Pallisa, (UG):- Professor Mary Okwakol Nakandha the executive director of the National Council for Higher Education in Uganda and her husband Dr Nathan Okwakol the former Minister of State for Agriculture in the Obote II regime and Pallisa county constituent assembly delegate on Saturday had a mega celebration to mark their 50 years in holy marriage.
The celebration that was held at Chelekura village in Chelekura sub-county was graced by Dr Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda was attended by various government officials, vice chancellors from a number of universities.
The function was colourfully attended by OBs of Mwiri College, Kings College Buddo, Makerere University those who studied with Dr. Okwakol and girls who had time with Professor Mary Okwakol in St. Mary’s Namagunga and Makerere University some of which were Dr. Olara Otunu the former UPC president.
In his summon to the mammoth gathering Dr. Kazimba challenged people to appreciate what God does to through thanksgiving. He said in most cases some people don’t get what they expect from God at that exact time but they have to thank God for the gift of life and they free air the breath.
“Okwakol family is successful because they have time for God and dedicate themselves to his service and also helping other people. There is no smooth marriage but accepting that we make mistakes strengthens the relationship my major problem is with men as they find it difficult to apologize and say sorry,” said Archbishop Kazimba.
“For this particular couple that has gathered us in there today, I am joyous because they are still strong walking unsupported, and are dancing with vigour but others that I have presided over they wheeled in armchairs.”
He congratulated Professor Mary Okwakol Nakandha for balancing her national duty and family work on top of attending to other relatives. “Nathan the success of your wife Mary is from your direct support encouragement and trust you have her. I would like to ask this congregation to have something to learn from our being here”, Dr Mugalu said.
Dr. Olara recalled Dr. Okwakol and Professor Mary Okwakol as leaders in the university who strengthened his administration as a guild president. “Dr. Okwakol was a very bright articulate law student who spoke English so well up to now he is still a very outstanding orator and Professor Okwakol Nakandha was pronounced lady of substance who was the chairperson of Marty Stuart Hall and she is a historical icon of women emancipation”, Otunu said.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi the minister of ICT said that whenever a person of value does something it is noticed and catches public attention that is the reason we are here. He added that he was happy that most of the people in the function are NRM supporters who are benefiting from the fruits of good government.
“When get back to Kampala I asked my brother Olara Otunu to join NRM I should get him a yellow shirt”, Baryomunsi said.
Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African affairs said Professor Okwakol Nakandha is this pride of entirely Busoga sub-region who is devoted to her work that’s lifted many like Dr Richard Balikowa who is a lecturer at Makerere university.
“To congratulate this couple I have a cow for their I would have brought but it was not vaccinated. It is going to be delivered anytime,” Kadaga said.
The children of Okwakol’s family thanked God for their parents who have laid a good foundation for them. “Our parents are so caring and full of fun and narrate to us educative stories and it is the reason why their grandchildren like being with them,” Elizabeth Akurut Emuku said.
Mr Samuel Atubet Okwakol said his father fully wanted him to follow in his footsteps as he took him to the schools we went through. “Never once did Dad say a bad word about Mum and vice versa. He treated her like a queen and likewise, he is Mumsy King They continue to cherish each other which we are also emulating in our families,” Atubet said.
Grace Kiyai Okwakol lauded their parents for being role models who have kept the candle flame of love and unity burning in our family.
Professor Okwakol lauded her husband for being so supportive in whatever she does right from the time they met and committed themselves to marriage.
“The first time I was introduced to this family I was received with warmth and even my parents accepted him without a question of which tribe he was from. I remember being asked where does you husband comes from when I answered Pallisa my father said that is near”, Professor Okwakol said.
Okwakol enthusiastically couldn’t hide her joy to all the guests who joined them in the celebration. “I am so delighted for what we have gone through as a family and my applause goes to God. Getting a wife who is committed and makes you her king is rare. The Bible also asks who can find a wife who is caring, wakes up in the morning puts every right and makes her husband happy? I am the lucky one,” Muzei sent people to tib-breaking laughter.
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