President Museveni Pledges Support to the New Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Emeritus Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, for his long service to the Diocese and his contribution to the transformation of communities and the lives of Christians.

The President made the remarks through the Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Hon Henry Musasizi Aliganyira, who represented him at the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Rt Rev Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the 5th Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese at a historic ceremony that was held at St Ignatius University-Kabale (IGUKA) in Kabale Municipality.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni also congratulated the new Bishop Rt Rev Gubazire upon being appointed, ordained and installed as the 5th Bishop of the Kabale Diocese and pledged , on behalf of the Government of Uganda, to work with  the new Bishop in all aspects,  serving the social economic transformational needs of the people under the care of the Kabale Catholic Diocese. 

President Museveni urged Bishop Gubazire to join the Government’s campaign to eliminate poverty through various wealth creation programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The President gifted the newly concecreteted Bishop of Kabale Diocese with a New Landcruser Vehicle registration number UA 291FN which was handed over to him by Minister Musasizi accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa Bangirana.

While speaking at the same evet, the  Minister of Health Hon Dr Chris Baryomunsi commended the Emeritus Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, for steering development in the diocese, particularly through investments in education and health.

Minister Baryomunsi noted that these initiatives complement the Government’s efforts in delivering essential services to communities and further called upon the newly installed Bishop, Gubazire, to continue with and build upon the development work started by his predecessor.

Earlier in the day, Rt Rev Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire was ordained by the Emeritus Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, who served as the principal ordaining Bishop, witnessed by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, the Most Rev Archbishop Tomasz Grysa and attended by Catholic faithful, clergy, religious leaders, government officials and other invited guests.

Bishop Gubazire was appointed the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese by the Holy See and his appointment was announced by the Apostolic Nunciature to Uganda on July 15th 2026.

The episcopal ordination formally began with the presentation of the Apostolic Mandate, with Bishop Callist Rubaramira asking whether there was a mandate from the Apostolic See.

The Apostolic Mandate was subsequently read before the congregation in Latin, English and Rukiga-Runyankore and following the reading, the clergy and faithful expressed their assent to Gubazire’s election with the response, “Thanks be to God.”

Gubazire stood before Bishop Rubaramira and made a series of solemn promises concerning his new responsibilities as Bishop as he pledged to faithfully carry out the episcopal office entrusted to him through the laying on of hands and to proclaim the Gospel of Christ faithfully and unfailingly.

He also promised to guard the deposit of faith in its pure and entire form, according to the tradition preserved by the Church from the time of the Apostles and pledged to build up the Body of Christ, remain united with the Catholic Church and the College of Bishops, and work under the authority of the successor of St Peter.

He further promised to serve as a devoted Father to the faithful, encouraging and guiding them towards salvation together with Priests and Deacons and also committed himself to reaching out with kindness and mercy to the poor, strangers and all those in need.

He pledged to act as a good shepherd by seeking out those who stray and bringing them back into the Lord’s fold and also promised to pray continually for God’s people and to carry out the office of High Priest without reproach.

The ordination rite also included the anointing of Gubazire’s head, the handing over of the Book of the Gospels and the presentation of the insignia of his episcopal office, formally marking his elevation to the episcopate.

While giving his remarks, the Emeritus Bishop Rubaramira, called upon Christians in the diocese to work closely with the new Bishop, to promote the development of the Church and improve the well-being of Christians across the diocese.

Bishop Rubaramira urged the newly Consecrated Bishop Gubazire to regard his appointment as a call to service rather than an honour and said that the office of a Bishop is rooted in the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ to the Apostles, who were sent to preach the Gospel, sanctify the faithful and guide them as one flock.

Rt Rev Rubaramira said the ministry of Bishops has been preserved through an unbroken succession from the Apostles, enabling the mission of Christ to continue from one generation to another and told Gubazire that his appointment was a task entrusted to him by God to serve the people, stressing that the title of Bishop represents responsibility rather than privilege.

He urged Bishop Gubazire to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, by knowing and caring for the people entrusted to his leadership and being prepared to sacrifice for their wellbeing and urged him to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, administer the Sacraments and guide the faithful with wisdom and prudence as they journey towards eternal life.

He called on the new Bishop to work closely with priests and deacons while giving particular attention to the poor, the weak, foreigners and strangers and further urged Gubazire not to neglect people who have not yet joined the Catholic Church, saying they too are entrusted to his pastoral care.

He reminded him that his ministry extends beyond Kabale Diocese because, as a Bishop, he would become part of the College of Bishops and should maintain concern for other Churches, particularly those in need and said that he would exercise Christ’s roles as Teacher, Priest and Shepherd and urged the faithful to receive him as a minister of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God.

Bishop Gubazire succeeds Rt Rev Rubaramira, who served as Bishop of Kabale Diocese for more than two decades before his resignation and installation marks a new chapter in the leadership of Kabale Diocese, which was established in 1966 and is marking its 60th anniversary this year.

Special dignitaries in attendance include the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, the Chief Justice, Flavia Zeija, the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna, the Bishop of Diocese of Kinkiizi Rt Rev Dan Zoreka, several Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, the NRM Deputy Treasurer Hon Jacqueline Kyatuheire.

Others included Hon Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, Minister David Bahati, Minister Ngabirano Akifeza, Hon Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi, Hon Enid Origumisiriza, Hon Kiconco Patrick, Hon Protazio Begumisa, Hon Dr Kamara, Hon Mary Paula, Hon Protazio, Hon Prossy Akampulira Mbabazi, Hon Catherine Ndamira, Kabale High Court Judge Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, Local Government Leaders from Kigezi Sub-region among many other distinguished guests.