Mpaka Records CEO and celebrated Ugandan musician Ykee Benda, born Wycliff Tugume, took a major step towards marriage with his longtime partner, Emily, during their Kukyala ceremony held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Naalya.
The intimate event, rich with cultural heritage and love, marked a significant milestone in the couple’s journey to becoming husband and wife.
Coming just a month after their engagement, the Kukyala — a traditional Buganda pre-introduction ceremony — symbolized Ykee Benda’s formal declaration of intent to marry, as he was officially introduced to Emily’s family.
Ykee Benda, known for pouring his soul into music, shared a poetic and deeply emotional message on his social media, reflecting on the gravity and beauty of the moment:
“Yesterday, baby took Dadzy to her Daddy!
3 years ago, I made a promise to a young lawyer that I would bring honor to her name and her father’s house.
Yesterday was the beginning of fulfilling it.
Beautiful as ever, she walked into a room full of family and could barely walk.
She knelt down to greet Badman and introduced him to the Old man.
The old men met and agreed, the cows and goats, and us, the two love birds, couldn’t be more grateful to God.
Emily’s Kukyala 2025, we thank you all who stood with us.
ON TO THE NEXT ONE.”
The ceremony saw both families come together to discuss and agree upon the traditional bride price — a deeply symbolic and respected practice within Buganda culture.
From Emily’s graceful entrance to the elders’ warm interactions, every element of the ceremony reflected unity, love, and respect.
As the sun set on a beautiful day filled with laughter, storytelling, and tradition, one thing was clear: Ykee and Emily are deeply in love and fully supported by their families on this journey.
With the Kukyala now behind them, the couple is looking forward to the next step — their introduction ceremony, set for September 2025. The excitement is already building among fans and well-wishers, eager to see more of this beautiful love story unfold.
Congratulations to Ykee Benda and Emily on this joyful chapter — here’s to a love that continues to honor tradition while writing a beautiful modern story.
