By Joseph Mary Buwule
Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire Installed as New Bishop of Kabale Diocese
By Joseph Mary Buwule
KABALE, UGANDA: The Catholic Church has installed Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese, ushering in a new chapter of spiritual leadership and pastoral service in the Kigezi sub-region.
The Episcopal ordination and installation ceremony was held at the St. Ignatius University grounds in Kabale Town and brought together thousands of Catholic faithful, priests, religious leaders, political and government officials, and other guests from across Uganda.
The ceremony formally marked the beginning of Bishop Gubazire’s episcopal ministry as he takes over the leadership of Kabale Diocese from Rt. Rev. Callistus Rubaramira, who served the diocese for 23 years.
The occasion was characterised by prayers, hymns, thanksgiving and messages calling upon the new bishop to strengthen the Catholic faith while continuing the Church’s contribution to education, healthcare, social development and poverty reduction in Kigezi.
Tayebwa pledges support to new bishop
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who attended the ceremony, pledged his support to Bishop Gubazire as he begins his ministry.
Tayebwa said the Church remains one of the most important partners of government in promoting social and economic transformation.
He noted that the Catholic Church in Kigezi has played a significant role in improving the welfare of communities through education, healthcare, spiritual formation and economic empowerment.
Representing President Yoweri Museveni at the ceremony, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi conveyed the President’s message that the Church should continue promoting initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of Ugandans.
According to Tayebwa, President Museveni emphasised that government will continue to regard the Church as a key partner in the fight against household poverty.
The President’s message also highlighted the contribution of Kabale Diocese to the socio-economic transformation of the people of Kigezi.
Tribute to Bishop Callistus Rubaramira
The installation also provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of Bishop Callistus Rubaramira, who has retired after more than two decades at the helm of Kabale Diocese.
Tayebwa praised the outgoing bishop for combining spiritual leadership with initiatives aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of the people.
One of the major initiatives associated with Bishop Rubaramira’s administration was the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF), which was established to strengthen financial self-reliance within the diocese.
Under his leadership, the diocese also invested in income-generating infrastructure, including commercial buildings in different parts of the diocese.
His tenure further saw significant investment in education, including support to Catholic-founded schools and the establishment of St. Ignatius University Kabale, an institution that 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.
Profile of Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire
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 a number of important pastoral and administrative responsibilities within the Catholic Church.
His formation and academic background prepared him for both pastoral ministry and leadership responsibilities within the Church. He pursued priestly formation before undertaking further studies, eventually attaining doctoral-level qualifications.
His experience in Church administration and formation has positioned him to lead a diocese with a long tradition of Catholic evangelisation and a strong network of parishes, schools, health institutions and other social development programmes.
His episcopal appointment was welcomed by Catholics in Kigezi, who see his arrival as an opportunity for continuity while also looking forward to renewed pastoral programmes and new initiatives.
As bishop, Gubazire is expected to provide spiritual leadership to the clergy, religious men and women and lay faithful of Kabale Diocese, while strengthening evangelisation and the Church’s social mission.
A new chapter for Kabale Diocese
The new bishop inherits a diocese with a long history of Catholic evangelisation 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 organisations have also been involved in supporting vulnerable communities.
Bishop Gubazire therefore assumes office at a time when the Church is expected to respond to changing social and economic challenges, including household poverty, youth unemployment, education needs, healthcare and the need for sustainable livelihoods.
His leadership will also involve working closely with priests, religious congregations, lay Christians, government and other development partners.
Call to service
The installation ceremony carried a strong message of service, humility and responsibility.
Tayebwa congratulated Bishop Gubazire on assuming what he described as an important responsibility that requires a commitment to service beyond self.
He wished the new bishop God’s guidance and grace as he begins his episcopal journey.
For the Catholic faithful of Kabale Diocese, the installation represents both an end and a beginning—the conclusion of Bishop Rubaramira’s 23-year episcopal ministry and the beginning of a new era under Bishop Gubazire.
As he assumes leadership, the new bishop will be expected to preserve the spiritual heritage built by his predecessors while strengthening the Church’s contribution to education, healthcare, economic empowerment and the wider development of the people of Kigezi.
His ministry begins 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.