Tugume Wycliff, better known as Ykee Benda, took a major step in his personal life on June 13, when he proposed to his girlfriend, Emily Nyawira, at Divine Resort.
The private evening ceremony, set under a heart-shaped floral arch glowing with the words WILL YOU MARRY ME?, marked a turning point for the 33-year-old singer and CEO of Mpaka Records.
“She said yes man….. God is good,” Ykee wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside photos and a short video from the event.
In the video, he doesn’t just ask. He talks. Tells their story. Opens up.
“Stood by me through thick and thin,” he added in a follow-up post. “The answered prayer. Never in a hurry for anythg. My biggest hypeman and biggest critic. Thank you ka sweet kanje for daring to walk this road with me.”
Their relationship became public in 2023. Since then, the couple has made several public appearances, often hand-in-hand. Ykee has been open about his admiration for Emilly’s character.
“We spend our entire lives looking for that one thing or person that gives you purpose,” he said in an earlier interview. “A person you want to wake up to and tell all your troubles and all your wins.”
He went on: “A woman who loves God and treats everyone with kindness… your heart is just too pure… I celebrate you today and every other day. LOVE YOU EMZ.”
Online, fans and public figures quickly responded to the news. Some with emojis. Others with heartfelt advice.
“Congratulations Mr. Brand Ambassador,” wrote 22Bet Uganda.
Radio host Kasuku chimed in: “My brother [YkeeBenda] and the beautiful Emily congra congra. Mugende munyumirwe mujuze ensi that’s wat life’s all about.”
Journalist Gabriel Buule added: “Hey (YkeeBenda), Marriage is a beautiful thing… live it, love it and fight for it. The devil usually comes in but fight on.”
The engagement didn’t come out of the blue. In 2024, Ykee hinted he was ready to formalize his relationship. “Getting married is also important,” he said then, speaking on his goals outside music.
It’s also a second chapter of sorts. After a public breakup with his ex, Julie Batenga—the mother of his son, Dante—Ykee has often spoken about love differently.
More intentionally. Less flash, more substance.
Insiders say the couple is already planning their kwanjula, a traditional Buganda introduction ceremony, and it could happen before the year ends.
Ykee, who has often used his platform to promote family values and speak out against infidelity, now seems poised to live out the values he sings about.
