Bride & Groom Expo: Walukagas remember dream honeymoon

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Erisa Walukaga and Yaki Shakira’s fairytale began at the 2024 Bride & Groom Expo, where wedding planning turned into winning a dream honeymoon at Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Their journey to a magical honeymoon started with an advert on YouTube about the Bride & Groom Expo. With their wedding scheduled for November 2, 2024, Walukaga and his then-girlfriend, Yaki Shakira, travelled from Masaka to Kampala to prepare for their big day at the event.

The couple checked out suits, gowns, cakes and décor. But as they browsed, one thing became clear: their dream wedding ideas were clashing with their budget.

As they toured the stalls, Walukaga bumped into an old friend he studied with at Kyambogo University who asked if they had entered the expo’s raffle.

Erisa Walukagga and Shakirah Yaki, 2024 Vision Group Bride and Groom winners enjoying expenses-paid honeymoon to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, courtesy of Uganda Airlines and the Kenya Tourism Board.

“I told her I don’t believe in games of chance,” Walukaga says with a laugh. “She insisted we should try, but I wasn’t convinced right away.”

Later that evening, the friend nudged him again. Reluctantly, the couple filled in their names and dropped the raffle in the basket.

And the unexpected happened…

As the raffle draw began, winners were called out for various prizes, wine, hotel stays and more.

Prior to the draw, a stranger helped the couple take pictures at the photo booth. That same woman was called as a winner.

“We were amazed. My wife said, ‘We are next.’

The grand draw for a honeymoon getaway was next.

“Then the announcer called out my name, Erisa Walukaga. I froze.”

Walukaga ran up to the stage and even forgot his girlfriend momentarily. She followed him to the stage. They had won the grand prize: an all-expenses-paid honeymoon to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, courtesy of Uganda Airlines and the Kenya Tourism Board.

“It was unbelievable! We had no plans for a grand honeymoon. We were thinking of something modest,” Walukaga says.

Yaki thought the same. “Winning the honeymoon getaway was unbelievable. I did not believe it at first when I heard his name being called. Even him forgetting me in that moment was understandable.”

The couple thanked God for the win that enabled them to win the honeymoon.

“It was magical. We used the money we had planned for our honeymoon to buy a few things for our home.”

The honeymoon they never dreamed of

The trip to Maasai Mara was a magical experience for the couple.

“We created memories we’ll never forget. The magical honeymoon experience brought my husband and me closer together,” Yaki says.

“It helped us connect more and we loved every moment. The Bride & Groom Expo made that possible.”

The couple experienced things they had never dreamt of, like flying in a hot air balloon and a safari.

“It’s a dream destination and we were blessed to go,” Yaki said.

Walukaga describes the experience as something they still carry in their hearts.

“Everything was organised well. The flights, the safari, the accommodation – it was all taken care of,” Walukaga recalls. “We didn’t pay a coin.”

“It was so special. We made friends there. And now, we think about going back someday, maybe for an anniversary.”

Before they got married, Walukaga says, many told the couple that when they marry young, there are high chances of conflict.

“We have not experienced that. Ever since we came back from our honeymoon, we have been doing life together. Things are going well."

Giving back

The couple made up their mind to come for subsequent expos. “We want to share our story, inspire others, and encourage them to try their luck too."

Now married, Walukaga and Yaki are returning to the 2025 Bride & Groom Expo not just as attendees but as mentors of sorts.

“We’re coming with two other couples who are planning weddings. We want them to experience what we did. Even if they don’t win, they will learn so much and meet the right people,” Walukaga says.

Their hope is to inspire others to plan smart, stay within their means, and trust the process. “Our wedding was simple, elegant, and intimate. We didn’t have much money, but we planned carefully. And look how it turned out,” says Yaki.

Three honeymoons up for grabs in 2025

This year’s Bride & Groom Expo promises to be more exciting than previous editions. Fiona Tamale, events manager at Vision Group, announced that once again the grand prize will be a dream honeymoon.

“Three couples will win an unforgettable two-day honeymoon getaway to Entikko Safari Lodge, in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park,” Tamale shared.

“For only 5,000 shillings, attendees can enter the raffle. It’s our way of celebrating love, the Ugandan way.”

Why you shouldn’t miss the expo

For Walukaga, the expo is more than just an event; it’s a learning experience.

“Even if you don’t win anything, the sh10,000 entrance is worth every coin. You’ll walk away with knowledge and connections,” he says.

The couple say they met genuine service providers and were treated well.

“The integrity of the event is something we really appreciated,” he says.

As they prepare to return this June, the Walukagas are excited to reconnect with old friends, relive cherished memories and maybe even pass on a little of their luck to someone else.

About the expo

The 16th Bride & Groom Expo takes place on June 27-29 at the UMA Multipurpose Hall, Lugogo, Kampala, under the theme “Beyond ‘I Do’: Building a Lifetime Together.” Entry is sh10,000 per person, per day.

The expo is organised annually by Vision Group and this year is sponsored by Crown Beverages, The Looks Bespoke and Bella Wine.

Do you have a bridal business? Make life easier planning their weddings by exhibiting at the Bride and Groom Expo. Book your stall now by calling 0772 354 940.

Follow all the latest updates about the 2025 Bride & Groom Expo on Vision Group’s social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok and X under the hashtags: #VisionUpdates #BrideAndGroomExpo #BrideAndGroomExpo2025.