The Catholic faithful of Kabale Diocese, together with friends, well-wishers, clergy, religious and invited guests, will gather at Rushoroza Cathedral on Saturday, 22 August 2026, for a historic threefold celebration that marks a significant milestone in the life of the Diocese.
The day will bring together three major events in one grand Eucharistic celebration: the Diamond Jubilee (1966–2026) marking 60 years of Kabale Diocese, the Diocesan Thanksgiving Day, and the Ordination of 13 priests and 10 deacons. The celebration is expected to attract thousands of pilgrims from across the Diocese and beyond, making it one of the largest ecclesial gatherings in the history of the Diocese.
Celebrating 60 Years of God’s Faithfulness
The Diamond Jubilee offers the people of God an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on six decades of God’s abundant blessings since the establishment of Kabale Diocese on April 17, 1966.
Over the past sixty years, the Diocese has witnessed remarkable growth in evangelization, priestly and religious vocations, education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and social development. Countless priests, religious, catechists and lay faithful have generously dedicated their lives to proclaiming the Gospel and building vibrant Christian communities throughout the Kigezi region.
Tribute is paid to the bishops who have shepherded God’s people over the last sixty years. Rt. Rev. Gervase Nkalanga (1966-1969), Rt. Rev. Barnabas Halem’Imana (1969-1994), Rt. Rev. Robert Mary Gay (1996-2003) and Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira who took over from 2003 until July 15, 2026 when he retired after reaching canonical age for retirement, and Pope Leo XIV appointed Msgr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr as the 5th Bishop of Kabale Diocese. Bishop Rubaramira was appointed by the Pope as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese until the bishop elect takes canonical possession of the Diocese.
The Jubilee celebration will be a moment to thank God for this rich heritage while renewing the Diocese’s commitment to continue Christ’s mission with hope and renewed zeal.
Diocesan Thanksgiving/Family Day
The celebration will also serve as the annual Diocesan Thanksgiving Day, a special occasion during which the faithful will present their thanksgiving to Almighty God for the many blessings received throughout the year.
Families, parishes, institutions, movements and individuals will unite in gratitude, recognizing God’s providence in their lives and supporting the continued pastoral mission of the Diocese.
Thanksgiving remains a visible expression of faith, stewardship and communion, reminding all believers that every blessing comes from the Lord.
Ordination of 13 Priests and 10 Deacons
The celebration will be further enriched by the ordination of 13 candidates to the Sacred Priesthood and 10 candidates to the Sacred Order of Diaconate. Their generous response to God’s call is a powerful sign that the Lord continues to raise faithful laborers for His vineyard. Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, these men will dedicate their lives to preaching the Gospel, celebrating the Sacraments and serving the People of God with love and fidelity.
The newly ordained priests will receive the mission to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, administer the Sacraments, preach the Gospel and shepherd the faithful. The new deacons will begin a sacred ministry of service, assisting at the altar, proclaiming the Gospel, preaching the Word of God and ministering to those in need as they prepare for priestly ministry.
Their generous response to God’s call stands as a powerful witness to the continued flourishing of vocations within Kabale Diocese and offers hope for the future of the local Church.
Candidates for Ordination to Priesthood are:
- Rev. Dn. Adon Aturinde from Queen of Martyrs, Nyakishenyi Parish
- Rev. Dn. Cyril Arthur Ayebazibwe from St. Barnabas Karujanga Parish
- Rev. Dn. Deusdedit Niwagaba from Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish
- Rev. Dn. Ivan Ndamira from St. Mary’s Mutolere Parish
- Rev. Dn. Justus Turyatunga from Immaculate Heart of Mary Rubanda Parish
- Rev. Dn. Sostine Mugisha from Our Lady of Lourdes Muko Parish
- Rev. Dn. Syrus Aharizira from Our Lady of Fatima Makiro Parish
- Rev. Dn. Anakeleti Maridadi, AJ from St. Augustine Rutenga Parish
- Rev. Dn. Prosper Turihamwe, AJ, ofSt. Peter’s Muchahi Parish
- Rev. Dn. Sosteni Turyasingura, AJ, of Immacualte Heart of Mary Rubanda Parish
- Rev. Dn. Tom Twinomujuni, AJ, of St. Luke Muhanga Parish
- Rev. Dn. Venansio Twesigye, AJ, of Our Lady of Africa Rwengiri Parish
- Rev. Dn. John Bosco Magezi, M.Afr of Immaculate Heart of Mary Rubanda Parish
Candidates for Ordination to Diaconate 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
May the Lord continue to bless Kabale Diocese abundantly, strengthen the newly ordained in their sacred ministry and inspire many more young men and women to courageously respond to His call.
A Day of Faith, Joy and Renewal
This unique threefold celebration symbolizes thanksgiving for the past, gratitude for the present and hope for the future.
As Kabale Diocese commemorates sixty years of evangelization, offers thanks to God for His countless blessings and welcomes new ordained ministers into the service of the Church, the entire diocesan family is invited to renew its commitment to living and proclaiming the Gospel.
May this historic celebration inspire every member of the faithful to continue building a vibrant Church rooted in faith, unity, charity and missionary discipleship.
All the faithful are warmly invited to participate in this historic celebration on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at Rushoroza Cathedral, beginning at 10:30 a.m., as Kabale Diocese joyfully celebrates God’s enduring faithfulness through its Diamond Jubilee, Diocesan Thanksgiving Day and the Ordination of 13 Priests and 10 Deacons.