Rt Rev Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire has been ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese at a ceremony held at St Ignatius University-Kabale (IGUKA) in Kabale Municipality.
Gubazire was ordained by the Emeritus Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, who served as the principal ordaining Bishop, in a ceremony attended by Catholic faithful, clergy, religious leaders, government officials and other invited guests.
Gubazire was appointed Bishop of Kabale Diocese by the Holy See, with his appointment announced by the Apostolic Nunciature to Uganda on July 15, 2026.
The episcopal ordination began with the presentation of the Apostolic Mandate, with Bishop Rubaramira asking whether there was a mandate from the Apostolic See.
“We have,” came the response.
The mandate was then read to the congregation in Latin, English and Rukiga-Runyankore, after which the clergy and faithful expressed their assent with the response, “Thanks be to God.”
After the homily, Gubazire stood before Bishop Rubaramira and made the solemn promises required of a Bishop.
He pledged to faithfully carry out the episcopal office entrusted to him, proclaim the Gospel of Christ and guard the deposit of faith in its pure and entire form according to the tradition of the Church.
Bishiop Gubazire also promised to build up the Body of Christ, remain united with the Catholic Church and the College of Bishops and work under the authority of the successor of St Peter.
Asked whether he would faithfully render obedience to the successor of St Peter, Gubazire responded: “I do.”
He further pledged to serve as a father to the faithful, working with priests and deacons to guide them towards salvation and reaching out to the poor, strangers and others in need.
He also promised to seek out those who stray and bring them back into the Lord’s fold, pray continually for God’s people and carry out the office of High Priest without reproach.
In response to the final question, Gubazire said: “I do, with the help of God.”
The promises were followed by the Litany of Supplication, laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination.
The rite also included the anointing of Gubazire’s head, the handing over of the Book of the Gospels and the presentation of the insignia of his episcopal office, formally marking his elevation to the episcopate.
In his homily, Bishop Rubaramira urged Gubazire to regard his appointment as a call to service rather than an honour.
He said the office of a Bishop is rooted in the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ to the Apostles to preach the Gospel, sanctify the faithful and guide them as one flock.
Rubaramira said the ministry of Bishops has been preserved through succession from the Apostles, allowing the mission of Christ to continue from one generation to another.
“Consider carefully the nature of the rank in the Church to which our brother is to be raised,” Rubaramira said.
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Rubaramira told Gubazire that his appointment was a responsibility entrusted to him by God to serve the people, rather than a position of privilege.
“The title of Bishop signifies a task, not an honour; a Bishop must strive to benefit others rather than to lord it over them,” he said.
He urged the new Bishop to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, by knowing and caring for the people entrusted to his leadership and being prepared to sacrifice for their wellbeing.
Rubaramira also urged Gubazire to proclaim the Gospel faithfully, administer the Sacraments and guide the faithful with wisdom and prudence as they journey towards eternal life.
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He called on the new Bishop to work closely with priests and deacons and give particular attention to the poor, the weak, foreigners and strangers.
“Exhort the faithful to work with you in your apostolic labours; do not refuse to listen willingly to them,” he said.
Rubaramira also urged Gubazire not to neglect people who have not yet joined the Catholic Church, saying they too fall within his pastoral responsibility.
He reminded him that his ministry extends beyond Kabale Diocese because, as a Bishop, he is now part of the College of Bishops and should remain concerned about other Churches, particularly those in need.
“Keep watch, therefore, over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit places you to govern the Church of God,” Rubaramira said.
He said Gubazire would exercise Christ’s roles as Teacher, Priest and Shepherd and urged the faithful to receive him as a minister of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God.
Gubazire succeeds Rubaramira, who served as Bishop of Kabale Diocese for more than two decades before his resignation.
His installation comes as Kabale Diocese marks 60 years since its establishment in 1966.
The guest of honour was the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, the Chief Justice, Flavia Zeija, several Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament, among other guests.
