'Pray and support me as I move to Busoga Diocese' — Bishop-elect Lubaale

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Two days before his consecration as the fourth bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale relished a joyous farewell in Kampala, before heading to his new jurisdiction in Uganda's east.

The Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi COU in Kampala was filled with song, ululation and heartfelt thanksgiving on Friday (December 12) for Lubaale's farewell and thanksgiving service.

Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe (purple wear) of North Kigezi leading a group of cleargy as the church prayed for Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale, the fourth Bishop-elect of Busoga Diocese and his family during his farewell and thanksgiving service at the Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi Kampala on December 12, 2025. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

He arrived for the service at around 1:30 pm, accompanied by his wife, Clare Louise Atuheirwe Lubaale, their children and clergy.

The expectant congregation erupted into cheers as the bishop-elect walked into the church, marking the beginning of a deeply emotional service.

Thanks to a lively choir, the service was never starved of spirited praise and worship, as the Anglican faithful celebrated a journey that began in Bugolobi and is now leading Lubaale to Busoga.

'Walk with the Lord'

In her preaching, Rev. Canon Dr Rebecca Nyegenye, the Provost of All Saints Cathedral Kampala, urged Christians to stand with their new bishop in prayer and joyful partnership.

Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye, Provost of All Saints Cathedral Kampala preaching during Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale, the fourth Bishop-elect of Busoga Diocese farewell and thanksgiving service. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

She encouraged them to walk alongside him in celebration and support as he begins his episcopal journey.

Drawing from the story of King Josiah in the Bible, Nyegenye reminded the congregation that the biblical monarch prospered because he followed the guidance of God wholeheartedly and never wavered.

 “Prosperity in ministry means setting your eyes on serving the Lord and having a listening ear."

She encouraged Bishop-elect Lubaale to set his heart on God as he enters the office of Bishop of Busoga, regardless of what challenges or circumstances he may find.

 “Choose to walk with the Lord. Choose to trust God. Choose not to turn to the left or right, but fix your eyes on Him."

Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale, the fourth Bishop-elect of Busoga Diocese and his wife Clare Louise Atuheirwe posing for a picture with the members of the Mothers Union of Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi Kampala. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

Nyegenye also told Lubaale to be wary of individuals who may try to influence him with opinions about the diocese, reminding him that only God knows the full truth.

“You Christians often want to hold our hands and pull us where you want us to go. When we resist, you create chaos,” she said, drawing laughter and applause in equal measure. “We pray that God alone guides the new bishop.”

Nyegenye urged the entire congregation to see this moment as a time to renew their covenant with God.

 “It is not only my brother Grace who is recommitting himself. This should be a renewal for all of us."

'Kampala exporting bishop to Busoga'

In his speech, the bishop-elect thanked God for elevating him to the episcopate while serving in Bugolobi.

Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale, the fourth Bishop-elect of Busoga Diocese smiles as he leaves the Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi Kampala for Jinja where he is expected to be consecrated on December 14, 2025, at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja City. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

“What is happening is that Kampala is exporting a bishop to Busoga, and Busoga is importing one from Kampala,” he told an applauding congregation.

He said no one studies to become a bishop nor should one aspire to the role. “A bishop is simply elected when a seat falls vacant. I, too, was elected and confirmed by God’s grace."

Lubaale thanked the people of Kampala for nurturing him and his wife in ministry, and he offered special appreciation to Bugolobi parish, where he has served for nearly six years.

He also thanked Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe of North Kigezi and his wife, Florence, for mentoring him throughout his clerical journey.

“I invite you all to keep me in prayer and support me as I move to Busoga Diocese, where I will serve for many years,” he said.

A convoy ready to escort Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale, the fourth Bishop-elect of Busoga Diocese as he headed for Jinja where he is expected to be consecrated on December 14, 2025, at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja City. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

Friday's farewell service was attended by Bishop Asiimwe and his wife, Florence, the Dean of Namirembe Cathedral, Rev. Canon Danstan Kiwanuka, and Rev. Emmanuel Kalagala, Vicar of the Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi, among many others.

Also present were Bugolobi parishioners, staff and students of Kyambogo and Makerere universities, and academics, including university vice-chancellors and professors, as well as Lubaale’s relatives.

Just before 3pm, Lubaale departed Bugolobi in a convoy destined for, where hundreds awaited him at the Nile Bridge in Njeru.

He will be consecrated this Sunday (December 14) at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja City.

Lubaale at a glance

Born on October 9, 1978, Lubaale gave his life to Christ in 1994.

Faithful boarding a bus to escort Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale, the fourth Bishop-elect of Busoga Diocese to his new work station in Jinja. This was after his farewell and thanksgiving service at the Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi Kampala on December 12, 2025. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

He was ordained deacon in 2008, priested in 2009, and installed as Canon of Education and Training at All Saints Cathedral in 2024.

He was elected the fourth Bishop of Busoga by the House of Bishops on October 7, 2025.

A holder of a PhD in Development Studies along with several master’s degrees, Lubaale is married to Clare Louise Atuheirwe, with whom they have four children.