Zadock Amanyisa, a 28-year-old information officer at West Ankole Diocese, shares his experience of saving money from his wedding contributions and using it to start a business.
He married Ruth Amanyisa in April 2018, and throughout the wedding planning, he remained focused on keeping costs low and manageable.
Initially, Zadock wanted a small wedding with a budget of 9 million Ugandan shillings. However, due to family pressure, the budget increased to 15 million.
Despite this, Zadock was determined not to overspend. With the help of close friends, he cut the budget down to 5.67 million shillings. Though others criticized his approach, he stuck to his decision to avoid going into debt after the wedding.
He successfully negotiated prices with vendors, ensuring that all wedding expenses, such as food, venue, cake, and decorations, stayed under 250,000 shillings each.
By the wedding day, Zadock had managed to keep the event within budget and even ended up with a surplus of 2.9 million shillings.
Instead of spending the extra money on a traditional honeymoon, Zadock and Ruth decided to invest in a business.
They used the money to start an urban and backyard farm, including a rabbit hatch, poultry house, and vegetable garden. This business has since grown, providing them with a steady side income.
Zadock encourages other young couples to avoid overspending on weddings. He emphasizes the importance of living within one’s means and focusing on the future, rather than succumbing to societal pressures.
His story serves as a valuable lesson in financial planning and entrepreneurship, showing that with careful budgeting, it is possible to start a successful business while maintaining a modest wedding.