In Nyamasheke District, Shangi Sector, Mugera Cell, Karugero Village, there is an unusual story of a man named TUMUKUNDE Emmanuel who invited his parents, friends, and family for the traditional dowry ceremony (known as gusaba no gukwa) for his fiancée, Nyiranzarorimana Divine, only for everyone to find out she had gone into labor.
This happened on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Burimba, a place known as Mugera in Shangi Sector, when Divine went into labor and gave birth at the Mugera Health Center.
The wedding of Tumukunde Emmanuel and Nyiranzarorimana Divine had been legally officiated and was set to be celebrated on Thursday, May 29, 2025, with the traditional dowry ceremony. The bride gave birth just a day before the event.
However, her delivery didn’t stop the ceremonies from proceeding as planned, according to local authorities.
The Executive Secretary of Shangi Sector, Jeanne Mukamusabyimana, told the press that the wedding customs went ahead despite the surprise.
She said:
“The girl had already legally married Tumukunde Emmanuel, and they had planned to hold the traditional dowry ceremony on May 29. The couple was both aware of the pregnancy, but what surprised everyone was the timing of the birth.”
She added that once the groom’s family learned the bride had gone into labor, both families discussed and agreed to proceed with the ceremony, though Divine was not present as she was still in the hospital.
Nyiranzarorimana Divine gave birth safely at Mugera Health Center.
The actual church wedding will take place at EAR Kigabiro Church once the mother recovers from childbirth.
