KABALE, Uganda – Hundreds of Catholics from Kabale Diocese gathered at Rushoroza Cathedral on short notice to receive the Apostolic announcement of the appointment of a new bishop for the diocese.
The announcement was delivered by Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda, during a message that reached the clergy while they were attending a retreat.
The newly appointed Bishop of Kabale Diocese is Rev. Fr. Gubazire Bosco Bonaventure, MAfr, a member of the Missionaries of Africa. He becomes the fourth Ordinary of Kabale Diocese and the second member of the Missionaries of Africa to lead the diocese after Bishop Robert Marie Gay.
Bishop Gubazire was ordained a priest on Aug. 10, 2003, by Bishop Callistus Rubaramira, who has been serving as the Bishop of Kabale Diocese since his episcopal ordination in 2003. The newly appointed bishop has been serving as Rector of St. Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana.
Although Bishop Gubazire was unable to attend the announcement ceremony physically, he sent a message that was read to the faithful gathered at Rushoroza Cathedral.
In his message, the new bishop expressed gratitude for the appointment but admitted that he had wondered, “Why me?” He said he accepted the responsibility with humility, placing his trust in God through prayer as he prepares to begin his new mission.
Bishop Gubazire said he entrusts his episcopal ministry to God, asking for guidance and strength to serve the people of Kabale Diocese with dedication and love.
Bishop Callistus Rubaramira will continue serving as Apostolic Administrator of Kabale Diocese until the new bishop is ordained and officially assumes leadership.
The appointment follows Bishop Rubaramira’s resignation after reaching the retirement age of 75 on Feb. 8, 2025, in accordance with the Catholic Church’s requirement for bishops to submit their resignation upon reaching that age.
During the selection process, consultations were held with different stakeholders who expressed the need for a bishop who would be a father to all, listen with attention and love, unite people regardless of ethnic background or political affiliation, and remain a man of prayer.
Bishop Rubaramira was ordained Bishop of Kabale Diocese on June 8, 2003, by Bishop Robert Marie Gay. He has led the diocese for more than two decades and will oversee the transition until the ordination of his successor.
Kabale Diocese was established on Feb. 1, 1966, after being created from Mbarara Diocese. It initially became a suffragan diocese of Rubaga before later becoming part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Kinshasa on Aug. 5, 1966. On Jan. 2, 1999, it became a suffragan diocese of Mbarara Archdiocese.
The appointment of Bishop Gubazire marks a new chapter for Kabale Diocese as the Catholic community prepares to welcome its next spiritual shepherd.
