KKCRA JOINS KABALE DIOCESE IN MARKING 60 YEARS OF FAITH AS 13 PRIESTS AND 10 DEACONS ARE ORDAINED
KABALE DIOCESE MARKS 60 YEARS WITH HISTORIC ORDINATION OF 13 PRIESTS AND 10 DEACONS
By Davis Owomugisha
KABALE, UGANDA — August 22, 2026
Kabale Diocese has celebrated six decades of faith, service and evangelisation with a historic triple celebration that brought together thousands of Christians, clergy, religious leaders, dignitaries and well-wishers at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality.
The landmark celebration combined the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Kabale Diocese, the annual Diocesan Thanksgiving Day, and the ordination of 13 priests and 10 deacons—a powerful testimony to the growth of the Church in the Diocese over the past six decades.
The celebrations were presided over by the Apostolic Administrator of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, who challenged the newly ordained clergy to embrace their vocation with courage, humility and commitment to God's people.
In a homily centred on the call to serve, Bishop Rubaramira reminded the newly ordained priests and deacons that priestly and diaconal ministry is not simply a position of honour, but a sacred responsibility to proclaim the Gospel, strengthen the faith of Christians and serve God's people faithfully.
Drawing from the biblical calling of the prophet Jeremiah, the Bishop noted that those called by God may at times experience fear, uncertainty and self-doubt. However, such human limitations should not become obstacles to fulfilling God's mission.
He encouraged the newly ordained not to be discouraged by the difficulties they may encounter in ministry, urging them instead to remain close to God.
The Bishop emphasised that a strong relationship with God is the foundation of fruitful ministry, reminding the ordinands that the closer they remain to Him, the more effectively they can serve and bear fruit among the people entrusted to their care.
Bishop Rubaramira also called upon the Christian faithful to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour and faithfully follow His teachings, stressing that authentic Christian service requires obedience to God's word.
A NEW GENERATION OF PRIESTS
The ordination of 13 priests became one of the major highlights of the 60th anniversary celebrations.
The newly ordained priests are:
Rev. Dn. Adon Aturinde — Queen of Martyrs, Nyakishenyi Parish
Rev. Dn. Cyril Arthur Ayebazibwe — St. Barnabas Karujanga Parish
Rev. Dn. Deusdedit Niwagaba — Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Cathedral Parish
Rev. Dn. Ivan Ndamira — St. Mary's Mutolere Parish
Rev. Dn. Justus Turyatunga — Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rubanda Parish
Rev. Dn. Sostine Mugisha — Our Lady of Lourdes, Muko Parish
Rev. Dn. Syrus Aharizira — Our Lady of Fatima, Makiro Parish
Rev. Dn. Anakeleti Maridadi, AJ — St. Augustine Rutenga Parish
Rev. Dn. Prosper Turihamwe, AJ — St. Peter's Muchahi Parish
Rev. Dn. Sosteni Turyasingura, AJ — Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rubanda Parish
Rev. Dn. Tom Twinomujuni, AJ — St. Luke Muhanga Parish
Rev. Dn. Venansio Twesigye, AJ — Our Lady of Africa, Rwengiri Parish
Rev. Dn. John Bosco Magezi, M.Afr. — Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rubanda Parish
Their ordination marks a significant addition to the pastoral workforce of the Diocese and offers renewed hope for the future of evangelisation, sacramental ministry and pastoral care across the Diocese.
The celebrations also witnessed the ordination of 10 seminarians to the diaconate, further strengthening the Diocese's commitment to nurturing priestly vocations.
The newly ordained deacons are:
Sem. David Niwayinamani — Rubanda Parish
Sem. Demian Ampureire — Rwengiri Parish
Sem. Derrick Matsiko — Nyakibale Parish
Sem. Gerald Nsengiyunva — Sooko Parish
Sem. Godwine Ainembabazi — Kyanamira Parish
Sem. Ivan Byamugisha — Rutooma Parish
Sem. James Byomuhangi — Muko Parish
Sem. John Borris Nahamya — Nyakibale Parish
Sem. Moses Niwahereza — Kambuga Parish
Sem. Pius Orinshemeza — Nyarushanje Parish
The ordinations were received with joy by Christians from different parts of the Diocese, many of whom travelled to Rushoroza to witness what was described as a historic moment in the life of the local Church.
Kabale Diocese was established on 17 April 1966. Over the past 60 years, the Diocese has grown in evangelisation, priestly and religious vocations, education, healthcare, pastoral ministry and social development.
The anniversary celebration therefore offered more than an opportunity for festivities. It became a moment of thanksgiving, remembrance and reflection on the journey of the Diocese from its beginnings to its present-day mission.
Bishop Rubaramira paid tribute to the bishops who have shepherded Kabale Diocese over the decades, acknowledging their contribution to the growth and development of the Church.
Among those remembered were Rt. Rev. Gervase Nkalanga, who served from 1966 to 1969; Rt. Rev. Barnabas Halem'Imana, who served from 1969 to 1994; and Rt. Rev. Robert Mary Gay, who served from 1996 to 2003.
Bishop Rubaramira himself served as Bishop of Kabale from 2003 until his retirement on 15 July 2026, after reaching the canonical retirement age.
Following his retirement, Pope Leo XIV appointed Msgr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr., as the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese. Bishop-elect Gubazire is awaiting his canonical installation, while Bishop Rubaramira continues to serve as Apostolic Administrator.
Speaking on behalf of the laity, Mr Odo Tumukwasiibwe expressed gratitude to Bishop Callist Rubaramira for steering the Diocese and building upon the foundation laid by his predecessors and the pioneers who established the Diocese.
He said the Diocese has been blessed by continuity, committed pastoral leadership and the contribution of generations of Christians who have worked to strengthen the Church.
The anniversary therefore became an occasion to honour not only bishops and priests, but also religious men and women, catechists and lay faithful whose dedication has contributed to the growth of Kabale Diocese.
KKCRA JOINS THE CELEBRATION
Members of the Kigezi Kampala Catholics Residents Association (KKCRA) were also present at the historic celebration.
KKCRA pastoral coordinator Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana expressed appreciation to members of the association for their continued support towards seminarians and the promotion of vocations.
He recognised the role played by KKCRA members in supporting the formation of future priests and in standing with the Diocese in its pastoral mission.
The presence of KKCRA members added another dimension to the celebration, highlighting the continued connection between Catholics from Kigezi living in Kampala and the wider Diocese.
A LEGACY, A MOMENT OF THANKSGIVING AND A FUTURE OF HOPE
The 60th anniversary celebration provided Kabale Diocese with an opportunity to look back with gratitude while looking forward with renewed hope.
From the first years of its establishment to the present, the Diocese has witnessed generations of priests, religious, catechists and lay faithful dedicate their lives to spreading the Gospel and serving communities.
The ordination of 13 priests and 10 deacons on the same occasion served as a powerful symbol of continuity—a new generation stepping forward to carry the mission of the Church into the future.
As the faithful celebrated six decades of the Diocese's existence, the message from the cathedral was clear: the work of evangelisation continues.
The newly ordained clergy now begin a new chapter of service, while the Diocese prepares for a new era under its bishop-elect, Msgr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr.
With thousands gathered in prayer and thanksgiving at Rushoroza Cathedral, Kabale Diocese marked its diamond jubilee not merely by celebrating what has been achieved, but by entrusting the next chapter of its journey to God.
Sixty years of faith.
Sixty years of service.
Sixty years of evangelisation.
And a new generation called to carry the mission forward.
