Doubters often swear that true love does not exist. Others say that if it exists, true love only comes once in one’s lifetime. A true hopeless romantic, however, believes in soulmates and happily ever after. And what is true love, if not falling madly in love even when both parties suffer visual impairment, incapable of actually seeing each other? That is the story of Jean de Dieu Uwukunda and Chantal Vuguziga, who tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony at the end of August. The couple exchanged vows at New Life Church in Kicukiro, and for those who were around, or heard about it, it was an inspiration and the true definition of ‘love that goes beyond and above’. Finding each other Their special day kicked off with an introduction ceremony that took place in Masaka, at the premises of Rwanda Union of the Blind, where the two met when they were still students. Regardless of the fact that neither Vuguziga nor Uwukunda have ever seen each other, they both knew they wanted to spend their lives together and build a home as husband and wife. With a bright smile on his face, Uwukunda says he was so happy to have Vuguziga as his wife. “Sitting here, knowing that I got her (Chantal) as my wife, I feel like a General in the army,” he says. The two weren’t born with visual disability. Uwukunda became blind after finishing secondary school, his impairment came after a short illness that started as a headache. Vuguziga’s, on the other hand, came from an accident that occurred at a former workplace. Their union, like any other love story, wasn’t without challenges. The groom’s mother didn’t approve of their marriage, at first. It was hard for her to understand and accept that her son was in love with Vuguziga who has a similar disability, Aime, Uwukunda’s cousin narrates. Later, however, his mother and the entire family came to a mutual understanding and welcomed the bride to their family. “They took enough time to study and know each other, and now we are so thankful for this spectacular ceremony. We are so happy for them and we promise to be with them in all,” Aime says. Uwukunda’s neighbour, Jacqueline Niyonsaba, best known as Kirahinda in a local TV series ‘City Maid’, says the couple’s union showcases that true love still exists. “We are now crying tears of joy because of Jado and Chantal. The groom is actually an artist; he can draw yet he can’t see.” Niyonsaba is against parents who tend to meddle in their children’s relationships, saying that it’s not right. “Please don’t interfere with your children’s relationships since everyone knows what’s meant for them, especially when it comes to love.” Family members, including, cousins, siblings as well as parents who were present at the wedding expressed how happy they were for the couple.
