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During the Uganda Cranes vs South Sudan Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in October, Joshua Banda made headlines by proposing to Shadia Nakato.
The couple celebrated their wedding reception on Monday, December 30, at the Kabalagala Pentecostal Church along Gaba Road.
The qualifier match, held at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, attracted over 40,000 spectators. Uganda Cranes, who have since secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, emerged victorious.
Banda, seated in the VIP section of the stadium, named in honour of Pan-Africanist and former South African president Nelson Mandela, had meticulously planned his proposal to Nakato, a businesswoman.
Banda, a business administrator at the Africa Bureau of Music in Muyenga—a company co-owned by singer Pia Pounds—collaborated with the musician to organise the special moment.
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Initially, the plan was to propose during the half-time break. However, as the second half progressed, the timing shifted to align with any suitable pause in the game, with stadium camera operators briefed in advance.
The perfect opportunity arose during a lengthy medical break after Uganda's left-back Abdul Azizi Kayondo sustained an injury.
Banda seized the moment to propose, with cameras capturing the heartfelt scene and broadcasting it live on the stadium's giant screens, much to the delight of the thousands in attendance.
Watch the video here