KABALE DIOCESE MARKS 60 YEARS WITH ORDINATION OF 23 CLERGY

Apostolic Administrator of Kabale Diocese, the Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira and other clerics.

NILE POST

Kabale Diocese has marked 60 years since its establishment with the ordination of 13 priests and 10 deacons during celebrations that also included the Diocese’s annual Thanksgiving Day.

The celebrations were held at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality and attracted thousands of Christians, religious leaders and dignitaries, including Finance Minister Henry Musasizi and Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi.

The ordination Mass was presided over by the Apostolic Administrator of Kabale Diocese, the Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, who urged the newly ordained clergy to faithfully embrace their calling and serve without fear, doubt or shame.

In his homily, Rubaramira reminded the priests and deacons that their vocation comes with a responsibility to proclaim the Gospel, guide Christians in their faith and serve God’s people faithfully.

He cited the biblical calling of Prophet Jeremiah, who initially expressed doubts and fears about his ability to fulfil God’s mission but was nevertheless chosen and sent to proclaim God’s word.

Rubaramira urged the newly ordained clergy not to be discouraged by challenges they may encounter in ministry, but to remain close to God, saying their closeness to Him would enable them to bear more fruit in their service.

He also encouraged Christians to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour and follow His teachings, emphasising that true Christian service requires obedience to God’s instructions.

Rubaramira said the ordination was particularly significant because it coincided with the Diocese’s 60th anniversary, giving Christians an opportunity to reflect on their responsibility to spread the Word of God and serve their communities.

The celebrations also provided an opportunity for the Diocese to honour bishops, priests, religious leaders, catechists and lay faithful who have contributed to its growth over the past six decades.

Since its establishment on April 17, 1966, Kabale Diocese has recorded growth in evangelisation, priestly and religious vocations, education, healthcare, pastoral ministry and social development.

Rubaramira paid tribute to the bishops who have shepherded the Diocese since its establishment, including Rt Rev Gervase Nkalanga, who served from 1966 to 1969; Rt Rev Barnabas Halem’Imana, who served from 1969 to 1994; and Rt Rev Robert Mary Gay, who served from 1996 to 2003.

Rubaramira served as Bishop of Kabale from 2003 until his retirement on July 15, 2026, after reaching the canonical retirement age.

Following his retirement, Pope Leo XIV appointed Msgr Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the fifth Bishop of Kabale Diocese.

Rubaramira is currently serving as Apostolic Administrator pending the canonical installation of the bishop-elect.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis