The Catholic Church in Uganda has a new bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, who was installed as the Bishop of Kabale Diocese on October 5, 2026. The installation ceremony, held at St. Ignatius University grounds in Kabale Town, was attended by thousands of Catholic faithful, priests, and government officials. Bishop Gubazire takes over the leadership of Kabale Diocese from Rt. Rev. Callistus Rubaramira, who served for 23 years. The ceremony marked the beginning of Bishop Gubazire's episcopal ministry, which will focus on spiritual leadership and pastoral service in the Kigezi sub-region.
The installation ceremony was characterized by prayers, hymns, and thanksgiving messages, with guests calling upon the new bishop to strengthen the Catholic faith and continue the Church's contribution to education, healthcare, and social development in Kigezi. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who attended the ceremony, pledged his support to Bishop Gubazire, noting that the Church remains a key partner of the government in promoting social and economic transformation. Tayebwa highlighted the significant role the Catholic Church has played in improving the welfare of communities through education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Representing President Yoweri Museveni at the ceremony, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi conveyed the President's message, emphasizing the Church's role in promoting initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of Ugandans. The President's message also acknowledged the contribution of Kabale Diocese to the socio-economic transformation of the people of Kigezi. Tayebwa praised the outgoing bishop, Callistus Rubaramira, for combining spiritual leadership with initiatives aimed at improving the economic well-being of the people, including the establishment of the Bishop's Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) and significant investments in education and income-generating infrastructure.
Bishop Callistus Rubaramira, who has retired after more than two decades at the helm of Kabale Diocese, was paid a tribute during the installation ceremony. His tenure saw significant investment in education, including support to Catholic-founded schools and the establishment of St. Ignatius University Kabale. The university has expanded access to higher education in the region. Tayebwa thanked Bishop Rubaramira for his years of service, describing his ministry as one that combined spiritual nourishment with socio-economic transformation.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire becomes the fourth bishop to lead Kabale Diocese since its establishment. He is a priest of the Kabale Diocese and has built his ministry around pastoral service, priestly formation, education, and Church administration. Before his appointment as Bishop of Kabale, Gubazire served in various pastoral and administrative responsibilities within the Catholic Church. His experience in Church administration and formation has positioned him to lead a diocese with a long tradition of Catholic evangelization and a strong network of parishes, schools, and social development programs.
As bishop, Gubazire is expected to provide spiritual leadership to the clergy, religious men and women, and lay faithful of Kabale Diocese, while strengthening evangelization and the Church's social mission. He inherits a diocese with a long history of Catholic evangelization and a significant presence in the social and economic life of Kigezi. The Church has established numerous institutions in the region, particularly in education and healthcare, while Catholic parishes and organizations have also been involved in supporting vulnerable communities.
The installation ceremony carried a strong message of service, humility, and responsibility, with Tayebwa congratulating Bishop Gubazire on assuming his new role. The new bishop begins his ministry with a clear expectation from the faithful: to shepherd the Church with humility, strengthen the faith of the people, and ensure that the Catholic Church remains a strong force for both spiritual renewal and human development in Kabale and beyond.
Key points
- The Catholic Church has installed Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese in Uganda.
- Bishop Gubazire takes over the leadership of Kabale Diocese from Rt. Rev. Callistus Rubaramira, who served for 23 years.
- The new bishop is expected to provide spiritual leadership and strengthen the Church's contribution to education, healthcare, and social development in Kigezi.
