Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, 5th Bishop of Kabale Diocese in chronology and 4th residential Bishop was ordained and installed on Saturday, October 3, 2026 by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, his predecessor as the Principal Ordaining Bishop. He explains his Episcopal Coat of Arms and the significance of each component. He thus says:
The coat of arms epitomises what I may call the essence of my spiritual mission and my pastoral service to God’s people in Kigezi region, Kabale Diocese. The coat of arms is divided into three major parts, namely, the episcopal motto, the meaning of symbols, and the overall message.
I. Episcopal Motto
LUX TUA LUCEAT: Let Your Light Shine.
Each human being embodies a divine element by virtue of being created in the image and likeness of God [imago Dei] (Gen 1:26-27). God’s image in humankind is also described in the African philosophical-theological concept of “Ubuntu” or “Obuntu,” which, among other things, denotes a “divine voice” that constantly reminds us to live in harmony with one another, work together and transform this world into a better place to live in.
Through the mystery of the incarnation, God revealed His true image in Jesus Christ, the light of the world. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12).
Indeed, Jesus came to restore and illuminate the divine image within us so that it can shine. Through His divine Word, Jesus constantly reminds us, regardless of origin, race, gender, religious affiliation, or social status, to be a light to one another through our words and actions. “You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
At the Annunciation, the Blessed Virgin Mary welcomed Christ into her life with her words: “Let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). She teaches us that the first step in letting our light shine is to open ourselves to Christ, who is the true Light of the world.
My mission as God’s servant is to bring Christ’s light to those placed under my pastoral care, especially the less privileged, by preaching the Good News and attending to their concerns, and by creating an environment in which all can discover, nurture, and allow the light of Christ within them to shine so that their lives may be renewed and improved for the better
Thus, the motto “Let Your Light Shine” expresses:
- A call to witness to God’s love, mercy, and compassion through faith, words, and actions.
- A call to serve God and humanity with an undivided heart by using God’s-given talents manifested in the life of the Church and human institutions to improve people’s living conditions.
- A call to bring hope, justice and encouragement, especially to those experiencing life challenges and other existential injustices.
- A call to promote unity and peace in the light of Christ among God’s people to overcome unnecessary divisive ideologies.
- A call to give glory to God as the ultimate purpose of every ministry and human life.
II. Symbols and their Meaning
The Candle
The burning candle represents Christ, the Light of the World (Jn 8:12). It expresses our call to receive the light of Christ and allow it to shine through our life, ministry, and service to others.
The Open Bible
The open Bible represents the Word of God, which is the foundation of faith and the source of guidance and life for the Church and humanity at large.
The Cross on the Hill
The cross represents Christ crucified and risen, the centre of our Christian faith and the source of salvation and hope for all. Set upon the highest hill, the cross signifies that Christ is the summit, foundation and centre of human life and the Church’s mission.
The Hills and Rivers
The green hills represent the landscape and people of Kigezi. They evoke faith, steadfastness, hard-working spirit, perseverance and the beauty of God’s creation. The rivers flowing through the hills symbolise God’s grace and the journey of God’s people, bringing life, renewal and hope in our lives.
The African Drum
The drum is associated with the Church’s prophetic mission of being the voice of those whose voices have been silenced. It also symbolises the celebrations of the Banyakigezi people, expressing the joy of the Gospel.
The Shield
The shield signifies God as refuge, protector, and strength. It expresses complete trust in God’s providence and protection, inspired by Psalm 119:114: “You are my refuge and my shield; in your word I hope.”
Colours
Red signifies the love and sacrifice of Christ, the first missionaries, as well as the blood shed by the Martyrs of Uganda, upon whose blood the Church grew.
Gold/Yellow signifies divine glory, light, joy and the radiance of Christ within Kigezi.
Green signifies life, hope, growth and renewal, as well as the rich natural beauty of Kigezi.
III. Overall Message
“Let Your Light Shine” is a profound call to a life of selfless service in the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. It is a call to walk with God’s people, to listen to their joys and struggles, to strengthen the weak, encourage the discouraged, defend the dignity of every person, and proclaim the Gospel with courage, humility and action in order to uplift people’s lives. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Africa, pray for us and protect Kabale Diocese!