Gubazire installed as fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese
The ceremony marks a new chapter for the Catholic Diocese of Kabale, which was established in 1966 and serves the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukiga, Rukungiri and Kanungu.
Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire and Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda Tomasz Grysa during the celebration Mass marking Bishop Gubazire’s installation on October 3, 2026. (Courtesy photo)
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The church filled to capacity, and the choir sang itself hoarse as Msgr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire was being ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese, succeeding Rt Rev. Callistus Rubaramira, who led the diocese for 23 years.
Deafening ululations were audible as Gubazire, 52, was installed at the St Ignatius University Kabale grounds on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during a ceremony attended by thousands of faithful, clergy, religious leaders and other guests.
The ceremony marks a new chapter for the Catholic Diocese of Kabale, which was established in 1966 and serves the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukiga, Rukungiri and Kanungu.
Gubazire's appointment followed Pope Leo XIV's acceptance of Rubaramira's resignation after he reached the canonical retirement age. The Pope appointed Gubazire as his successor on July 15, 2026, with Rubaramira serving as Apostolic Administrator during the transition.
Born on March 3, 1974, in Kitumba, Kabale Diocese, Gubazire is the second-born in a family of seven.
Gubazire was ordained a priest on August 10, 2003, at Rushoroza Cathedral by Rubaramira.
He has since served in several countries, undertaking pastoral, academic and formation responsibilities in Mozambique, France, Malawi, the Philippines and Ghana.
His academic background includes a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from the Philosophy Centre Jinja, a theology degree from the Institut Catholique de Toulouse in France, a master's degree in Philosophy from the Milltown Institute in Dublin and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of San Carlos in Cebu, Philippines.
Before his appointment as bishop, Gubazire served as rector of St Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana. He has also held formation and academic leadership positions within the Missionaries of Africa.
Rubaramira's legacy
Gubazire takes over after a 23-year tenure by Rubaramira, during which the diocese underwent significant pastoral and institutional development.
His administration established the Bishop's Annual Appeal Fund, which supported income-generating commercial developments aimed at strengthening the diocese's financial sustainability.
The diocese also credits Rubaramira with spearheading the establishment of St Ignatius University Kabale and Radio Maria Kabale.
Ahead of his installation, Gubazire took the Oath of Allegiance to the Pope during Evening Prayers at Rushoroza Cathedral.
In the oath, he pledged to uphold Catholic teaching, safeguard Church unity, promote vocations and support evangelisation. He also committed himself to responsible stewardship of Church property.
His installation places him at the helm of a diocese serving Catholics across six districts in southwestern Uganda.
For Kabale Diocese, the installation marks a leadership transition from a bishop who served for more than two decades to a successor whose ministry and academic formation have taken him across Africa, Europe and Asia.