Hundreds of faithful from within and outside the Diocese gathered at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish on Sunday, 4 October 2026, for a Thanksgiving Mass celebrating the Episcopal Ordination and installation of the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire.
The Thanksgiving Mass began at 10:00 a.m. and was presided over by Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, together with Bishop Emeritus Callist Rubaramira, a visiting Bishop from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and numerous priests.
The celebration attracted hundreds of Christians, including, priests, religious men and women, political leaders, Church leaders, relatives, friends and other dignitaries who came to thank God for the gift of the new Bishop and to pray for his ministry in Kabale Diocese.
Fr. Kiiza Lucas calls for support of the new bishop
In his homily, the chief preacher, Fr. Kiiza Lucas, thanked God for the gift of Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire and for his willingness to accept the responsibility of shepherding Kabale Diocese.
He said God works in ways that human beings may not always understand, noting that Bishop Gubazire comes from Kitumba, a place that considered by some people to be insignificant, despised, criticized.
He also appreciated the Bishop’s parents for nurturing and raising him in the faith. He further thanked the Missionaries of Africa for contributing another Bishop to Kabale Diocese.
He urged Christians to support, respect and obey their new Bishop, reminding them of the commitment they made during his installation.
He particularly called upon priests of Kabale Diocese to work closely with Bishop Gubazire, describing them as important stakeholders in the development and pastoral mission of the Diocese for his smooth services.
Bishop urged to serve the vulnerable
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel, the reminded the congregation that the Apostles themselves experienced disagreements over leadership because they were human beings with weaknesses.
He encouraged Bishop Gubazire to lead by example through love, respect and service, especially to people who are powerless, oppressed and facing difficulties.
He noted that the new bishop is taking responsibility for a community facing numerous social challenges, including people imprisoned because of debts and loans, domestic violence in the families, alcoholism and other hardships.
Despite these challenges, the preacher encouraged Christians not to lose hope, saying that God remains with His people and that the Holy Spirit continues to guide them.
He called upon the Church to preach the Word of God “in season and out of season” and to remain a source of hope to society.
Fr. Kiiza also used the biblical image of Christians as the “salt of the earth” and the “Light of the world.” He explained that salt has many functions, including giving taste, preserving and treating, and urged Christians to play a similar role in society by preserving good values and fighting corruption.
Call for unity and love
The preacher of the day called upon Christians to reject hatred and promote love and unity in their communities and Parishes. He reminded us to embrace love.
He concluded his homily by praying for greater love each other, in families, communities, Church institutions and society.
After Mass, different groups, including Priests, Religious Superiors, Parents, Deacons, Bishops, Political Leaders and other dignitaries, took photographs with the new bishop.
The celebration was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa as the chief guest and Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, among other leaders.
Musasizi congratulated Bishop Gubazire for accepting the responsibility of leading Kabale Diocese and pledged to support the Bishop and the Catholic Church financially and in development initiatives. He also paid tribute to Bishop Emeritus Callist Rubaramira for his 23 years of service to Kabale Diocese.
Minister Musasizi, in his remarks, calls Bishop Gubazire and other leaders to work together in addressing poverty affecting people in the Kigezi
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa called upon the people of Kigezi to avoid religious differences and instead work together for the development of the region.
Tayebwa urged the people to make use of available opportunities and leadership, including the office of Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi, to promote development and improve people’s standards of living.
He said religion should not be a source of division, explaining that he was raised in a Catholic family but married a woman from the Protestant faith.
Bishop Emeritus Rubaramira pledges cooperation
Bishop Emeritus Callist Rubaramira thanked the faithful for their participation in the celebrations.
He assured Christians that he would remain in Kabale Diocese after his retirement and said preparations were being made for his accommodation at Kyanamira Parish
Rubaramira pledged to respect and cooperate with Bishop Gubazire and remain available whenever his services were needed.
Bishop Gubazire asks for prayers
In his remarks, Bishop Gubazire thanked everyone who contributed to the success of his ordination, installation and Thanksgiving celebration.
He thanked the Pope for entrusting him with the responsibility of shepherding Kabale Diocese.
The new bishop also expressed gratitude to the priests, religious, men and women Missionaries of Africa for nurturing and supporting him, as well as his parents, relatives, friends, benefactors and well-wishers.
The new Bishop appreciated Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa and Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi Ariganyira for making time to attend the celebration and for their continued support to the Church.
Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire expressed gratitude to Bishop Emeritus Callist Rubaramira, describing him as a blessing in his priestly and episcopal journey. Reflecting on his new responsibility, Bishop Gubazire humbly said he felt unworthy of the task but trusted in God’s guidance.
He compared his calling to that of Moses, saying that just as God guided Moses in leading His people, he believed God would also guide him to become a good shepherd of the people of Kabale Diocese.
Bishop Gubazire therefore asked the faithful to continue praying for him as he begins his ministry, so that he can faithfully serve God and the people entrusted to his care.
By. Sr. Olivia Tumuramye