KISORO, UGANDA: The Bishop of Muhabura Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Godfrey Mbitse, has led religious leaders in Kisoro in bidding farewell to the Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, who is retiring after 23 years of service.
The farewell comes ahead of the installation of Bishop-elect Monsignor Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The gathering brought together religious leaders from different faiths to recognize Bishop Rubaramira’s years of service to the Catholic Church and the people of the Kigezi region.
Bishop Rubaramira served as Bishop of Kabale Diocese for 23 years, during which the diocese implemented various pastoral, social and development initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of communities across the region.
Pope Leo XIV accepted Bishop Rubaramira’s retirement from the pastoral leadership of Kabale Diocese on July 15, 2026, and appointed Monsignor Gubazire as his successor.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Lens Reports, Bishop Mbitse thanked Bishop Rubaramira for his cooperation and service to the people of Kigezi. He described the relationship among religious leaders in the region as important in promoting unity and addressing challenges affecting communities.
Bishop Mbitse also called on religious leaders to continue working together in serving God and supporting the wider community.
CUE IN MBITSE ON CALLIST //
The Dean of Mutorere Deanery, Sebatware, also commended Bishop Rubaramira for development projects initiated during his tenure.
Sebatware said some of the projects have contributed to improving people’s livelihoods and efforts to reduce poverty among communities in the deanery.
He credited Bishop Rubaramira for supporting development initiatives alongside the pastoral responsibilities of the Catholic Church.
CUE IN SEBATWARE ON BISHOP //
Meanwhile, Kisoro District Khadhi Sheikh Ali Mwesigye joined other religious leaders in recognizing Bishop Rubaramira’s contribution to the people of Kigezi
Sheikh Mwesigye told the retiring bishop that although he is retiring from the pastoral leadership of Kabale Diocese, he should not retire from serving the nation.
He emphasized that retirement from an official position does not necessarily mean an end to service to the community, encouraging Bishop Rubaramira to continue contributing to the wellbeing of the people.
The District Khadhi also highlighted the cooperation that exists among religious leaders in Kigezi, saying unity among faith leaders remains important in promoting peaceful coexistence and serving communities regardless of religious differences.
CUE IN DISTRICT KHADHI ON SERVICE //
The installation of Bishop-elect Monsignor Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire on October 3 will formally mark the transition from Bishop Rubaramira’s 23-year leadership and usher Kabale Catholic Diocese into a new chapter.
Bishop Rubaramira led Kabale Diocese from 2003 until his retirement from pastoral leadership in July 2026.
Following the announcement of his retirement on July 15, 2026, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator to oversee the Diocese until the ordination and installation of his successor.
The appointment of Bishop-elect Gubazire was announced at Rushoroza Cathedral by Rev. Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda.
In his message, Bishop Rubaramira called on members of the Diocese to pray for Bishop-elect Gubazire as he prepares to assume leadership.
He also urged priests, religious and lay faithful to actively participate in preparations for the episcopal ordination and contribute towards the organization of the ceremony.
The October 3 ceremony at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral is expected to attract bishops, priests, religious leaders, government officials and thousands of faithful from across Uganda and beyond.
Bishop-elect Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire was born on March 3, 1974, in Kitumba, Rushoroza Cathedral Parish.
He attended St. Mary’s Rushoroza Boys Primary School and St. Paul’s Seminary Rushoroza before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies from the Philosophy Centre in Jinja and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the Institut Catholique de Toulouse in France.
He joined the Missionaries of Africa and was ordained a priest on August 10, 2003, by Bishop Callist Rubaramira at Rushoroza Cathedral.
Over the past two decades, Monsignor Gubazire has served in several pastoral, academic and missionary roles in Africa, Europe and Asia.
Since 2021, he has served as Dean of Studies at Spiritan University College in Ejisu, Ghana. In 2023, he was appointed Rector of the St. Martin of Tours Formation House, and since 2025 he has served on the Provincial Council of the Ghana-Nigeria Province of the Missionaries of Africa.
The new bishop is expected to formally assume leadership of Kabale Catholic Diocese following his episcopal ordination and installation on October 3.
Let me take this honour to congratulate the outgoing Bishop Callist Rubaramira upon his successful retirement and also Congratulate the Incoming Bishop Bonevanture upon being chosen to serve the flork of God.Its not an easy load but with God,he will serve diligently.I wish him a joyous ministry in Kabale diocese.