When Florence Kizza Nantaba met Samuel Amutuhaire in 2017, neither imagined that a simple introduction after church would blossom into a thriving partnership. Both were members of Phaneroo Ministries International, and what began as a friendly chat after a service quietly laid the foundation for a love story rooted in faith, friendship, and intentionality.
Today, the couple speaks with warmth and humility, often describing their journey as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Florence vividly remembers her first impression of Samuel.
‘His heart for God captured mine, especially since I was new to church and eager to learn. I was drawn to his genuine love for people,’ she recalls.
For Samuel, it was Florence’s openness and sincerity that stood out. ‘She struck me as an outspoken, genuine person with a big, warm heart,’ he says.
Their friendship deepened over the years as they served and grew in faith together.
Through shared prayers, long conversations, and mutual encouragement, they discovered that they valued the same things: honesty, kindness, and a relationship grounded in faith. For a long time, though, neither saw the other as more than a friend.
It was only after seasons of personal growth and self-reflection that things became clearer. Samuel recalls December 2023 as a turning point.
‘After a period of intentional self-discovery, I found the courage to ask her out in February 2024,’ he shares.
Florence remembers that moment just as vividly. ‘On one of our dates, he asked about my thoughts on family and life. He was patient and made it clear that it was okay if I did not feel the same way. The way he listened to understand me showed that he was genuinely pursuing a partnership.’
Building love on friendship
The couple officially began dating in February 2024, after years of friendship. That strong foundation, they say, became the glue that held their relationship together.
‘We had known each other long enough to trust one another,’ Florence explains. ‘Prayer and open communication sustained us. We kept inviting God into the centre of everything we were building.’
Samuel agrees. ‘Our friendship was a solid foundation. We dated for one year and seven months before getting married, and besides the grace and mercy of God, that friendship carried us through.’
Grace and intentionality
Transitioning from friends to partners was not without its challenges. Florence admits she sometimes felt uncertain.
‘Having seen him as a friend for so long, I occasionally wondered if we were ready for what we were stepping into,’ she recalls. ‘But prayer and honest conversations helped. Samuel extended so much grace, and I had a strong support system reminding me it was okay to feel the way I did.’
Samuel, meanwhile, says his earlier life experiences gave him confidence. ‘By the time I spoke to Florence, I had learnt lessons from past experiences that assured me the choice I made was right,’ he explains. As they navigated their individual lives while dating, both were committed to intentionality.
‘We made it a point to understand each other’s seasons,’ Florence says. ‘We reminded ourselves that love is not about perfection but about grace.’
That sometimes meant showing up for each other even when it was inconvenient, and at other times, giving space to focus on personal growth.
Samuel emphasises the importance of communication and accountability. ‘We surrounded ourselves with people we trusted, those who could hold us accountable. That helped us work through challenges and stay grounded.’
Their shared values and spiritual foundation became the heartbeat of their relationship.
‘We did not just fall in love; we built it day by day,’ Florence explains. ‘Our friendship laid the foundation, prayer gave it direction, and commitment kept it growing.’
Both agree that their dating period was a time of learning.
‘I learnt that love takes patience and intentionality,’ Florence says. ‘It is not just about how you feel in the moment but about choosing each other through every season. I also learnt the importance of honest communication and forgiveness.’
Samuel’s biggest lesson came from within. ‘When a person truly finds themselves, decisions like choosing a life partner become clearer,’ he says.
‘Self-discovery and understanding your purpose bring clarity. And as Christians, we must deliberately uphold godly values in dating, regardless of how the world defines relationships.’
A prayer answered
Florence and Samuel wed on October 11, 2025, stepping into what they describe as a long-prayed-for season.
‘It feels beautiful knowing that the love and friendship we built are now celebrated as a lifelong commitment,’ Florence shares.
For Samuel, marriage is a testament to God’s mercy. ‘God is faithful. Being married now is a humbling reminder of His grace.’
As newlyweds, the Amutuhaires have already begun shaping routines that nurture their union. They pray and read devotionals together, check in on each other’s spiritual growth, and make time for small, meaningful moments. They are also setting goals for their finances, family, and personal development.
Their families and church community have been deeply supportive.
‘Seeing our families come together and celebrate with us was humbling,’ Florence says. ‘It reminded us that marriage is not just about two people, it’s about the village that surrounds and uplifts you.’
Samuel echoes this gratitude. ‘Our friends, family, and church supported us every step of the way, and we thank God for that.’
Dear moments
Among their many memories together, Florence cherishes one that stands out. ‘The day he surprised me with a ring on my birthday. It was not just the gesture, but the thoughtfulness and love behind it that made it unforgettable.’
Samuel smiles as he recalls his own favourite moment. ‘The day she said yes,’ he says simply.
Their wedding was filled with emotion and meaning. Florence recalls the most touching part of the day: ‘When our spiritual father officiated the ceremony and led us in prayer, I felt God’s presence so strongly. And when Samuel sang a song he had composed for me long before the wedding, it reaffirmed his love.’
For Samuel, the vows were the most powerful moment. ‘Standing before God and witnesses, committing to love her for life was deeply humbling.’
The future
Florence and Samuel’s marriage is anchored in faith. They agree that keeping their relationship grounded begins with one constant: Jesus Christ.
‘He is our only standard and guarantee that what we are building will last,’ Florence says. ‘We plan to continue nurturing our friendship, growing together, and celebrating every small win.’
As they begin this new chapter, the couple is united by a shared vision: to build a marriage that reflects God’s love.
‘We want our relationship to inspire hope and remind others of the beauty and joy that marriage can bring,’ Florence says.