Jinja, Uganda: The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, on Sunday consecrated and enthroned Rt. Rev. Prof. Dr Grace Lubaale as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese during a colourful ceremony held at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.
Dr Lubaale officially replaces Rt. Rev. Paul Naimanhe Mukembo Mudumba, who retired in January 2025 after clocking the mandatory retirement age of 65, ending nine years of episcopal service in the diocese.
The new bishop was elected by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda during a sitting held at Lweza Training and Conference Centre in October 2025.
The consecration and enthronement ceremony was led by Archbishop Kaziimba, assisted by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe. The event was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a message delivered on his behalf, President Museveni congratulated Dr Lubaale on his elevation and thanked God for entrusting him with leadership of the Busoga Diocese.
“I wish to join the Christian faithful to welcome and wish you a successful ministry in Busoga Diocese. I believe that the Lord who chose you to serve at this particular time has prepared you to fulfil your mandate,” Museveni said.
The President said Dr Lubaale’s election and consecration reflected his longstanding devotion to God and the Church, while also commending his predecessors for their service and leadership.
Museveni further thanked the Church of Uganda for maintaining cordial relations with the NRM government, noting that the Church has effectively leveraged private sector–friendly government policies to expand access to education and healthcare across the country.
He appealed to the new Bishop to mobilise Christians in Busoga to actively participate in wealth- and job-creation initiatives, stressing that the fight against poverty must start at the household level.
Museveni urged families to embrace income-generating enterprises in commercial agriculture, industry, ICT and services, warning that subsistence living continues to lock many households outside the money economy.
“The scriptures tell us that even Jesus Christ specialised as a carpenter, alongside His earthly father Joseph. Apostle Paul made tents. Every Christian must have an omwooga that earns income,” Museveni said.
Busoga Kingdom Premier Joseph Muvawala called on Dr Lubaale to promote exemplary leadership, stewardship and socio-economic transformation, urging the Diocese to align with national wealth creation efforts.
Archbishop Kaziimba congratulated the newly enthroned Bishop and urged him to remain steadfast in prayer as he leads the Diocese. He also commended retiring Bishop Naimanhe for his service and challenged the people of Busoga to better utilise River Nile resources to fight poverty and unemployment.
Kaziimba further appealed for peace and stability during the ongoing general election campaign period.
In his charge, Bishop Lubaale thanked President Museveni for continued government support to the Church, saying it has enabled effective evangelism and service delivery. He said his primary mission is to proclaim the gospel through focused investment in mission and evangelism.
He pledged to prioritise good governance, capacity building, resource mobilisation, family ministry, socio-economic transformation and effective representation of the Diocese.
Born on October 9, 1978, in Bugombya Zone, Butansi Parish, Bugabula County in Kamuli District, Dr Lubaale was saved in December 1994. He was ordained a deacon in 2008 and a priest in 2009 in the Diocese of Kampala, before being installed as Canon for Education and Training at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala, on November 1, 2024.
He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Development Studies, a Master of Arts in Theology, a Master of Arts in Development Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts with Education. He is married to Clare Louise Atuheirwe, and they have four children.
(daily express)
