After having a colorful introduction ceremony this year on February 17, journalist Gabriel Buule and girlfriend Joan Mulungi, a legal assistant in the Judiciary on Thursday were officially wedded to become husband and wife.
Gabriel an arts journalist working with Nation Media Group- Uganda entered into wedlock with Joan after having a Civil marriage ceremony that took place at the Directorate of Civil Registration at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) head offices in Kololo,Kampala.
By 10:30am, the couple was among the many queuing at the URSB offices for their marriages to be solemnized. Gabriel and Joan appeared before the registrar at exactly 11:39am and moments later, vows followed with rings being exchanged as their witnesses looked on. This happened after listening to a few words from the registrar about the nature of marriage they were about to enter.
“Congratulations Gabriel and Joan. Enjoy your marriage,” said the registrar who officiated the ceremony as she handed over a marriage certificate to the newlywed couple.
Speaking briefly about the decision to have a civil marriage ceremony, the vocal journalist explained; ” I am a catholic but I respect human rights and freedom of worship is one of them. My wife is a born-again Christian and she comes from a very strong religious background. I cannot force her to take something she has not yet understood.”
“Another thing people should learn is that having a Civil marriage does not mean that someone has done something totally different because even those who officiate the religious marriages are governed by the law. All marriages conducted elsewhere are also registered by URSB,” he clarified further.
At a quiet and a well decorated venue next to the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe town is where the Mr and Mrs Buule hosted their guests who were eagerly waiting to celebrate with them this life milestone. Family members, journalists, friends, employers and coworkers of the two all gathered to witness the memorable celebration. Among them was Ole Reidar Bergum, the Deputy Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, Professor Badru Kateregga the founder of Kampala University, Mityana Municipality Woman Member of Parliament Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa, among other high-profile guests.
The contribution made by Gabriel towards the arts sector as a journalist is the reason why artistes like Maurice Kirya, Ykee Benda, Kenneth Mugabi, Sandra Ssuubi among others, wanted to be part of his memorable occasion.