Pope Leo XIV Appoints Fr. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr., as the New Bishop of Kabale Diocese
BREAKING NEWS: HABEMUS EPISCOPUM!
Pope Leo X1V Appoints Fr. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr., as the New Bishop of Kabale Diocese
The Catholic Church in Uganda is today filled with joy and thanksgiving following the announcement from the Holy See that His Holiness Pope Leo IV has appointed Fr. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr. as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese.
The announcement, made today, 15th July 2026, marks a historic moment in the life of the Diocese as the faithful welcome a new shepherd to continue the mission of proclaiming the Gospel and strengthening the people of God.
Bishop-elect Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire is a priest of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), a congregation renowned for its missionary zeal, commitment to evangelization, intercultural dialogue, and service across the African continent. Ordained to the priesthood on 10th August 2003, he has faithfully served the Church for more than two decades in pastoral ministry, priestly formation, teaching, and academic research.
A son of Kabale Diocese,born ain Kitumba Rushoroza Cathedral Parish,Bishop-elect Gubazire's journey is one of faith, perseverance, and hope. He was raised through the support of the Christian community and the Diocese. Inspired by God's call, he embraced the priesthood and has since dedicated his life to serving the Church with humility and distinction.
Academically, Bishop-elect Gubazire is an accomplished philosopher and educator. Holding a doctorate in philosophy, he has served as a lecturer, formator, and academic leader at Spiritan University College in Ejisu, Ghana. His scholarly work has earned international recognition, particularly in the fields of African ethics, philosophy of education, environmental stewardship, and the relationship between faith and society.
His publications advocate for education that forms the whole person rather than merely preparing people for employment. He has also championed responsible care for creation through ethical stewardship of the environment, a message that resonates strongly with the Church's mission of caring for our common home. His reflections on Ubuntu, synodality, and the role of the Church in modern society demonstrate his commitment to building a listening, inclusive, and missionary Church.
Today's appointment comes following the retirement of Bishop Callist Rubaramira, who faithfully shepherded Kabale Diocese for many years with remarkable dedication, pastoral care, and visionary leadership. Under his episcopate, the Diocese experienced significant growth in evangelization, education, infrastructure, vocations, and social development. Catholics across the Diocese remain deeply grateful for his faithful service and now entrust him to God's continued blessings as he begins his retirement.
As Bishop-elect Gubazire prepares to assume leadership of Kabale Diocese, the faithful look forward to a new chapter marked by spiritual renewal, intellectual leadership, missionary outreach, and pastoral closeness. His rich international experience, deep understanding of African realities, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel position him well to lead the Diocese into the future.
Messages of congratulations have already begun pouring in from priests, religious, lay faithful, and friends of the Diocese both within Uganda and abroad, all expressing gratitude to the Holy Father for this appointment and assuring the Bishop-elect of their prayers and support.
Today, the Church in Kabale celebrates not merely the appointment of a new bishop, but the continuation of Christ's promise to remain with His people through faithful shepherds who guide, teach, and sanctify the flock entrusted to them.
As the Diocese enters this new era, all Christians are invited to pray earnestly for Bishop-elect Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, asking the Holy Spirit to grant him wisdom, courage, humility, good health, and abundant grace as he begins his episcopal ministry.
Congratulations, Bishop-elect Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire!
May the Good Shepherd guide your ministry, and may Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the Uganda Martyrs intercede for you as you begin this sacred mission.
Habemus Episcopum! Thanks be to God.
Davis Owomugisha
PRO KKCRA Uganda..