Thousands of Christians congregated at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral on Sunday, May 18, 2025 to celebrate the priestly Golden Jubilee of the Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese. The celebration drew a wide array of dignitaries, including ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors, academics, and faithful from all corners of Uganda, coming together to honor the Bishop’s 50 years of dedicated service.
While preaching during solemn Mass, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese praised Bishop Callist Rubaramira for making 50 years in priesthood, describing it as a divinely fostered vocation and a spiritual blessing to many Christians. The Archbishop noted that Bishop Rubaramira’s five-decade commitment to serving the Lord has profoundly impacted the faithful; uplifting the poor, strengthening the weak, and encouraging devotion to the Catholic faith. He described the Bishop’s ministry as a testament to unwavering faith, wise leadership, and compassionate service that has shaped individuals, families, and communities.
He commended Bishop Rubaramira for his tireless efforts in nurturing the spiritual and emotional well-being of Christians, saying his life has exemplified boundless love and dedication to the Lord. The Archbishop emphasized that the Bishop’s legacy goes beyond personal achievements, reflecting a life of service, inspiration, and enduring influence.
Bishop Rubaramira has faithfully embraced both the trials and triumphs of shepherding God’s people. He has led an exemplary life and ministry, serving as a revered role model to both clergy and laity. His commitment is a powerful demonstration of the transformative nature of faith and dedication – His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha.
The function was graced by a number of Bishops from different Catholic Dioceses of Uganda including His Grace John Baptist Odama (Archbishop emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese), Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki (Bishop of Arua Diocese), Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok (Bishop of Lira Diocese and Vice chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference), Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu (Bishop of Kotido Diocese) and representatives of the Anglican Dioceses in Kigezi and North Kigezi. The Moslem fraternity was represented by Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha (Executive Member of the Uganda Musilm Supreme Council), Sheikh Abudallah Mpabuka (District Kadhi for Kanungu), Sheikh Abdumaliki Byaruhanga (District Kadhi for Rukungiri), Sheikh Bakore Shaffik (Deputy District Kadhi for Kisoro), Hajji Issa Tindyebwa (chairman of Muslim District Committee which takes up Kabale, Rubanda and Rukiga). The Moslem Community gifted Bishop Callist Rubaramira with a heifer signifying their gratitude to his inclusive leadership.
Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese and Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee of the golden jubilee celebrations thanked all the people who were involved in preparations in order to have a successful function. He commended the world done by Bishop in transforming the lives of Christians throughout the Diocese and he presented a cheque of 200 million shillings as a gift to the Bishop from the Christians of Kabale Diocese.
Hon. Henry Musasizi, the State Minister of Finance for General Duties and MP for Rubanda East expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Callist Rubaramira for giving him his first professional opportunity after graduation from Makerere University. Reflecting on his early career, Hon. Musasizi revealed that his first professional job came in 2005 when Bishop Rubaramira employed him as an accountant with Caritas, the social services and development arm of the Diocese.
I am forever grateful to Bishop Rubaramira for believing in me and offering me my first job after my university. That opportunity was a crucial stepping stone in my career – Minister Henry Musasizi.
On a broader note, Minister Musasizi commended Bishop Rubaramira for being a spiritual and social pillar not only within the Kabale Diocese but across the country. He highlighted the Bishop’s contribution to uplifting communities through both spiritual guidance and tangible development initiatives. He also lauded the Bishop for his collaboration with the Government of Uganda, which has positively impacted the implementation of various government programs in the region. Musasizi praised Rubaramira’s inclusive leadership, noting his welcoming attitude toward people of different religious backgrounds.
Hon. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, Minister for Security and MP for Rujumbura also hailed the Bishop Rubaramira’s transformative leadership and dedication to bringing services closer to the people. Gen. Muhwezi particularly acknowledged the impact of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF), an initiative that has significantly contributed to the growth of the Diocese and the unity of its faithful.
