The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, has been formally introduced by his long-time fiancée, Beatrice Kayanja, at her parents’ home in Najjanakumbi.
The Kukyala ceremony took place on Saturday, and Mao was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Mbarara North MP Robert Mwesigwa, family members, and other friends.
In Buganda culture, the Kukyala is a function in which a man intending to marry a girl or woman pays a visit to her paternal aunt to formally begin the process of introducing himself to the family.
Meanwhile, Beatrice, who is the Research Assistant of the Democratic Party (DP), returned to Uganda in 2020 to contest for the Kampala Capital City Authority Lord Mayorship but was locked out of the race by the Electoral Commission for failing to present her citizenship credentials.
Regarding her marriage to her UK-based husband, Martin Kayanja, and the father of her children, Beatrice petitioned the High Court Family Division in 2022 seeking to dissolve her marriage. The case was assigned to Lady Justice Ketra Katunguka Kitarisibwa, and it is yet to be concluded.
On the other hand, Mao’s 16-year marriage to Naomi Achieng Adong was dissolved by the High Court (Family Division) in 2019. Mao had three children with Achieng.
Now, after holding the Kukyala ceremony over the weekend, it seems Mao and Beatrice are in the process of making it official.