The Katikkiro of the Ngabi Clan, Richard Yiga Balironda, and his wife, Sylvia Yiga Balironda, have celebrated 25 years of marriage in a thanksgiving ceremony held at Kawoko in Bukomansimbi District.
The silver jubilee celebrations were marked with a Holy Mass led by Severus Jjumba, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Masaka, alongside several members of the clergy.
The Buganda Kingdom was represented by Noah Kiyimba, Minister for Cabinet, Lukiiko and the Office of the Katikkiro, who delivered a message from the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga.
In his message, Katikkiro Mayiga described 25 years of marriage as a testament to love, patience, forgiveness, faithfulness, and commitment to the marital covenant between husband and wife.
“Twenty-five years in marriage is evidence of love, perseverance, forgiveness, faithfulness, and steadfast commitment to the vows that a couple makes to one another,” Mayiga said.
He emphasized that marriage remains one of the key foundations of nation-building, noting that strong families produce responsible citizens, and responsible citizens contribute to the development of a strong nation.
“A good family builds good people, and good people build a good nation. Therefore, when we celebrate couples who have remained together for 25 years, we are celebrating the values and traditions that strengthen both society and the nation,” he said.
The Katikkiro noted that the journey of Mr. and Mrs. Yiga Balironda has included moments of joy as well as challenges, but through God’s grace, faith, and commitment, they have overcome them and become an example for younger generations.
He reminded the public that successful marriages are not built on perfection alone, but on sacrifice, patience, and the daily decision by couples to remain united through all seasons of life.
“A strong marriage is not built on perfection, but on selflessness and the decision to stay together through all circumstances of life,” he said.
He encouraged young people and newly married couples to learn from the example set by Richard and Sylvia Yiga Balironda.
The celebration was attended by clan leaders, clan Katikkiros, Emmanuel Ssekitooleko, Damalie Nantongo, county chiefs, Janefrancis Lukwago, and other officials serving under the institution of the Kabaka.
The silver jubilee celebration highlighted the importance of faith, unity, commitment, and family values as foundations for strong communities and national development.