Newly ordained Kabale Diocese Bishop, Rt Rev Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire has pledged obedience, communion and collaboration with fellow bishops, priests, religious leaders and the faithful as he begins his ministry as the fifth bishop of the diocese.
Bishop Gubazire made the commitment on Saturday in his maiden speech shortly after his episcopal ordination and installation during a colorful ceremony at St Ignitius University grounds in Kabale Municipality.
He said he would rely on the prayers, guidance and support of fellow bishops and the faithful as he takes on the pastoral responsibility entrusted to him by Pope Leo XIV.
“I pledge obedience, communion and collaboration as we serve together to establish God’s kingdom here on earth,” Bishop Gubazire said.
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He thanked Pope Leo XIV for entrusting him with the leadership of Kabale Diocese and expressed gratitude to the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Tomasz Grysa, and the bishops who participated in his episcopal ordination.
Quoting an African proverb, “To know the way ahead, ask those coming from there,” Bishop Gubazire asked fellow bishops to continue guiding and supporting him in his new ministry.
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Bishop Emeritus Callist Rubaramira, who led Kabale Diocese for 23 years and served as the principal consecrator during his episcopal ordination.
Bishop Gubazire described Bishop Rubaramira as a blessing to the diocese, citing his pastoral zeal, wisdom, simplicity and developmental spirit.
“By divine providence, Bishop Callist is the very person whom God used to ordain me into the priesthood in 2003, here at the Holy Rosary. This is not sheer coincidence. It is God’s making,” he said.
Bishop Gubazire pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors by strengthening diocesan structures and improving the lives of the people, particularly the less privileged.
He also commended the government for maintaining peace and stability, saying this had enabled Christians and other guests to gather for his episcopal ordination without fear.
However, he called for continued collaboration, mutual trust, dialogue, justice and respect for the rule of law to safeguard peace in Uganda.
The bishop said the Church and government share a responsibility to improve the lives of Ugandans through education, affordable healthcare, household income generation and promotion of the common good.
He also thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the support extended towards his episcopal ordination, including a financial contribution and a vehicle donated to the diocese.
Bishop Gubazire said the support demonstrated the government’s recognition of the Catholic Church’s contribution to improving the welfare of Ugandans.
Nuncio urges support
The Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Tomasz Grysa, urged priests and the faithful of Kabale Diocese to give Bishop Gubazire unwavering support as he begins his ministry.
Archbishop Grysa said Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of Bishop Gubazire was a testimony to his years of dedicated service to the Catholic Church.
A member of the Missionaries of Africa, commonly known as the White Fathers, Bishop Gubazire has served in several countries, including Mozambique, Malawi, France, Ireland, the Philippines and Ghana.
“Your appointment by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is a beautiful testimony to a lifetime of devout, selfless and zealous service,” Archbishop Grysa said.
He described Bishop Gubazire as a spiritual leader, academic and pastor with a servant’s heart, saying his missionary experience would be valuable as he returns home to lead Kabale Diocese.
Archbishop Grysa noted that Bishop Gubazire is a son of Kigezi who was born and nurtured in the region, and urged him to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors.
He paid tribute to the late Bishop Robert Marie Gué, who led the diocese from 1994 to 2003, and Bishop Rubaramira, who served for 23 years before his retirement.
Turning to the priests, Archbishop Grysa urged them to work closely with Bishop Gubazire and support him in carrying out his pastoral responsibilities.
“A bishop can only carry out his mission through the hands and hearts of his priests,” he said.
He urged the priests to be a source of strength, comfort and trusted cooperation to the new bishop while maintaining unity and brotherhood in serving the faithful.
Archbishop Grysa also commended consecrated men and women for their contribution to the Church through prayer and service in schools, hospitals and other institutions.
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Zziwa pledges bishops’ support
The chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rt Rev Anthony Zziwa, who is also the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, pledged the support of fellow bishops to Bishop Gubazire.
Bishop Zziwa recalled attending Bishop Rubaramira’s episcopal consecration in 2003 and commended him for the 23 years he spent leading Kabale Diocese.
He said Bishop Rubaramira had laid a strong foundation on which his successor could build.
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Bishop Zziwa said the episcopal ministry was a demanding responsibility and pledged that members of the Episcopal Conference would work with Bishop Gubazire in the spirit of communion, collaboration and teamwork.
He said the bishops would support him as they collectively serve the Church and contribute to the wellbeing of Ugandans.
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Bishop Emeritus Rubaramira urged priests, religious leaders and Christians in Kabale Diocese to warmly welcome Bishop Gubazire and accord him the cooperation he needs to continue the mission of building God’s kingdom.
He reminded the new bishop that the harvest in God’s vineyard is plentiful and urged him not to tire in preaching salvation and serving the faithful.
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Bishop Gubazire becomes the fifth bishop of Kabale Diocese, succeeding Bishop Rubaramira, who retired after 23 years at the helm of the diocese.
