Kabale Diocese on Saturday ushered in a new chapter of spiritual leadership following the ordination and installation of Bishop Bonanture Bosco Gubazire as its fifth bishop, succeeding Bishop Emeritus Callist Rubaramira, who led the diocese for 23 years.
The colorful ceremony, held at St. Ignatius University, attracted thousands of Christians from within and outside Kabale Diocese, alongside Catholic Bishops, Priests, Religious Leaders, Government Officials, Politicians, and Representatives of other Religious Denominations.
The New Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire was ordained by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop Emeritus of Kabale Diocese, who served as the Main Consecrator, together with His Excellency Archbishop Tomasz Grysa, Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, and His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese.
The Rite of Episcopal Ordination
The Rite of Episcopal Ordination began with the presentation of the Apostolic Order, with Bishop Rubaramira, the Main Consecrator, asking whether there was a mandate from the Apostolic See. “We have,” Fr. Kiiza Lucas Justus Responded.
The mandate was then read to the congregation by the Chancellor of Kabale Diocese, Fr. Placid Mugumya, 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, the Bishop-elect stood before Bishop Rubaramira and made the solemn promises 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.
Bishop Emeritus Callist Rubaramira anointing the new Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire
The ritual of ordaining of the bishop include the anointing of the head of the ordained bishop, handing over the book of the gospel, the insignia of has episcopal office, Mitre, ,Zucchetto and other church investments of the bishop required for the ministry.
During the mass after the ordination ritual, all the priests, religious representives, and all the catholic Christians representives made the promises of obedience to the new bishop and those who will come after him.
Government officials and political leaders and other dignitaries who graced the occasion, among them Minister Musasizi Henry Ariganyira, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni; Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa; Minister David Bahati, Minister Jimmy Muhwezi, Minister Akefeza, and several Members of Parliament.
ARCHBISHOP GRYSA URGES FAITHFUL TO SUPPORT NEW BISHOP
Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Tomasz Grysa, in his remarks urged priests and the faithful of Kabale Diocese to give Bishop Gubazire unwavering support as he begins his ministry. 
Archbishop Grysa said the appointment of Bishop Gubazire by Pope Leo XIV 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 Gay 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.
He said Bishop Rubaramira had laid a strong foundation on which his successor could build.
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.
Emeritus Bishop Callist Rubaramira pledges support to successor
In his remarks, Bishop Emeritus Callist, Rubaramira expressed gratitude to the people of God for their support throughout his leadership. He pledged obedience, availability and continued cooperation with his successor for as long as his health permits him to serve.
Hon. Minister Musasizi he handing over the keys for land cruiser to the new bishop
President gifts new bishop a Land Cruiser
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of a brand-new Land Cruiser vehicle to Bishop Gubazire by Hon,Min. Musasizi Herny Ariganyira the minister for finance who served as the quest of honour on behalf the of President Museveni the public of Uganda.
The vehicle was presented as a gift to support the new bishop in carrying out his pastoral responsibilities across Kabale Diocese.
Hon.min Henry Ariganyira Musasizi said he had been tasked with mobilising resources from friends towards supporting the function and thanked those who made contributions towards the initiative.
He urged him to draw inspiration from the missionary spirit of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, founder of the Missionaries of Africa, remain close to Christ and the people of Kigezi, particularly the poor, young people, priests and lay faithful.
Tayebwa Congratulates Gubazire
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who also congratulated Gubazire, said his elevation to the episcopacy was part of a journey that had prepared him for the responsibility.
Quoting Psalm 75:6-7, Tayebwa said promotion does not come from the east, west or south, but from God, who is the judge.
The diocese also presented financial gifts of Shs100 million to the incoming bishop and Shs20 million to Bishop Emeritus Rubaramira in recognition of his dedicated service and contribution to the growth of the diocese.
Throughout the speeches, several leaders praised Bishop Rubaramira for his outstanding contribution to the spiritual, social, and economic development of Kabale Diocese during his 23-year episcopal ministry.
NEW BISHOP’S REMARKS
In his acceptance speech, Bishop Bonanture Bosco Gubazire thanked the faithful and all those who contributed to the successful organization of the historic celebration.
He particularly expressed appreciation to Bishop Emeritus Rubaramira for accepting to ordain him, recalling that the same Bishop had previously ordained him to the priesthood.
He paid tribute to his parents for their care, upbringing, and foundation in faith, appreciation to the Missionaries of Africa, popularly known as the White Fathers, who nurtured him to be strong man he is now, relatives, friends, benefactors, family friends, and service providers who contributed to the success of the occasion.
He thanked Pope Leo XIV for entrusting him with the pastoral leadership of Kabale Diocese, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Tomasz Grysa, and the Bishops who participated in his Episcopal Ordination.
He 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 also 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 commended the government for maintaining peace and stability, saying the environment had enabled Christians and other guests to gather for his Episcopal Ordination without fear since their security was guaranteed.
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 called for continued support and collaboration as he begins his ministry of shepherding the people of Kabale Diocese.
Celebration ends with symbolic activities
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the cake and the planting of commemorative trees at St. Ignatius University.
The tree planting served as a lasting reminder of the historic occasion and the hope for continued growth and development within the diocese.
By Olivia Tumuramye