Busoga diocese welcomes new bishop as UPDF holds missing priest

15 December 2025, 11:40 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Busoga Diocese has officially received a new bishop following the retirement of Rt Rev. Paul Moses Naimanhye, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 65.

Rt Rev. Canon Dr Grace Lubaale was consecrated and enthroned as the fourth Bishop of Busoga Diocese by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr Steven Kazimba Mugalu Mboowa, during a ceremony held at Bugembe Stadium in Jinja City.

The event attracted religious, political, and cultural leaders, as well as members of the public, all gathered to witness the historic occasion. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was represented by the Vice President, Rtd. Maj. Jessica Alupo.

Bishop Lubaale was born to Margaret and the late Nathan Lubaale. He attended Kariro Church of Uganda Primary School for his primary education, St John Bosco Secondary School, Kariro, for his Ordinary Level, and Kiira College Butiki for his Advanced Level studies. He later joined Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree, before pursuing a Master’s degree in Theology at Uganda Christian University, Mukono.

He was ordained deacon in 2008 and priest in 2009 in the Diocese of Kampala. In 2024, he was appointed Canon of Education at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala.

Speaking during the ceremony, Bishop Lubaale said he had not expected the call to episcopal leadership to come so soon. He emphasised that God’s timing is always perfect and added that it is the Lord who calls. He prayed to remain faithful to the call and to serve God’s people diligently.

He pledged to show mercy and compassion to the poor, the needy, strangers, and all who are vulnerable, committing to serve faithfully in the spirit of Christ.

Archbishop Dr Steven Kazimba Mugalu congratulated the new bishop, expressing his belief that Bishop Lubaale had been chosen by the Holy Spirit. He said the Church trusts that the Holy Spirit has selected him to lead faithfully.

The retiring bishop, Rt Rev. Paul Moses Naimanhye, thanked the clergy and the faithful for their support throughout his tenure. He said he was retiring happily at the age of 65 and expressed appreciation to the Diocese of Busoga for standing with him during his service, while wishing his successor a faithful and fruitful ministry.

Bishop Grace Lubaale is married to Claire Atuheirwe, and together they are blessed with four children.

In her remarks, Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated the new bishop on behalf of President Museveni and encouraged the Church to continue sensitising believers to participate in government initiatives such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model.

The Katikkiro of Busoga Kingdom, Joseph Muvawala, also congratulated Bishop Lubaale and urged him to collaborate with government and cultural institutions to combat poverty through preaching and community sensitisation.

Meanwhile, following a letter issued days earlier by the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt Rev. Severus Jjumba, regarding the alleged abduction of Rev. Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed that the missing priest is in their custody to assist with criminal investigations.

In his letter, Bishop Jjumba had requested that all priests in Masaka Diocese conduct a triduum – three consecutive days of praying the rosary using the Sorrowful Mysteries – for the safety of the priest.

The bishop also recalled an incident that occurred on 12 July 1976, when Msgr Clement Mukasa was abducted and never seen again, while addressing the faithful at Our Lady of Sorrows Kitovu Cathedral.