Rt. Rev. Bishop Rubaramira Retires After 23 Years of Service

After more than two decades of pastoral leadership, Bishop Callistus Rubaramira has retired as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kabale.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Rubaramira,

Bishop Rubaramira officially retired on July 15, 2026, after reaching the canonical retirement age. His resignation was accepted by Pope Leo XIV, who subsequently appointed Bishop Bonaventure Bosco Katusiime Gubazire as his successor.

Following his retirement, Bishop Rubaramira continued serving as Apostolic Administrator during the transition period, helping ensure continuity in the administration and pastoral life of the diocese until the installation of the new bishop.

His 23-year episcopate was marked by several developments within Kabale Diocese. According to the diocese, the number of parishes increased from 28 to 43, while more than 200 priests were ordained during his time as bishop.

Bishop Rubaramira also supported efforts aimed at strengthening the financial sustainability of the diocese and contributed to the establishment and development of institutions that have become important to the local Catholic community.

Among the institutions associated with his tenure are St. Ignatius University Kabale and Radio Maria Kabale, which have provided platforms for education, evangelisation and community engagement.

As Bishop Gubazire begins his ministry as the fifth Bishop of Kabale, Bishop Rubaramira leaves behind more than 20 years of pastoral leadership and a diocese that has undergone significant institutional and pastoral development.

His retirement marks the end of one chapter in the history of Kabale Diocese, while the installation of his successor begins another.

EDNL will keep updating this story as more developments emerge.