In his homily, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, the Most Rev Lambert Bainomugisha, praised Bishop Rubaramira not only for his spiritual guidance but also for his impactful contributions to health and education.
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Bishop Calist Rubaramira giving Holy Communion to christians
Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, has been celebrated for his transformative leadership in the spiritual, health, and education sectors as he marked 50 years in the priesthood. The Golden Jubilee celebrations were held on Sunday at Rushoroza Cathedral grounds in Kabale District, drawing thousands of Christians, clergy, and dignitaries.
In his homily, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, the Most Rev Lambert Bainomugisha, praised Bishop Rubaramira not only for his spiritual guidance but also for his impactful contributions to health and education.
“In addition to preaching spiritual healing, Bishop Rubaramira has promoted health through the successful running of Rushoroza Hospital in Kabale, Kaloli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital in Rukungiri, and St Francis Hospital Mutorere in Kisoro,” said Archbishop Bainomugisha.
His sentiments were echoed by Rev Fr Zeno Mbishinz'Imana, the Kabale Diocesan Head of Clergy, who highlighted the Bishop’s educational achievements, notably the founding of St Charles Lwanga Nyakibale Seminary in Rukungiri District. Fr Mbishinz'Imana also commended Bishop Rubaramira for spearheading the expansion of Centenary Bank services into Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rukungiri, as well as promoting modern farming methods through the diocesan Caritas programme.
Speaking as the chief guest, President Yoweri Museveni, represented by Vice President Jessica Alupo, urged Christians to emulate Bishop Rubaramira’s dedication, especially in the fight against poverty. “Christians should actively participate in government programs aimed at eradicating poverty,” the President said in his message.
Reflecting on his five-decade journey in the priesthood, which includes 22 years as Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Bishop Rubaramira attributed his service to the love and mercy of God and the support and cooperation of the faithful.
“I am thankful for the blessings, love, and cooperation from Christians that have sustained me throughout this journey,” he said. Born on 8 February 1950 in Rubira Village, Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale District, to Cyprian Kwigira and Seforoza Bamusibane, Callist Rubaramira began his education at Saint Francis Kyanamira Primary School.
He proceeded to St Paul’s Seminary Mutolere in Kisoro District for O-Level studies and Kitabi Seminary in Bushenyi District for A-Level. He later joined St Thomas Aquinas National Major Seminary, Katigondo in Kalungu District, where he studied Philosophy, and then St Mary’s National Seminary, Ggaba for Theology.
He holds a BA in Philosophy and a BA in Theology, and later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Portland in Oregon, USA. He was ordained a deacon on December 29, 1974, and later a priest on May 18, 1975, at Rushoroza Cathedral Parish Church.
Bishop Rubaramira served the Kabale Diocese in various capacities, including Parish Priest, Apostolic Vicar in Rukungiri, Secretary to the Bishop, Diocesan Chancellor, Treasurer, and Financial Administrator, before being appointed Bishop of Kabale Diocese by Pope John Paul II on March 18, 2003. He was installed as bishop on June 8, 2003. URN brings you the pictures.
