The WhatsApp group was named “Diana & Robert Kwanjula Team”. For three months, it buzzed with activity. E-cards, contribution lists, pledge reminders, voice notes of encouragement. Diana, 28, a secondary school teacher in Kyanja, had done everything right. She and Robert had set a date for their introduction in Gayaza, printed matching gomesis for the entourage, and booked a decorator who had promised to make the venue look like a garden in Dubai.
The total budget was Shs28 million. On paper, they had Shs18 million of it. An uncle in Boston had pledged $1,000 (Shs3.9m). Three workmates had promised Shs500,000 each. Robert’s former boss had said, “I’ll give one million.” Diana’s savings were Shs4.2 million.