Ssenyonyis renew vows to mark 40 years of love rooted in faith

HOLY MATRIMONY 

KAMPALA - The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged couples to embrace God and build their marriages on a foundation of faith.

While officiating the 40th wedding anniversary of Canon Rev Dr John Ssenyonyi and Canon Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi at Namirembe Cathedral on Sunday, 13 April, Archbishop Kaziimba encouraged couples to look to the Ssenyonyis as a shining example of a Christ-centred union.

“Some people give testimonies that they met in bars or at concerts, but these two met in church,” Archbishop Kaziimba told the congregation, drawing laughter and applause. “Be mindful where you find your partners, too,” he added.

The 40th wedding anniversary of Canon Rev Dr John Ssenyonyi and Canon Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi at Namirembe Cathedral on Sunday, 13 April. (All Photos by Maria Wamala)

He acknowledged that while marriage is increasingly under threat in today’s world, there are still couples who uphold its sacred values—like the Ssenyonyis.

The archbishop called on parents to live exemplary lives, raise their children in the fear of God, and dedicate them to His service. He praised the Ssenyonyis for nurturing their children and grandchildren in the Christian faith.

“We thank God for making you useful to the country and to the ministry,” he added.
Before giving his blessing, Archbishop Kaziimba playfully asked the congregation whether they would still choose their current spouses if God gave them another chance, prompting laughter across the cathedral.

Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu

Canon John and Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi stood before the altar to renew their vows, promising faithfulness and love to one another for the rest of their lives.

“God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you, John and Ruth Ssenyonyi. The Lord mercifully continues to grant you the riches of His grace, that you may please Him both in body and soul, and, living together in faith and love, may receive the blessings of eternal life,” Archbishop Kaziimba prayed over the couple.

The couple’s children, led by their daughter Sarah Nsubuga, expressed gratitude for their parents’ steadfast love and guidance—both spiritually and at home.

“We have seen their love in both spirit and action. They are best friends, and that’s something we carry into our own families. They still treat us like children, even though we’re grown up,” Nsubuga said.

Ambassador Henry Mayega, the Consul General of Uganda’s Consulate in the Emirate of Dubai and a close family friend of the Ssenyonyis, congratulated the couple and wished them continued joy, humour, and laughter in the years ahead.

“Forty years isn’t easy; we thank them because they have been a good example to all of us. We (friends) are all married, and we look up to them,” Mayega said.

He recalled the Ssenyonyis’ courtship from years ago, in which he played a significant role, noting that it was purely Godly.

Married on 13 April 1985, the Ssenyonyis are blessed with four children and seven grandchildren.

Speaking to the congregation, Canon John and Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi thanked their guests for joining the celebration, and shared fond memories of how their journey began.

The couple’s children, led by their daughter Sarah Nsubuga, expressed gratitude for their parents’ steadfast love and guidance—both spiritually and at home.

Canon Rev Dr John Ssenyonyi expressed deep gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout their marriage, including the blessing of children.

“I thank God that I am born again, and my wife is born again. She was truly God-sent,” he said.

Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi described her husband as a loving, God-fearing, and attentive man.
“I thank God for John. He listens, he is born again, and he truly loves the Lord,” she said.

“God has been faithful. We have surely not lacked, despite our humble beginnings,” Rev Canon Dr John Ssenyonyi added.

Their love story began in 1982, when Ruth was a singer in the Joint Heirs choir, which ministered during a concert at Makerere High School, while John served as the event’s photographer, capturing the moment that marked the start of their journey together.

Canon Rev Dr John Ssenyonyi has served the country and the Church in various capacities, including as a lecturer at Makerere University, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, and Canon Reverend in the Church of Uganda.

Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi, a clinical psychologist, currently serves as chairperson of the Uganda AIDS Commission. She previously worked at the Bank of Uganda for 22 years and also served as President of the Mothers’ Union.

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