NYANZA-Appolinarie Mukantwari, a mother of three, could not hide her joy as she sat hand in hand with her husband, looking and smiling at each other as they waited to exchange their marriage vows.

"I am now expecting to live in harmony with my husband. I will, from now on, be protected by the law,” Mukantwari said.

"We have resolved to abide by the law for the wellbeing of our family”.

Mukantwari was among 28 couples that formalised their marriages at a mass wedding organised in Busasamana Sector this week.

The ceremony was attended by relatives and friends of the couples, who  shared the elation.

Pascal Byukusenge, who accompanied one couple at the ceremony, said: "It is joyful for us to have our relatives married officially. It will surely contribute to protecting family members against violence and, particularly, safeguarding children’s rights.”

According to the Executive Secretary of Busasamana Sector, Sylvestre Muganamfura, mass weddings are a monthly initiative in the sector.

Last month, over 200 couples married. This brings the number of married couples to 228 this month alone.

"Organising mass weddings for families which live together illegally helps to limit cases of domestic violence. It also helps families to be healthier, cohesive and solid.”

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