Christians and political leaders within and beyond Kabale Diocese have welcomed the appointment of Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Bosco Katusiime Gubazire as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese, expressing optimism that he will strengthen the Church while building on the pastoral and development legacy of his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Rev. Fr. Gubazire on Wednesday to lead the Diocese, succeeding Bishop Rubaramira, whose resignation was accepted after he reached the canonical retirement age of 75.
Bishop Rubaramira, now 76, has led Kabale Diocese since 2003.
The appointment was announced by Rev. Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda, during a special Mass at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality.
At the time of his appointment, Bishop-elect Gubazire was serving in Ghana as a member of the Academic Board of Spiritan University College in Ejisu and as a Provincial Council Member responsible for ongoing formation for the Missionaries of Africa in the Ghana-Nigeria Province.
His message to the faithful was read by Rev. Fr. Austin Christmas, Director of Liturgy and Catechesis for Kabale Diocese.
Bishop-elect Gubazire described his appointment as unexpected, comparing his calling to that of Moses before the burning bush. He said he had accepted the responsibility in faith and thanked Pope Leo XIV for the confidence placed in him.
He also paid tribute to Bishop Rubaramira, who ordained him to the priesthood in 2003, describing him as a mentor whose example of faithful service shaped his priestly ministry.
The Bishop-elect called upon the clergy, religious and lay faithful to work together to strengthen the Church through evangelisation, justice, peace, reconciliation, hospitality and charity.
His appointment has been warmly received across the Diocese, with many Christians expressing hope that he will consolidate the gains made under Bishop Rubaramira’s leadership.
Vincent Atukunda, a teacher at St. Francis College Kyanamira, urged the Bishop-elect to emulate his predecessor’s humility and commitment to serving the faithful.
Alex Natukunda, a teacher at St. John’s Secondary School Ikumba in Rubanda District, described the appointment as a blessing and appealed to the new bishop to promote unity while sustaining development initiatives, including the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF).
Kabale Diocesan Head of Laity, Nicodemus Odo Tumukwasiibwe, said preparations to receive and enthrone the Bishop-elect had already begun, expressing confidence that the Diocese would continue to grow under his leadership.
Cyril Mugyenyi, Chairperson of the Rubanda District Traders Association, said the business community was delighted by the appointment and prayed that God would guide the Bishop-elect in his pastoral ministry.
Christmas Dezi Byarugaba, Chairperson of Kakore-Rugambwa Parish Council and Assistant Town Clerk of Katuna Town Council, said many Christians were surprised by the Pope’s choice, as few had anticipated that Rev. Fr. Gubazire would become the next bishop.
Kabale District Vice Chairperson Hellena Prima Kamanzi Kanyamahane, who is the Bishop-elect’s elder sister, said the family was overwhelmed with joy and expressed confidence that his experience and mentorship under Bishop Rubaramira would serve the Diocese well.
The appointment has also attracted messages of congratulations from prominent political leaders.
Finance Minister Henry Ariganyira Musasizi congratulated Bishop-elect Gubazire, praising his years of missionary service, academic excellence and pastoral dedication.
“As you return home to shepherd the people of Kabale Diocese, may the Lord bless you abundantly with wisdom, courage, strength and peace as you embrace this sacred responsibility,” Musasizi said.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Bishop-elect Gubazire’s dedicated priestly service, scholarly contributions and commitment to the Missionaries of Africa.
Tayebwa expressed confidence that the new bishop’s pastoral wisdom, humility and visionary leadership would strengthen the Church’s mission of evangelisation, unity and holistic development in the region.
He also said the Diocese would build on the foundation laid by Bishop Rubaramira by promoting deeper faith, social justice, education and community welfare among the people of Kigezi.
Ndorwa West County Member of Parliament Eliab Naturinda Mporera congratulated the Bishop-elect and thanked Bishop Rubaramira for steering the Diocese with merit and humility.
Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), David Bahati, also welcomed the appointment, saying he looked forward to working with the new bishop in promoting the development of the people and the country.
Bahati praised Bishop Rubaramira for his contribution to development through initiatives such as BAAF, tea and education programmes, as well as for serving as a strong pillar of unity in the Kigezi region.
Minister of Security, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, congratulated Bishop-elect Gubazire on behalf of the people of Rujumbura and his family.
Muhwezi also paid tribute to Bishop Rubaramira, describing him as a personal friend who preached and practised unity and development at a time when some people sought to divide the region along religious lines.
As preparations for the new bishop’s installation get underway, Christians and leaders across Kabale Diocese are looking forward to a new chapter of spiritual leadership, unity and development under Bishop-elect Gubazire.
