The Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament hopeful, Hon. Jacqueline Katabaazi, has donated a chasuble and a mitre to the Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese.
The chasuble is the outermost liturgical vestment worn by clergy during the celebration of the Eucharist in Western-tradition Christian churches—most notably in the Roman Catholic Church. The mitre is a ceremonial headpiece symbolizing the bishop’s spiritual authority.
Hon. Katabaazi made the donation on Sunday during the Priestly Golden Jubilee celebration of Bishop Rubaramira at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality. The Jubilee Mass was presided over by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of the Mbarara Archdiocese.
“As Catholics, we believe that our priests are chosen vessels through whom God continues His work on Earth,” Ms. Katabaazi said while presenting the gifts. “The only thing we can truly offer them in return is our constant prayer for strength, wisdom, and grace as they carry the burdens of spiritual leadership. But prayer must be matched with tangible support.”
She congratulated Bishop Rubaramira on marking 50 years in priesthood, describing the gesture not only as an honor but as a reflection of her Catholic convictions.
“I feel proud, because this is part of my role as a believer: to stand with our clergy, to uplift them, and to ensure they carry out their sacred duties with dignity and reverence,” she said.
Ms. Katabaazi added: “The chasuble, worn during Holy Mass, is a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice a symbol of the priest’s call to give selflessly, day after day. The mitre, worn as a mark of episcopal authority, represents the bishop’s role as a shepherd and teacher of the faith. These are not ordinary garments; they are visible signs of the invisible grace that flows through the Church.”
She emphasized her commitment to faith-based leadership: “In giving these, I affirm my commitment to faith-led leadership—one that values service over status and humility over pride. It is my hope that as we honor our shepherds, we also renew our dedication to building communities anchored in values, faith, and unity.”
This is not the first time Ms. Katabaazi has donated vestments to Catholic clergy. In 2023, she donated holy oil and vibrant red chasuble fabric to support sixteen newly ordained priests and three deacons in the Kabale Diocese. In 2024, she donated six red chasubles to newly ordained priests from three congregations: the Apostles of Jesus, the Spiritan Fathers, and the Montfort Missionaries.
Among the priests who benefited were:
- Rev. Fr. Alex Muhwezi, SMM, of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kishanje Parish, Rubanda District;
- Rev. Fr. Anaklet Asingwire, CSSp, of St. Joseph Nyamirama Parish;
- Rev. Fr. Robert Mugabe, AJ, of St. Kizito Maziba Parish;
- Rev. Fr. Christopher Niwagaba, AJ, of Holy Family Buhara Parish;
- Rev. Fr. Innocent Kanyesige, AJ, of Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish;
- Rev. Fr. Philemon Byomuhangi, CSSp, of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Rubanda District.
The Jubilee celebration was graced by the Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Minister of Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi, Minister of Security (Rtd) Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, and Members of Parliament from the Kigezi sub-region.
Vice President Alupo urged the people of Kigezi to fully support the NRM government, crediting it with prioritizing the region’s development. She noted that the area had previously been neglected but has seen significant socioeconomic progress under NRM leadership.
About Bishop Callist Rubaramira
Bishop Callist Rubaramira was born on February 8, 1950, in Rubira village, Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale District, in the Western Region of Uganda.
Rubira is part of Rushoroza Parish in the Diocese of Kabale, a suffragan diocese in the ecclesiastical province of Mbarara.
He is the second of ten siblings born to Cyprion Kwigira and Seforoza Bamusibane.
Bishop Rubaramira’s educational journey includes:
- Primary education at St. Francis Kyanamira Primary School.
- O-Level studies at St. Paul’s Seminary, Mutolere.
- A-Level studies at Kitabi Seminary in Bushenyi.
- Philosophical studies at St. Thomas Aquinas National Major Seminary, Katigondo.
- Theological studies at St. Mary’s National Seminary, Ggaba.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Katigondo and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Ggaba. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Portland, Oregon, USA.
He was ordained a deacon on December 29, 1974, and a priest on May 18, 1975, at Rushoroza Cathedral. He served in various leadership roles within the Diocese of Kabale, including:
- Parish Priest and Apostolic Vicar in Rukungiri District.
- Secretary to the Bishop of Kabale Diocese.
- Chancellor, Treasurer, and Financial Administrator of the Diocese.
He was appointed Bishop of Kabale Diocese by Pope John Paul II on March 18, 2003, and was installed on June 8, 2003. He is the fourth bishop of the diocese, succeeding Bishops Gervasius Nkalanga, Barnabas Halem’Imana, and Robert Mary Gay of the Missionaries of Africa.
