Newlywed Mbabazi reflects on ‘year of blessings’, shares future plans

If there is one person who has a lot to thank for blessings in 2014 is Christine Mbabazi. The 24-year-old TV and Radio 10 personality introduced her Irish fiancé Hugh Delaney to her parents in Kayonza District, on Boxing Day, before the two exchanged vows in front of 400 guests who they would later host to a lavish reception in the capital Kigali. The fashionista designed her wedding gown and the dresses for her entourage. She spoke to Joseph Oindo about her new role as a wife and her plans for the future: Q: Congratulations on your wedding. How are you feeling now? A: Thanks a million. I am feeling happy and looking forward to spending the rest of my life with the man I love. Here comes the bride and the groom. Q: 2014 must have been one of the most exciting years in your life... A: 2014 was a year of favour and blessings to me, I was successful in everything that I was doing, starting from being a radio presenter to a TV presenter, designing from home to owning my fashion boutique (Christine’s Creative Collections or CCC), being the best I could to my friends and family by having a positive impact in their lives, balancing school with my busy schedule, and finally getting married to my best friend. The happy couple looks absolutely gorgeous and so in love. Q: How did you meet your husband? A: I met Hugh Delaney through a mutual friend and it was on my two girls’ birthday party. He has a voice that no one else has… plus he is a good guitarist, very down to earth and, of course, very friendly and loving, he has a sense of humor. I never have enough of his funny jokes which keep me laughing throughout. He appreciates the whole of me and values my thoughts and decisions. I can write a book. The newly engaged couple looked absolutely stunning. Q: What do you expect in your new role as a wife? A: Well, life goes on and it’s always about the two of you plus God no matter what. The bond between us will shape me into the best wife and mother. Q: So it will be the same old Christine trailblazing in her career path? A: I find no reason to change and I do not see myself being someone else, I am me socially and professionally, the usual Christine Mbabazi. Men clad in traditional attire for Mbabazi’s introduction. Q: Where are you honeymooning? A: We postponed the honeymoon because Hugh’s family is still around. But we are thinking of perhaps going to Italy, starting with Rome though we have a few other options also. Q: How are you planning to balance your family and professional life? A: I am continuing with my professional career while I look forward to being a mother. I am a hardworking woman and I have millions of opportunities waiting for me from different corners of the world. The important thing is that my family is happy and we will only do things that make us happy. The bridesmaids were all so happy with their looks! Q: If asked to make a choice between radio and TV personality on the one hand and fashion on the other, to allow more time for your new role as wife, which one would you forgo? A: Oh my goodness, I love radio, TV and fashion…. I don’t think I would let go of any of those. I would add in my role of womanhood in my daily busy schedule and I would manage multitasking. The groom, Hugh Delaney, centre, and the groomsmen at Christine Mbabazi’s parents’ home in Kayonza. Q: What should we expect this year from you professionally speaking? A: Starting with radio, I want to introduce the concept of visiting our many listeners in different parts of the country on a monthly basis, and to broadcast live from these locations with local voices and talents on display. The wedding cake was well-designed.(Courtesy photos) For TV, I want to start up a TV show (still working on the concept) and for fashion, I will make use of African fabrics and expand my shop with new concepts (watch the space), plus I want to make sure that every young designer benefits from CCC.

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Newlywed Mbabazi reflects on ‘year of blessings’, shares future plans