His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Dr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr., of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), as the Bishop of Kabale Diocese in southwestern Uganda.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda, Very Rev. Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou, during a gathering of the faithful at Rushoroza Cathedral.
Reading the official communication from the Holy See, Fr. Kouwonou announced that the Holy Father had appointed Fr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, until now Rector of St. Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana, as the new Bishop of Kabale.
He also announced that Pope Leo XIV had accepted the resignation of Rt. Rev. Callistus Rubaramira from the pastoral governance of Kabale Diocese upon reaching the canonical retirement age of 75, in accordance with Canon 401 §1 of the Code of Canon Law.
The Apostolic Nunciature expressed its joy at the appointment of the Bishop-elect and invoked God’s abundant blessings upon his episcopal ministry.
The Holy Father also expressed gratitude to Bishop Callistus Rubaramira for his generous and dedicated service during his twenty-three years as Bishop of Kabale from 2003 to 2026. Bishop Rubaramira will continue to serve as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese until Bishop-elect Gubazire takes canonical possession of the Diocese, expected within three months.
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord”
In his first message following the announcement, Bishop-elect Gubazire expressed profound humility and gratitude to God, drawing inspiration from the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
He said he received news of his appointment from the Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature with both shock and surprise, but accepted the Holy Father’s decision with humility and complete trust in God’s grace.
The Bishop-elect thanked Pope Leo XIV for the confidence placed in him, saying he embraces his new mission in a spirit of faith, obedience, and communion with the universal Church, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen him in the ministry entrusted to him.
Tribute to Bishop Rubaramira
Bishop-elect Msgr. Gubazire paid tribute to Bishop Callistus Rubaramira, describing his episcopal ministry as a blessing to Kabale Diocese and to the Church in Uganda. He recalled that Bishop Rubaramira ordained him to the priesthood in 2003 and has continued to be a model of faithful and selfless service to God.
He praised the Bishop’s pastoral zeal, wisdom, simplicity, commitment to human development, and fatherly care, saying these qualities have left a lasting legacy upon which the Diocese can continue to build.
The Bishop-elect also expressed gratitude to the Missionaries of Africa, the diocesan clergy, deacons, women and men religious, catechists, his parents, relatives, friends, and all the lay faithful who have accompanied him throughout his priestly ministry.
Quoting the proverb, “One finger cannot pick up a grain,” he appealed for the prayers, collaboration, and support of the faithful as he begins his episcopal ministry. He called for a vibrant diocesan family rooted in faith, nourished by the Eucharist, committed to evangelization, and inspired by justice, peace, reconciliation, hospitality, and charity.
Entrusting his ministry to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and to the intercession of all the saints, especially Saint Bonaventure, he asked for their prayers as he accompanies the People of God on their journey of faith.
Who is Bishop-elect Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire?
Mgsr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr was born on March 3, 1974 in Kitumba Hiika of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish to Mr. Gubazire Vanansio and Msr. Solome Bakeihahwenki.
He attended St. Mary’s Boys Primary School, Rushoroza from1981-1987, then St. Paul’s Minor Seminary, Rushoroza from 1988-1994. In 1994, he entered the Postulancy of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers). He made perpetual vows on December 7, 2002 and was ordained a priest on August 10, 2003 at Rushoroza Cathedral Parish by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies from the Philosophy Centre Jinja, PCJ (1997), a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the Institut Catholique de Toulouse, France (2003), a Masters of Arts in Philosophy (majoring in ethics) from the Milltown Institute of Philosophy of Dublin, Ireland (2010).
He also holds a Diploma in ICT System Support from Andiamo Educational Institutions of Baraka, Malawi (2013) and a Doctorate Degree in Philosophy (PhD) from the University of San Carlos of Cebu, Philippines (2020).
Since his ordination, Mgsr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr. has held the following offices and responsibilities.
2003-2007: Assistant Parish Priest of Paroquia da Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Murraça, Archdiocese of Beira in Mozambique.
2004-2007: Director of the School of Adult Literacy, Catholic Mission of Murraça and Caia, Archdiocese of Beira, Mozambique.
2005-2007: Council Member of the Missionaries of Africa, Section of Mozambique.
2010-2013: Professor and Dean of Studies at Lechaptois Formation House of the White Fathers in Balaka, Malawi.
2011-2016: Child Protection Delegate of the Missionaries of Africa, Malawi Sector.
2013-2015: Acting Rector of Lechaptois Formation House in Balaka, Malawi.
2017-2020: Coordinator and Chaplain of Friends of Missionaries of Africa in the Philippines.
2017-2020: Member of the Council of the Missionaries of Africa, Section of Asia, Cebu, Philippines
2019-2020: Rector of Or Lady of Africa Formation House (Seminary) in Cebu, Philippines.
From 2021 till date: Dean of Studies at the Spiritan University College in Ejisu, Ghana.
Since 2023: Rector of St. Martin of Tours Formation House, Ejisu, Ghana.
From 2023 to present: Member of the Academic Board of the Spiritan University College in Ejisu
From 2025 till date: Provincial Council Member in charge of on-going formation of the Missionaries of Africa, Ghana-Nigeria Province.
The Bishop elect speaks English, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili, Chisena (Mozambique), Chichewa (Malawi), Cebuano (Philippines) and local languages (Runyankore, Rukiga and Luganda).
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Welcome our new beloved Bishop
Thanks to our old Bishop Callist for the work. You have really developed our diocese