In his remarks as chief guest, the President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni applauded the Bishop Callist Rubaramira for his outstanding leadership of the Catholic Church in the Kigezi region. The President’s message was delivered today by the Vice President, Her Excellency Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo who particularly recognized the Church’s pivotal role in promoting both spiritual and economic development alongside government initiatives. President Museveni congratulated Bishop Rubaramira on his 50-year milestone in priestly service, describing him as a faithful servant of God and a disciplined, effective leader and commended him for maintaining a high standard of administration and for his unwavering dedication to serving the people of Kabale.
On her part, Vice President Alupo congratulated Bishop Rubaramira for his dedicated and impactful service, which she said has touched the lives of many people across the region. Other dignitaries present included Hon. David Bahati, State Minister for Trade and MP Ndorwa West), Hon. Dr. Nicholas Thaddeus Kamara (MP Kabale Municipality), Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, (Woman MP Kabale District), Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East), Hon. Caroline Kamusiime Muhwezi (Woman MP, Rukiga District), Hon. Patience Kyinshaba (Woman MP Kanungu District), Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi (MP Rukiga), Hon. Kamuntu Moses (MP Rubanda West), Hon. Prossy Akampurira (Woman MP Rubanda district), Hon. Alex Niyonsaba (MP Bufumbira South), Hon. Jackline Kyatuheire (National Treasurer of the NRM Secretariat), Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo (President of Uganda National Catholic Council of Lay Association – UNCCLA) among others.
In his remarks, Bishop Rubaramira emphasized that achieving economic transformation requires commitment and hard work. He expressed gratitude to God for the strength and guidance that has enabled him to fulfill his duties over the past five decades. The Bishop also urged parents to instill a strong work ethic in their children as a critical step in eradicating household poverty.
Who is Bishop Callist Rubaramira?
Bishop Callist Rubaramira was born on February 8, 1950 in Rubira, Kyanamira, Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, in Kabale Diocese. His parents were Cyprian Kwigira (RIP) and Seforoza Bamusibaine (RIP). He attended Kyanamira Primary School from 1956 to 1962, then to St. Paul’s Junior Seminary from 1963 to 1964. He went to Kitabi Minor Seminary from 1965 to 1968, where he obtained the East African Certificate of Education, from where he proceeded to Katigondo National Major Seminary for Philosophical Studies from 1969 to 1971. He joined Ggaba National Major Seminary from 1972 to 1975 for Theological Studies from where he obtained a Diploma in Theology (Makerere University).
He was ordained a Deacon on December 29, 1974 and a priest on May 18, 1975 at Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Cathedral Parish by Bishop Barnabas R. Halem’Imana. His first assignment as a priest was to work as Bishop’s Secretary from 1975 to 1977. In 1977, he was sent to the University of Portland, Oregon in USA from 1977 to 1979 where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Upon his return from the US, Bishop Barnabas appointed him Chancellor of Kabale Diocese from 1980 to 1984, while at the same time he was appointed the Diocesan Financial Administrator from 1981 to 1985. In May 1985, Bishop Barnabas appointed him Parish Priest of Nyakibale Parish and Dean Nyakibale Deanery. He also served as the Episcopal Vicar for Rukungiri District up to January 1987.
From March 1987 to January 1995, he worked as the Assistant Procurator at Interservice in Kampala. In 1995, the Bishop called him back to the Diocese and appointed him Financial Administrator of the Diocese, serving in this position for the second time.
Bishop Callist was name the fourth Bishop of Kabale Diocese on March 15, 2003. He was ordained and installed as the 4th Bishop of Kabale on June 8, 2003 thereby replacing Bishop Robert Mary Gay (RIP) who had served the Diocese for over 9 years.
Other responsibilities currently held by Bishop Callist include member of the Board of Directors of Centenary Bank, chairman of the Finance Commission of Uganda Episcopal Conference, Chancellor of St. Ignatius University Kabale (installed on August 25, 2024) among others.