lifestyle 18 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Deaf Groom and Bride Exchange Vows in Sign Language at Heartwarming Ugandan Wedding
Tonny Mulenzi, a deaf man, and Rebecca Nabagesera celebrated their union with silent sign language vows at Najjanankumbi Seventh-day Adventist Church, showcasing a love built on deep understanding and faith. Their story began with her learning sign language to connect with the deaf community, evolving from friendship to marriage. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/heart-to-heart/how-a-deaf-groom-and-his-bride-said-i-do--5395622
Tonny Mulenzi and Rebecca Nabagesera tied the knot on November 30, 2025, at Najjanankumbi Seventh-day Adventist Church. The groom, who is hard of hearing, and his bride exchanged vows using sign language in front of Pastor Immanuel Ogwal. An interpreter helped the congregation follow, but the couple’s intimate gestures spoke directly from the heart.
Their romance started in 2019 at Kyambogo University Seventh-day Adventist Church. Tonny led the ‘Possibility Department’ for people with disabilities. Rebecca, a first-year student, joined sign language classes to better connect with deaf members and volunteered as an interpreter.
A birthday message from Rebecca on August 11, 2019, sparked their friendship. She supported him at events, church services, and job interviews, helping him secure employment. Over time, she immersed herself in deaf culture.
Tonny admired Rebecca’s kindness, faith, and strength, especially after her mother’s passing when she cared for her siblings. She saw him as smart, responsible, and caring—the partner she prayed for. Their friendship turned romantic in 2023, leading to his proposal on International Women’s Day in 2024.
Rebecca emphasized that communication is key, and she fully understands Tonny’s world. He urged people not to focus on disabilities first, noting he just needed true understanding.
Family and friends organized the debt-free wedding via WhatsApp groups, staying within budget. The day featured perfect weather, vow exchanges as their covenant with God, photos in Munyonyo, and a surprise Lake Victoria boat cruise by Tonny.
Looking forward, the couple relies on years of mutual support and sign language to build their marriage, viewing it as seeking God’s blessing to stay together.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)