Fifty Years, One Vow, as Rugyendo Emmanuel and Juliana Rugyendo Celebrate a Golden Jubilee of Marriage
EMMANUEL RUGYENDO AND JULIANA MARK 50 YEARS OF MARRIAGE
The Catholic community of Kabale Diocese gathered in great joy and thanksgiving as Mr. Emmanuel Rugyendo, one of the Diocese’s most respected church music composers, celebrated 50 years of faithful marriage with his beloved wife Juliana Rugyendo. The Golden Jubilee was marked by the renewal of marriage vows during a Holy Mass held at Kyanamira Parish, Kabale Diocese, on Boxing day.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Parish Priest of Kyanamira Parish, Rev. Fr. Nikiema Charles, and concelebrated by several priests, among them Rev. Fr. Ndyomugabe Balthazar, Rev. Fr. Wenceslaus Bazirakye, himself a renowned composer, Rev. Fr. Januario Nomugisha, and other clergy from the Diocese.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Nikiema Charles warmly thanked Mr. and Mrs. Rugyendo for being a living example of Christian marriage since 1975. He emphasized that lasting marriages are built on faith in God, mutual respect, prayer, forgiveness, and commitment, especially during difficult moments. He praised the couple for raising well-disciplined and responsible children, describing them as fruits of a home anchored in Christian values.
The parish priest further reminded couples that marriage is not only a personal union but also a vocation and witness to the wider community. He encouraged young couples to learn from elders who have walked the journey faithfully and urged families to remain united in prayer and service.
During the celebration, Rev. Fr. Ndyomugabe Balthazar paid special tribute to Emmanuel Rugyendo’s immense contribution to church music, not only in Kabale Diocese but beyond. He highlighted Rugyendo’s passion for sacred music and noted that music runs through the entire Rugyendo family, making them a true musical household dedicated to liturgical service.
Fr. Ndyomugabe recalled that Mr. Rugyendo, together with other committed music lovers, founded and nurtured the High Mass Choir at Christ the King Parish, Kabale. This choir has grown into a model of discipline, depth, and professionalism, earning Kabale Diocese recognition for quality liturgical music. Through composition, mentorship, and consistency, Rugyendo has helped shape generations of church musicians and strengthened worship through music.
He thanked Rugyendo for his zeal, humility, and perseverance, qualities that have sustained his service over many decades.
In his speech, Mr. Emmanuel Rugyendo expressed deep gratitude to God, the priests, family members, friends, and the entire Christian community for walking with him and Juliana throughout their marriage journey. He particularly applauded Rev. Fr. Nikiema Charles for the clear and practical parish programs aimed at strengthening faith, development, and unity at Kyanamira Parish.
As a sign of commitment to church growth, Mr. Rugyendo generously supported the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund for Kyanamira Parish with Ugx 2,000,000. His contribution inspired the faithful, and by the end of the function, over Ugx 5,000,000 had been raised for the cause.
The Golden Jubilee celebration attracted several distinguished guests who came to honor the couple. Among those present were Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon Dr. Thaddeus Kamara, Hon. Alina Mary Kemerwa, Uganda's Ambassador to Vatican alongside church leaders, civic leaders, family members, musicians, and friends from across the Diocese.
Following the Holy Mass, a joyful reception was held at St. Francis College, Kyanamira, where the couple shared moments of celebration, music, laughter, and fellowship with the community. It was a true family gathering, reflecting the unity and love that has defined their 50 years together.
Congratulations the Rugyendo's.