The Catholic community of Kabale Diocese marked a significant milestone with the ordination and installation of Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese since its establishment in 1966.
The historic occasion brought together clergy, religious leaders, Catholic faithful, dignitaries and members of the community to witness the beginning of a new chapter in the pastoral leadership of the diocese.
Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire succeeds Bishop Callist Rubaramira, who served as Bishop of Kabale Diocese from 2003 until his retirement on 15 July 2026. His appointment continues a long tradition of episcopal leadership that has guided the diocese for six decades.
A Diocese with a Rich History of Leadership
Kabale Diocese was established in 1966, marking the beginning of an important chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in southwestern Uganda. Since then, the diocese has been served by a succession of bishops and apostolic administrators who have contributed to its pastoral growth and development.
The pioneer leader was Rt. Rev. Gervase Nkalanga, who served as Apostolic Administrator from 1966 to 1969. He was followed by Bishop Barnabas Halem’Imana, who served as Bishop from 1969 to 1994.
Following Bishop Halem’Imana's tenure, Bishop Robert Marie Gay served as Apostolic Administrator from 1994 and was later appointed Bishop, serving from 1996 to 2003.
In 2003, Bishop Callist Rubaramira took over the leadership of the diocese. He served for more than two decades before retiring on 15 July 2026.
With the installation of Bishop Gubazire on 3 October 2026, Kabale Diocese enters a new era of episcopal leadership while continuing the pastoral mission established since its foundation in 1966.
A New Chapter for Kabale Diocese
The installation of Bishop Gubazire is more than a change in leadership; it represents the continuation of the Catholic Church's mission of faith, service and pastoral care within Kabale Diocese.
As Bishop, Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire assumes the responsibility of providing spiritual and pastoral leadership to the Catholic faithful across the diocese. His ministry will involve working closely with priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, families, young people and various Church institutions to advance the mission of the Catholic Church.
The new Bishop takes over a diocese with a long-standing history and an established pastoral presence in the communities it serves. Through its parishes, schools, health services, charitable activities and other programmes, the Catholic Church has remained an important part of community life in the region.
His installation therefore provides an opportunity for the faithful to celebrate the achievements of the past while looking ahead to the opportunities and responsibilities of the future.
The ordination and installation of Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese comes at an important point in the history of the diocese. As the Church continues to respond to the changing needs of society, the new Bishop will lead the faithful in strengthening their Christian faith and advancing the Church's mission.
The occasion also serves as a reminder of the journey Kabale Diocese has taken since 1966. From the leadership of Bishop Gervase Nkalanga, through the ministries of Bishop Barnabas Halem’Imana, Bishop Robert Marie Gay and Bishop Callist Rubaramira, the diocese has continued to grow and serve generations of Catholic faithful.
Bishop Gubazire now becomes part of that continuing history.
His installation on Saturday, 3 October 2026, marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that builds on the foundations laid by his predecessors while looking toward the future of the Catholic Church in Kabale Diocese.
As the faithful welcome their new Bishop, the occasion stands as a moment of thanksgiving for the diocese's journey, appreciation for its past leadership and hope for the years ahead under the pastoral guidance of Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese.
