Olive Uwamariya is a Gender Activist while her Hubby George Kinyera works in an Advertising Agency. The couple met through a mutual friend in 2010 and two years later walked down the aisle.

They treated their guests to a nice treat at Jacaranda Hotel in Nairobi. The couple had a chat with Sunday Times’ Donah Mbabazi; Her;

How did it feel to finally walk down the aisle?

It was a beautiful day filled with lots of great memories, but I was not or have never been infatuated with the idea of getting married. On that day however, knowing that I was going to spend the rest of my life with my best friend made me really happy.

What are some of the biggest adjustments you made from being single to married?

Not spending as much money as I want on shoes! (Laughs) but on a serious note when you get married or have a family you shift your thinking from "me” to "us”, you also think of your family before you think of yourself.

How have you managed to incorporate traditions from both the Ugandan and Rwandan cultures?

The gusaba was held here in Kigali and we blended both of our cultures really well, the groom and his entourage were dressed in the Ugandan traditional attire and we had traditional dances from both of our cultures.

What’s the one thing you like most about George?

Unlike many men, he’s not afraid to show that he’s a loving and affectionate man. He’s also a humble man. Is that one thing? (Laughs)

How do you calm your spouse when he is upset?

He rarely gets upset, but when he does a loving hug is all that he needs.

If you could treat your spouse to anything, what would it be?

The latest BMW series car, he’s obsessed with BMWs!

Him;

How did you feel taking vows to love Olive for the rest of your life?

It was surreal. We had this bond and connection that was strong and it was only natural, what we felt, being taken to the next level. Some people walk into your life and you just know, you’re meant to be with them for the rest of your days. It felt right. It felt perfect. I still remember it to this day. I felt lucky. I still feel lucky to have her as my wife.

How did you spend your honeymoon?

We took a trip from the hotel that housed us after the wedding, to the coast of Mombasa. Spent a couple of days there and got back to Kigali then Gisenyi.

How do you keep the romance in your marriage burning?

We try to do things together. Occasionally, when the bug bites, I surprise her with the good old fashioned love letter! Yes, I still do write letters to her to tell her how I feel or sms! Taking breaks from the daily grind and doing things for each other.

How has your spouse transformed from the time you met her until now?

She hasn’t changed one bit! And I think that’s what still draws me to her. Her personality, energy, points of view, beliefs are as today as when I first met her.

There are situations we get comfortable in, change and not see that it may be detrimental to a relationship. She has remained consistent and carries this through and thorough. With our child though, yes, the parenting perspective changes your priorities and what you need to do and provide for the child.

What’s the sweetest gift you’ve ever received from her?

She’s the gift. The moment she agreed to take this journey with me; her understanding, forgiveness, time, patience, sense of humour. 

Her having my best interests at heart, her faults and flaws. Her carrying our baby for nine months, her nurturing and constant care, ans also dealing through tough times. It’s appreciating her as a whole that I can say is the gift I live with every day.

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