Nelson and Victo Nsubuga
have been married for 35 years. They are blessed with seven children; Henry, Joyce, Victo, Gerald, Lillian, Emma and Susan. They talked to The Standard’s Lydia Lakwonyero about their life together. And how they have managed to keep their love alive all these years.

So how did you meet?
Victo- We met in Jinja. We saw each other but nothing happened immediately. It took him a full year to tell me how he felt and even then, I did not take it seriously, because you know how some men can play games. However, he did not give up. His persistence made me realise that he was actually serious about pursuing a relationship. So I accepted.
Nelson- I worked at a Hotel in Jinja when I first saw Victo. That was in 1975. At the hotel, I worked as a supervisor and a cashier. She had come from Mukono to live with her aunt in Jinja where she hoped to find work. I kept my eyes on her for some time as she usually came to the tearoom to buy milk. When I finally picked courage to tell her how I felt, she asked me for sometime to think about it. That took a full year and a half. When she finally said yes, she asked me to go and see her aunt and guardian, Victo Nambi. Later that month we had our traditional marriage ceremony (okwanjula) and she was mine. But she was only given to me later in December that year, after our church ceremony.
What struck you most about your spouse?
Victo-  Like I said, he was persistent, and that is how I knew he was actually serious. When I realised this, I gave him a chance.
Nelson-  Her dark- skin complexion just blew me away. My wife is beautiful. And whenever I spoke with her she listened and took things seriously. She was not like any other girl I had met
What would you say has kept you together all these years?
Victo-  My husband loves me and he cares about me so much. He is also forgiving. when I wrong him he does not hold onto hurt. And he understands me. I married a good man.
Nelson- There are very many things. Victo is very open and that is the one thing I value most about her. She says exactly what the problem is and we settle it. She respects me and takes time to listen when we talk. We decided never to have a communication gap. We always seek to understand each other.
Advice to young couples/ singles
Victo- Young couples need to remind themselves always of the reasons as to why they got married. You must respect, trust and stand by each other no matter what happens. Marriage is like a garden that must be tenderd if it is to be beautiful and healthy. You work at it. Talk about things that could easily draw you apart otherwise. And spend time with each other. It is about communication.
Nelson- First of all, you must appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Invite God to be a part of your marriage.
There are people in the church who have been married for long. Seek their advice. Find out what it is that has kept them together for all that while.
The ladies should learn to take care of themselves, always looking  good for their husbands. Be prepared for him when he gets home. Little things like saying welcome back mean a lot.
Your spouse should get all they need from the marriage and never have to look elsewhere. Also be careful with the advice you get from friends.
Some of them give you bad advice.  Some men advise battering wives. That is a very bad thing. How do you beat somebody you love? Everything should be settled amicably.
To singles
Nelson and victo-If you are not dating, be patient and work on your weak points. The Lord will grant you your heart’s desire in due time.