Religious leaders in Kisoro District have commended the Apostolic Administrator of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, for promoting evangelism, education, community development and cooperation among different faiths during his 23 years as diocesan bishop.
Bishop Rubaramira is set to retire on Saturday, October 3, after Pope Leo XIV accepted his resignation on July 15, 2026.
He will be succeeded by Msgr Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, who will be ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese at St Ignatius University grounds in Kabale Municipality on the same day.
Msgr Gubazire was appointed by Pope Leo XIV on July 15, 2026.
Kabale Diocese serves Catholics in Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro, Rukiga, Kanungu and Rukungiri districts.
In Kisoro, religious leaders said Bishop Rubaramira’s tenure strengthened cooperation among Catholic, Protestant and Muslim leaders, enabling them to jointly address issues affecting their communities.
Kisoro District Khadi Sheikh Ali Mwesigye commended Bishop Rubaramira for promoting peaceful coexistence and cooperation among religious leaders.
He said leaders from different denominations had increasingly worked together to address community challenges.
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The Bishop of Muhabura Diocese, Rt Rev Godfrey Mbitse, described Bishop Rubaramira as a hardworking religious leader who contributed to community development and strengthened unity among faith communities.
Bishop Mbitse said Bishop Rubaramira’s leadership helped bring Catholic, Protestant and Muslim leaders together to address issues affecting the people.
He urged religious leaders to maintain the spirit of unity and cooperation in serving their communities.
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The dean of Mutolere Deanery in Kisoro District, Fr Joseph Sebatware, credited Bishop Rubaramira with transforming evangelism by bringing the Church closer to families through the introduction of small Christian communities.
Fr Sebatware also said Bishop Rubaramira promoted education by supporting the establishment and development of primary and secondary schools, as well as Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery.
He said each parish in the diocese has a primary and secondary school.
Fr Sebatware also attributed several development initiatives to Bishop Rubaramira, including the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF), which he said supported the construction of a Centenary Bank building in Kisoro.
He said Bishop Rubaramira also encouraged Christians to engage in productive activities and improve household incomes as part of efforts to reduce poverty.
As Bishop Rubaramira prepares to retire, Fr Sebatware urged his successor to build on his predecessor’s achievements in the eight parishes under Mutolere Deanery.
He also asked Msgr Gubazire to strengthen cooperation with other religious leaders and consider establishing a seminary in Kisoro.
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Dr Paul Nzabandora, the chairperson of the Catholic community in Gisoro Parish, also commended Bishop Rubaramira for his contribution to development in the region.
Dr Nzabandora said the bishop supported development projects across parishes in Kisoro and encouraged Christians to work hard while promoting unity and development in their communities.
Kisoro District communications officer Imeldah Mukeshimana described Bishop Rubaramira as a resilient leader who dedicated many years to the development of Kabale Diocese.
Mukeshimana, who described the bishop as a long-standing friend, said his retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter and wished him success.
She said his contribution would be remembered through evangelism, education, community development, poverty reduction and cooperation among different faiths.
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