Kabale Diocese Marks 100 Years of Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Deanery
Kabale Diocese joyously celebrates 100 years of the Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Deanery In a testament to a century of unwavering service and contributions to society. Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda commended the diocese for its remarkable dedication to education, healthcare, and various social and developmental projects that have positively impacted the community.
Taking to Twitter on January 7, 2024, Rugunda expressed his congratulations to Kabale Diocese, recognizing the significant milestone of a century of service by Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Deanery. He extended his gratitude to Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, the current Bishop, and his predecessors, acknowledging their exemplary leadership that has allowed the diocese to play a commendable role in societal development.
Throughout its rich history, Kabale Diocese has been led by several bishops, including Rt. Rev. Gervase Nkalanga, Rt. Rev. Barnabas Halem’Imana, and Rt. Rev. Robert Mary Gay. The Rushoroza Deanery, situated in Kabale District, encompasses four parishes: Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, Our Lady of Assumption Rwanyena Parish, Holy Family Buhara Parish, and Christ the King Parish Kabale.
The origins of Kabale Diocese trace back to April 17, 1966, when it was established, carved out of Mbarara Diocese. Initially part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Rwenzori until 1956, the diocese’s first Apostolic Administrator was Rev. Bishop Gervasius Placidus Nkalanga, a Tanzanian native. On August 1, 1969, Bishop Emeritus Barnabas Halem’Imana, the first native Residential Bishop, took charge after his consecration.
Bishop Emeritus Robert Mary Gay succeeded him in 1996, having initially served as Apostolic Administrator. Retiring in 2003, he passed the baton to the current Bishop, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, who was ordained at Rushoroza on June 8, 2003. Kabale has held the status of a suffragan diocese within the Archdiocese of Mbarara since 1999.
