KABALE – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kabale, succeeding Bishop Callistus Rubaramira, who has led the diocese for more than two decades.
The appointment was officially announced on Wednesday by the Apostolic Nunciature in Kampala, marking a new chapter in the leadership of one of Uganda’s oldest Catholic dioceses.
Rev. Fr. Gubazire, 52, is a member of the Society of Missionaries of Africa, commonly known as the White Fathers. Until his appointment, he served as the Rector of St. Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana, where he was responsible for the formation of missionary priests.
The announcement was made through a communiqué signed by Rev. Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou, Chargé d’Affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature, which expressed the Holy See’s gratitude to Bishop Callistus Rubaramira for his years of dedicated pastoral service.
The Vatican also confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Rubaramira, 75, in accordance with Canon 401 of the Code of Canon Law, which requires bishops to submit their resignation upon reaching the age of 75.
Bishop Rubaramira has shepherded the Diocese of Kabale since 2003, overseeing the growth of pastoral, educational and social development programs across the diocese during his 23-year episcopal ministry.
Until the newly appointed bishop officially takes canonical possession of the diocese, Bishop Rubaramira will continue serving as Apostolic Administrator, ensuring a smooth transition in the administration of the diocese.
The Catholic Church is expected to announce the dates for Bishop-elect Gubazire’s episcopal ordination and installation in the coming weeks.
The Diocese of Kabale is one of Uganda’s prominent Catholic dioceses, serving thousands of faithful across the Kigezi sub-region. The appointment of Bishop-elect Gubazire is expected to strengthen the Church’s pastoral mission as it continues evangelization and community development in the region.
