An estimation of seven percent of Ugandan population divorce while others separate every after four years according to HiiL User Friendly Justice report on Divorce and Separation 2020.
The percentage translates to about 370,000 of people separating formally and informally every year due to failed relationships.
Even with such worrying demographic figures, Samuel Kawumi 88, and Harriet Kawumi 74, residents of Kawuga in Mukono Municipality have lived to celebrate their 50th anniversary in marriage.
If you happen to meet this delightful couple, you will notice that the two have lived and kept their love blossoming for years.
Their current complexion looks like, the slight and careful use of words as well as movement amazes and inspires many.
“I admire that couple, 50years is beyond human understanding.” A famous talk for several residents at Kawuga. Kawumi, a true model of a gentleman among all generation circles.
Every time you meet him, his body structure leaves you pondering and then fail to conclude how handsome and organized he was back then when he met Harriet. The height and a shiny glittering melanin gives another composure of a shining face.
Ida Hadoto, a family friend and also a neighbour for over twenty years in Kawuga says Kawumi does extraordinary duties expected of a man.
“One day I found him attending to the grandchildren. He was changing their diapers which surprised and overwhelmed me. The couple is a living example of a true marriage to every generation.” Hadoto says.
Besides, Mrs Kawumi who slightly stammers before giving a fancy smile, has a black Afro hair neatly mixed with little grey one. Put on tinted black glasses which make you create imaginations of her old days.
The entire Kawuga community keeps on talking about his motherly administrative skills. “Anytime you knock on her door, she gives a shoulder and advice where necessary”. The community recounts.
‘Until death do us apart’, is a strong pillar the couple has sailed on all through. Kawumi is a household name known among residents of Mukono.
The couple is blessed with four children, the first born at 53 years and the last born 47 years, the couple has already established its procreation of 15 grandchildren both male and female.
At home, is a vintage Photo album, neatly dressed and in order, it holds the couple’s dear memories of September 2, 1972, when the two love birds got married at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero.
During our interview with Harriet, she rolled some tears on her cheeks as she breathed heavily and later slightly smiled.
“Memories are treasures no one can ever steal”, it looks like yesterday, I still feel the smell of my dress and the scent of the flowers of the venue at Kyambogo College Main Hall”. She recalls.
The couple met in 1968 in the present day Arua City where Harriet was working a nurse at Arua Regional Referral Hospital and Samuel as a district forest officer at the time
“He was a well composed man, articulate and calculative in whatever he spoke. I was so carried away, we underwent a courtship of four years before getting married”. She notes.
The couple later settled in Entebbe, during these days, emancipation was still low and most women were housewives. But Harriet beat all odds and worked as a nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital at the same time cared for her young family.
Even with a slight progress the devil never ceases to plan. In 1974, Samuel was asked by a relative to take care of his sports car but later was admired by President Idi Amin’s Army officers.
“They started looking for my husband day and night. It was at this point when people could disappear day and night, especially public servants”.
After various strategies, Kawumi managed to escape and went to exile in Kenya, since he had worked closely with the East African Community, it was easy to connect with Kenya’s Forestry bosses. In Kenya, Harriet resorted to poultry keeping, an initiative that earned an extra income for the family.
“We worked as a team to champion our prospects. It was a good strategy of encouraging team work within the family.” Rachael Kawumi, a daughter, says.
In Kenya the family got saved and yearned to know more about Christ, with such a strong Christian background, this also explains a big church in front of their compound.
The couple later in 1988 returned back home and stayed in different places in Kampala until in 1990 when they officially got their own residence in Kawuga-Mukono.
Much as a happy living, Harriet recalls a terrible moment which creates a grim on her face, the early 1990’s when her brother in-law was driving their taxi and got shot dead at the gate.
Terror covered the entire village, they arrested almost all female residents in the area, Kawumi was already arrested with the elder son, Samuel Kawumi Junior and their taxi conductor at Ssaza grounds.
“It was Christ, because I was confident and talked to the army officers. We came to the conclusion that we also didn’t know anything. In a flash of an eye I had my family out with me.” She narrates.
To the couple their success and achievement is contentment and team work as a strong pillar to reach their 50th Anniversary.
Story by Eriah Lule
English 