By Asenath Were
Marriage has often been considered a significant milestone in life. Many people believe that one should consider taking on this step once they have settled into a career, perhaps a couple of years after completing university. For some however, it comes sooner than society typically expects. Much as the journey into marriage life can be exciting, it can also be unpredictable.. A couple of recent graduates of Uganda Christian University (UCU) have found themselves embracing marriage soon after graduation. Elsie Kokunda Tukahirwa Twinomujuni and Christy Asiimwe Ainembabazi share their experiences.
Tukahirwa: A story of faith, love, and resilience
For Tukahirwa, a mass communication graduate and former class representative at UCU who is currently working as a content creator, social media influencer and makeup artist, marriage was always part of the plan. On October 26, 2024,one year after her graduation, she tied the knot with her long-time love, Boaz Twinomujuni, a relationship she describes as divinely orchestrated.
“I always told my friends that I wanted to get married right after university,” Tukahirwa says. “Many thought I was joking, but I was serious. When Boaz and I reunited, I prayed and fasted fervently, trusting God to guide us.”
Tukahirwa and Twinomujuni first met in 2015 at a scouts’ camp in Busabala. At the time, Tukahirwa was a student at Buloba High School, and Twinomujuni was pursuing electrical engineering at university.While their connection was instant, life took them in different directions. Tukahirwa ended the relationship in 2018, but Twinomujuni remained a constant presence, occasionally reaching out despite her initial indifference.
“I was young and felt proud. I texted him saying we couldn’t go far, yet he hadn’t done anything wrong,” Tukahirwa admits. “In 2023, after graduating, I prayed for clarity about my future husband. God confirmed to me in a dream, and I reached out to him. We decided to skip dating and go straight into courtship,” she recalls.
The couple planned their marriage in under three months. “We had financial constraints, but through prayer and support from friends and family, we managed,”
Now adjusting to marriage, she acknowledges its demands and joys. “Single life is about you, but marriage requires selflessness. You now have to prioritise your partner, but it’s rewarding because you have someone to share your life with.” she highlights.
“A person should enjoy single life more because now when you’re married, it’s not about you, it’s about your partner. You have to wake up every morning to prepare for your partner, that is to say you have to cook, iron etcetera whether you like it or not. You have to organise your home. It’s totally different. It’s like you’re now the god of the home. Every morning, your man is going to wake up, and for him, his duty is to provide and leave the raw materials but it is up to you to make the raw materials have value,” Tukahirwa says.
Asiimwe: A perfect match
Christy Asiimwe, celebrated as the best female student in her graduating year of 2024 with a CGPA of 4.8, got married months after her graduation on December 21, 2024. For Asiimwe, the decision to marry early was influenced by her faith and her partner, Jeremy Jesse Ainembabazi.
“I have always liked the idea of getting married early,” Asiimwe says. “Finding the right person and having my parents’ consent made the preparations easy.”
Ainembabazi, a data scientist who graduated from Makerere University in January 2024, shares similar thoughts. “Marriage has always been part of my dream. I wanted to be married by 25, and meeting Christy confirmed this was God’s will,” he explains.
Their relationship, which they say was rooted in shared Christian values, emphasized prayer and intentionality. Ainembabazi reveals that his criteria for choosing a spouse went beyond physical attraction. “I asked myself if my life would be better with Christy, and the answer was a resounding yes,” he says. “She complements me in every way, from character to values.”
“Marriage for me is kingdom work. I sought a wife who would help me become a better person, and Christy fulfilled all my non-negotiables,” he says.
The couple describes their wedding preparations as smooth, thanks to the support of family and friends. Ainembabazi emphasises the importance of aligning values when choosing a spouse. “Physical attraction is important, but character, faith, and shared goals matter more,” he notes.
Christy explains that although planning a wedding is a lot of work, she made sure to start early. “I began planning as early as March because I knew I had school coming up, but I also had a well-organised committee that made everything easier. I didn’t have to do much thanks to the support from our families and the committee,” she shares.
Challenges and lessons learned
Both couples highlight the challenges of young marriage, from financial constraints to societal expectations.Tukahirwa recalls her father’s initial skepticism. “He wanted me to focus on building a career first and he thought someone had forced me into the decision of marriage but I assured him this was my decision, supported by prayer and conviction.”
Asiimwe echoes similar sentiments, adding that marriage will help her and husband pool their resources and build a strong foundation for their future.
Advice to peers
The two urge young people to approach relationships and marriage with intentionality and prayer. “Don’t rush into marriage because of societal pressure,” Tukahirwa advises. “Take time to know yourself and your partner, ensuring your goals align.”
She adds, “Enjoy your single life but remain focused. Pray for God’s guidance in finding the right partner, and don’t compromise on your values.”
Ainembabazi also shares that marriage doesn’t have to be at a set moment in one’s life. “Society often encourages that when one finishes school, they work, be single for some time and probably build a house before marriage, but we’re proof that it’s possible with the right partner and mindset,” Ainembabazi says.
As Tukahirwa and Asiimwe settle into their roles as wives, they remain positive about the future. For them, marriage is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a shared adventure.
