By Akankwasa Sharifu.
Monsignor Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire has been installed as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese, taking over the leadership of the Catholic Church in the region after more than two decades under Bishop Callistus Rubaramira.
The installation and ordination ceremony is being held at St Ignatius University grounds in Kabale Municipality, attracting thousands of Christians, religious leaders, government officials and political leaders.
Gubazire, 52, becomes the fifth bishop of Kabale Diocese, which covers Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro, Rukiga, Kanungu and Rukungiri districts.
He takes over from Bishop Rubaramira, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Leo XIV on July 15, 2026, after 23 years at the helm of the Diocese.
Rubaramira continued to serve as Apostolic Administrator during the transition.
The outgoing bishop has been credited with expanding the Diocese’s institutions and encouraging greater participation of lay Catholics in the running and development of the Church.
One of the initiatives associated with his tenure is the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund, which supported Church development projects and income-generating activities.
His administration also saw the establishment of Radio Maria, St Ignatius University Kabale and Centenary Bank branches in Kabale, Kisoro and Rukungiri.
Rubaramira’s emphasis on Small Christian Communities also changed the way many Catholics organised themselves at parish level, with neighbourhood groups becoming centres for prayer, fellowship and community support.
At the ceremony, religious leaders have also recognised his efforts in promoting cooperation between different faiths in the region.
Among those attending are Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Ministers David Bahati, Gen Jim Muhwezi Katugugu , Minister of Health Hon Dr Chris Baryomunsi and Henry Musasizi, alongside MPs Dr Sylvia Alineitwe, Kiconco Patrick and Enid Origumisiriza.
Gubazire was among the priests ordained by Bishop Rubaramira in 2003, shortly after Rubaramira became bishop.
Born in Kitumba, Kabale, on March 3, 1974, Gubazire joined the Missionaries of Africa and underwent priestly and academic formation in Uganda, France, Ireland, Mozambique and the Philippines.
He was ordained a priest on August 10, 2003, and later worked in Mozambique before pursuing further studies.
In 2020, he obtained a doctorate in philosophy from the University of San Carlos in Cebu, Philippines.
Before his appointment to Kabale, he was serving as Rector of St Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana.
His appointment by Pope Leo XIV on July 15 marked the beginning of the transition that culminates in today’s installation.
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