Gulu, Uganda – June 2, 2024 – Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has married his longtime partner, Beatrice Nambi, in a ceremony held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu. Beatrice Nambi, previously known as Beatrice Kayanja, was Mao’s research assistant at the Democratic Party (DP). The wedding was witnessed by several dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and his wife.
The couple’s journey to marriage has been notable for its intersections with both personal and political challenges. Beatrice Nambi was formerly married to Martin Kayanja, who currently resides in London. During this period, Nambi attempted to enter politics by running for the Kampala Lord Mayoral position. However, she faced significant obstacles, failing to secure nominations from major parties such as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP). She eventually aligned with Mao’s Democratic Party but was disqualified by the Electoral Commission, led by Justice Simon Byabakama, due to her failure to register as a voter.
It was during this turbulent political and personal period that Norbert Mao and Beatrice Nambi’s relationship blossomed. Reports suggest that their bond strengthened as Nambi navigated her troubled marriage and political aspirations.
Norbert Mao, previously married to Naomi Achieng Odongo until their divorce in 2019 after 16 years of marriage, now officially has Beatrice Nambi as his wife. The couple exchanged vows in a ceremony marked by the presence of close friends, family, and political allies.
The wedding followed traditional ceremonies, including an introduction, or kwanjula, a customary Buganda practice. Mao expressed his admiration for Buganda’s rich cultural heritage, stating, “I really love the Buganda Culture! Marriage is not just a contract between two people. It is a covenant between families and communities. So, today in the small hours of the night before dawn my family went to bring my wife home. What an elaborate culture of intricate rituals!”
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the wedding was not without controversy. A faction of the Democratic Party, led by Henry Kamya, voiced their objections to the union, questioning the couple’s suitability for the sacrament of holy matrimony. This dissent reflects ongoing tensions within the party and highlights the complex interplay between personal lives and political careers.
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