Over the weekend, the former Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, and his wife, Canon Ruth Ssenyonyi, celebrated their 40 Years of Marriage at Namirembe Cathedral.
The couple originally exchanged vows at the same cathedral in 1985. This time, they returned to the hallowed halls of Namirembe to renew their marriage vows in a ceremony officiated by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.
“We have come together in the presence of God to witness His faithfulness in the marriage of John and Ruth Senyonyi over the past 40 years, to ask for His continued blessing upon them, and to share in their joy,” said Archbishop Kaziimba.
He emphasized that marriage is a gift from God and a means of His grace—a holy mystery in which a man and woman become one. “It is God’s purpose that as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love throughout their lives, they remain united in that love, just as Christ is united with His Church.”
The Archbishop praised the couple’s enduring commitment: “We witness that John and Ruth Senyonyi have lived together, comforting and helping each other faithfully in times of need and abundance, in sorrow and joy. They have been blessed with children and grandchildren, and remain committed to raising a godly offspring, to His praise and glory.”
He added that the couple has undertaken their marriage with reverence, responsibility, and unwavering dedication. “On this special anniversary day, we pray that they continue to fulfill God’s purpose throughout their earthly life together.”
John shared how he met Ruth in 1982 at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where his late brother, Peter Nyombi, worked. At the time, John was pursuing a PhD in Australia.
Later that year, he saw Ruth again at a Makerere High School concert, where she performed with the Joint Heirs Choir. Ruth was then a student at Makerere University. Armed with a Polaroid camera he had brought from Australia, John took pictures of her singing—an act that caught Ruth’s attention and left her wondering who the young man was behind the lens.
John continued to write letters to Ruth after returning to Australia. Eventually, his brother Peter encouraged him to declare his feelings openly. When he finally did, Ruth accepted his proposal. She is the daughter of the late Bishop Misaeri Kauma of Namirembe.
Ruth began her career as a teacher at Gayaza High School and later worked at the Bank of Uganda, retiring as an Assistant Director after 23 years of service.
John lectured at both Makerere University and Uganda Christian University, where he first joined in 2001 as a chaplain. He served as Vice Chancellor from 2010 until his retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic, amid government-mandated education shutdowns.
