Uganda: Museveni Urges Church-Government Partnership As Gubazire Takes Over Kabale Diocese

What the report says

President Yoweri Museveni has called for closer cooperation between the Church and government, saying such a partnership can help drive socio-economic transformation and improve livelihoods in Uganda. According to Nile Post, his message was delivered on Saturday by Finance Minister Henry Musasizi during the ordination and installation of Rt Rev Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the fifth bishop of Kabale Diocese.

The ceremony took place at St Ignatius University Kabale grounds and drew thousands of Catholic faithful, clergy, politicians, government officials and other religious leaders from the Kigezi sub-region. Gubazire succeeds Rt Rev Callistus Rubaramira, who retired after 23 years leading the diocese. Pope Leo XIV appointed Gubazire on July 15, 2026, and he had previously served as rector of St Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana.

Museveni praised the Catholic Church for its community work and urged it to continue supporting development, wealth creation and youth skills training. He said religious institutions can help encourage self-reliance and job creation at the grassroots. In a separate appeal reported by the outlet, Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi asked church leaders to help intensify HIV prevention efforts in the Kigezi region, which he said has a higher prevalence rate than the national average.

The installation marks a new phase for Kabale Diocese, founded in 1966 and serving several districts in southwestern Uganda.