caused laughter when he was given chance to introduce himself and spoke broken Luganda.
A Mataali group and Catherine Kusaasira, the Golden Band artiste entertained the gathering that evening.