Pomp as Robert Kayanja Jr. introduces American lover

By Ivan Kabuye

Robert Kayanja Jr. Is a chip off the old block.  As long as the subject is love and affection, he showed that he espoused it from his parents.

During his pompous introduction to longtime girlfriend Marlena Gailis, an American of Latvian descent in Kampala yesterday, he showed that he comes from a long line of love. 

Robert Kayanja Jr. and his bride take to the floor after their momentous occasion. Photo by Ivan Kabuye

As he lovingly gazed into her eyes, one easily told that Kayanja Jr. had keenly listened to his mother, Pr. Jessica Kayanja’s marital advice during the recently concluded Bride and Groom Expo. 

Pastor Jessica Kayanja has a mother- daughter-in- law dance during the ceremony. Photo by Ivan Kabuye

He did all the right things to his bride-to-be; her butterflies were evident.  It was a unique type of Kwanjula ceremony that allowed a blend of Buganda and Latino American culture.

Vision Group's Editor-in-Chief Barbara Kaija was in attendance at the Kwanjula ceremony. Photo by Ivan Kabuye

  The colorful and glamorous event was attended by a couple of prominent people including Barbra Kaija Chief Editor of Vision Group, Judith Nabakooba Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

Singer Irene Namatovu leads the bride to the ceremony. Photo by Ivan Kabuye

 Others were Godfrey Kirumira the Honorary Consul of Namibia to Uganda and Grace Akullo the former CID director, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, Derick Nyeko Makindye East MP, Pastor Apostle Lubega of the Phaneroo Ministries, Pastor Peter Sematimba, among others. Juliana Kanyomozi and Maureen  Namatovu performed for the guests.

Diva Juliana Kanyomozi sings for the crowd at the introduction ceremony

The couple got into the limelight on November 11^th 2022 when they got engaged.

In a tweet captioned with the engagement date and emojis of a ring and red rose, Robert shared two photos: a closeup of him putting a diamond ring on the finger of his longtime girlfriend Marlena Gailis; and a portrait of the interracial couple sharing a passionate kiss, with a night cityscape in the background.

His father tweeted the same pictures, and added two more that show his wife Jessica holding hands with the couple and praying for them. He captioned it thus,

“My Big Boy @robrjk did that knee thing 💍, Congratulations Buddy! I am all in on this!!”

On Saturday, it showed as no expense was spared to ensure a memorable function.