Who is Marlena Kayanja?
Marlena Kayanja, formerly known as Marlena Gailis, is a Latvian-American woman who became publicly known in Uganda through her relationship and eventual marriage to Pastor Robert Kayanja Jr.
Origin
Marlena has been described by Ugandan media as Latvian or Latvian-American. Her surname before marriage was Gailis. Her introduction ceremony in Uganda attracted attention partly because it brought together her European background and the traditions of the Kayanja family. During the ceremony, she wore a gomesi, embracing an important part of Buganda’s cultural marriage customs.
Parents and family
Marlena’s father has been publicly identified as Pastor Arvis Gailis. He participated in the couple’s religious ceremony in December 2023, when he joined Robert Kayanja Jr. in baptising Marlena. Information about her mother, siblings and wider family is however limited.
Education
Marlena studied at Oral Roberts University (ORU) in the United States, where she pursued Public Relations and Advertising. This is the same university attended by Robert Kayanja Jr.
How she met Robert Kayanja Jr.
Their love story began at Oral Roberts University in the United States where the two were studying the same course but reportedly did not interact much during the earlier years of their studies. Their connection developed when they were assigned to work together on a class project.
In Marlena’s account, Robert was taking photographs for the project. As they prepared to submit their work, she noticed that she appeared prominently in many of the photographs which made her realise he had taken a special interest in her. Robert also narrated that he decided to approach her towards the end of their university experience, when they were working on the same project. Their university assignment eventually became the beginning of a relationship that led to marriage.
Engagement and marriage
The couple’s relationship moved towards marriage in November 2022, when Robert proposed to Marlena during a holiday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. On 1st June 2023, Robert formally introduced her to his family during a traditional Kukyala ceremony held at his parents’ home in Kawuku. The couple later exchanged marriage vows on 7th October 2023, at Miracle Centre Cathedral in Rubaga, Kampala.
Children
Marlena and Pastor Robert Kayanja Jr., welcomed their first daughter, Mila Rae Kayanja on the 21st of May,2026 at 2:41pm.
Marlena’s role in the Kayanja ministry
Marlena is more than a member of the Kayanja family by marriage. She is involved in ministry alongside her husband. According to the official Robert Kayanja Ministries leadership profile, Robert and Marlena serve together in leading RIOT YOUTH, short for Righteous Invasion of Truth.
The youth ministry focuses on helping young people develop their Christian faith, discover purpose and become active in their communities. Their work includes youth-focused programmes, events, outreach activities and mentorship. The ministry describes the couple as bringing creativity, communication skills and a passion for young people to their leadership roles.
Her livelihood and career
Marlena’s academic background in Public Relations and Advertising provides a foundation for work in communication, public engagement and ministry-related activities.
Her publicly documented role is currently most visible through her involvement in RIOT YOUTH alongside her husband. Their shared training in communication-related fields may be useful in youth engagement, organising events and communicating the ministry’s message.
