CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM HON. JOSEPH MUTEBILE TO THE NEW BISHOP OF KABALE DIOCESE
1. On behalf of my family, my supporters, and the people I represent, I wish to extend my most heartfelt and sincere congratulations to His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, upon his Episcopal Ordination and Installation as the 5th Bishop of Kabale Diocese on 3rd October, 2026.
2. Your appointment by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on 15th July, 2026, and your subsequent ordination at the St. Ignatius University grounds, Rushoroza, is a moment of immense joy and spiritual renewal for the entire Catholic fraternity in Kigezi and Uganda at large. The Lord has indeed given Kabale a true shepherd after His own heart.
3. As a proud son of Kabale, born in Kitumba Hiika, Rushoroza, and formed from St. Mary’s Boys Primary School Rushoroza to St. Paul’s Minor Seminary and the Missionaries of Africa, your journey is a testament to faith, humility, and dedicated service. We celebrate that God has raised one of our own to lead His flock.
4. I also wish to pay special tribute to your predecessor, Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, who for 23 years faithfully shepherded this Diocese from 2003 to 2026. His legacy of strong pastoral leadership, promotion of education, and development has laid a firm foundation upon which you will continue to build.
5. Your extensive pastoral and academic experience, from Mozambique to Ghana, France, Ireland, Malawi and the Philippines, and your service as Rector of St. Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana, has prepared you with a global vision and a deep understanding of our people’s needs. Kabale Diocese is blessed to receive a scholar, a missionary, and a pastor.
6. At this critical time when our region faces challenges of poverty, youth unemployment, family breakdown, and moral decay, your leadership is most needed. We look to the Church under your guidance to continue being a partner in socio-economic transformation, education, health, and the fight against corruption.
7. As a political leader, I pledge my full support and cooperation to your episcopate. The Church and the State serve the same people. I am committed to working hand-in-hand with you to uplift the lives of our people in Kigezi, to promote unity, peace, and integral development for all, irrespective of denomination.
8. Your Episcopal Motto, and your life of service as a White Father, reminds us of the call to be missionaries of love and truth. May you be a Bishop who brings the faithful closer to Christ, who strengthens the faith of the lukewarm, who welcomes back the lost, and who inspires our priests, religious men and women, and laity to greater holiness.
9. I pray that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Good Shepherd of Rushoroza, St. Ignatius, and all the Saints of this land, may intercede for you as you assume this heavy but glorious responsibility. May the Lord grant you wisdom like Solomon, courage like Paul, and a shepherd’s heart like Christ the Good Shepherd.
10. To the Clergy, the Religious, and the over 1.1 million Catholic faithful of Kabale Diocese, I join you in this jubilation. Let us rally behind our new Bishop, support him with our prayers, our presence, and our resources, as he begins his pastoral ministry.
11. May your episcopate be long, fruitful, and marked by unity and growth in the 43 parishes of our Diocese. May God bless your hands to confirm, to ordain, to teach, and to sanctify the people entrusted to your care.
12. Once again, congratulations, My Lord Bishop. Kabale welcomes you home. Tukushemererwe munonga. May Almighty God bless you abundantly.
For God and My Country
