Kabale Diocese has marked 60 years of existence with the ordination of 13 priests and 10 deacons, as Apostolic Administrator Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira urged Christians to strengthen their faith and spread the Gospel through their daily lives.
The anniversary celebrations were held on Sunday at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral grounds, where Bishop Rubaramira presided over the Eucharistic celebration and called on the faithful to reflect on the diocese’s journey and their responsibility as Christians.
The 13 newly ordained priests are Rev. Fr Adon Aturinde of Nyakishenyi Parish; Rev. Fr. Cyril Arthur Ayebazibwe of Karujanga Parish; Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Niwagaba of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish; Rev. Fr. Ivan Ndamira of Mutolere Parish; Rev. Fr. Justus Turyatunga of Rubanda Parish; Rev. Fr. Sostine Mugisha of Muko Parish and Rev. Fr. Syrus Aharizira of Makiro Parish.
Others are Rev. Fr. Anakeleti Maridadi, AJ of Rutenga Parish; Rev. Fr. Prosper Turihamwe, AJ of Muchahi Parish; Rev. Fr. Sosteni Turyasingura, AJ of Rubanda Parish; Rev. Fr. Tom Twinomujuni, AJ of St. Luke Muhanga Parish; Rev. Fr. Venansio Twesigye, AJ of Rwengiri Parish; and Rev. Fr. John Bosco Magezi, M.Afr. of Rubanda Parish.
The Deacons are David Niwayinamani of Rubanda Parish, Demian Ampureire of Rwengiri Parish, Derrick Matsiko of Nyakibale Parish, Gerald Nsengiyunva of Sooko Parish, Godwine Ainembabazi of Kyanamira Parish, Ivan Byamugisha of Rutooma Parish, James Byomuhangi of Muko Parish, John Borris Nahamya of Nyakibale Parish, Moses Niwahereza of Kambuga Parishand Pius Orinshemeza of Nyarushanje Parish.
In his homily, Bishop Rubaramira said the diocese has many reasons to thank God for the progress registered over the past six decades, including the growth of the Catholic faith and an increase in the number of priests, religious sisters, catechists and other Church leaders.
He also recognised the contribution of past leaders, particularly Bishop Barnabas R Halem’Imana, Bishop Robert-Marie Gay and Rev Gervasius Placidus Nkalanga, the diocese’s first Apostolic Administrator, whom he credited for laying a strong foundation for the diocese.
Bishop Rubaramira urged Christians to use the 60th anniversary to reflect on their faith and emulate the humility of the Virgin Mary, who praised God for choosing her to become the mother of Jesus Christ.
He asked the faithful to remain grateful for what God has done, what He continues to do and what He will do in their lives.
The bishop also reminded Christians that baptism comes with the responsibility to spread the Gospel and become a light to others.
“Allow the light you received through baptism to give light to others,” Bishop Rubaramira said, urging Christians to encourage one another, strengthen their families and contribute to the growth of the Church.
He challenged the faithful to begin spreading their faith from their homes, workplaces and communities while avoiding behaviours that undermine Christian values, including spreading rumours and engaging in activities that weaken the Christian community.
Bishop Rubaramira said Christ must remain the foundation of Kabale Diocese and urged Christians to accept God’s calling and work together to strengthen their families and the Church.
“There is no other foundation apart from that of Christ,” he said.
He added that keeping Christ at the centre of the diocese’s journey would enable it to remain strong and continue serving the faithful.
Leadership transition
Bishop Rubaramira also called on Christians to pray for Bishop-elect Rt Rev Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, who is expected to take over the leadership of the diocese.
Bishop-elect Gubazire was appointed in July 2026 and is scheduled to be installed as the new bishop on October 3, 2026.
Bishop Rubaramira urged Christians to support the incoming bishop through prayer as he prepares to assume leadership of the diocese.
“It is not easy because I know, because I have served as the Bishop,” he said.
Kabale Diocese was officially erected on April 17, 1966, after being separated from the Diocese of Mbarara.
Rev Gervasius Placidus Nkalanga served as its first Apostolic Administrator from 1966 to 1969 before Bishop Barnabas R Halem’Imana became the first residential bishop. He was consecrated on August 1, 1969, and served until 1994.
He was succeeded by Bishop Robert-Marie Gay, who led the diocese from 1994 to 2003.
Bishop Rubaramira became the third residential bishop in 2003 and has led the diocese through more than two decades of pastoral service.
The 60th anniversary celebrations, together with the ordination of 13 priests and 10 deacons, marked a significant milestone in the growth and renewal of the Catholic Church in Kabale.
Bishop Rubaramira urged Christians to continue praying for the Church and the newly ordained clergy, saying a strong diocese requires God’s guidance and the collective commitment of the faithful.
He called on Christians to remain rooted in God’s love, embrace their Christian responsibilities and use their faith to bring light to others while contributing to the development of their families and the diocese.
CUE IN BISHOP RUBARAMIRA….ON CHRISTIANS….RR//
