BUSOGA: There was jubilation at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe, Jinja District, as Rt. Rev. Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale was consecrated and enthroned as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese.
Dr. Lubaale was elected as the fourth bishop of the diocese by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, sitting at Lweza Training and Conference Centre in October 2025.
His appointment marks a new chapter for the Church of Uganda’s Busoga Diocese, with Dr. Lubaale planning initiatives focused on spiritual renewal, unity, and good governance.
Dr. Lubaale was consecrated and enthroned by His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, assisted by Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe of North Kigezi Diocese. The event was graced by the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
President Museveni congratulated Dr. Lubaale upon his consecration as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese and thanked God for elevating him to this high office.
“I wish to join the Christian faithful in welcoming you and wishing you a successful ministry in Busoga Diocese. I believe that the Lord who chose you to serve in this capacity at this particular time has prepared you to fulfil your mandate,” the President said.
Museveni explained that Dr. Lubaale’s election and consecration testify to his longstanding devotion to God and the Church.
He commended his predecessors for their hard work and good leadership in the past.
The President further thanked the Church of Uganda for maintaining cordial relations with the NRM government in working towards the socio-economic transformation of Uganda.
“The Church has taken advantage of the private sector–friendly policies of the NRM government to extend social services to the public. For instance, the Church has constructed a number of schools and hospitals across the country. This is proof that the Church leadership is concerned about the material well-being of believers,” he said.
The President appealed to the new bishop to mobilise Christians in the diocese to participate in wealth and job creation campaigns.
Museveni said the NRM government is ready to work with the Church and other faith organisations to mobilise Ugandans to fight poverty at the household level.
“Historically, the NRM has gained a reputation as the vanguard of change and transformation. We led Ugandans to overthrow oppressive and dictatorial regimes; revived the economy; restored democracy and respect for human life and property; and defeated illiteracy and killer diseases,” he said.
He added that all NRM-led struggles eventually end in victory, noting that the war against poverty will not be an exception if Ugandans heed NRM advice. He cited existing success stories, particularly in areas where people have embraced wealth and job creation initiatives.
The President reiterated the NRM’s message of encouraging every household to select an economic enterprise within four sectors—commercial agriculture, industry, ICT, and services—to become creators of wealth and jobs. He noted that about 33 percent of homesteads remain outside the money economy and are still engaged in subsistence production.
“How can one take children to school or buy medicine and clothes without money? If you want prosperous and stable homes, you must transition from subsistence farming to the modern money economy,” he said.
He urged every Christian to have omwooga (an area of economic specialisation) that generates income.
“The Scriptures tell us that even the Lord Jesus Christ specialised as a carpenter alongside His earthly father, Joseph. Their omwooga was carpentry. The Apostle Paul specialised in tent-making to support his missionary journeys. I urge Christians to emulate this example,” Museveni said.
He explained that the NRM government has put in place conditions necessary for profitable business enterprises, including good roads, electricity, peace and security, regional and international market integration, and private sector–friendly policies.
However, he noted that these advantages must translate into jobs and household wealth to make development meaningful.
The President once again congratulated Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale upon his consecration as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese and wished him success in his future endeavours.
The Busoga Kingdom Premier, Joseph Muvawala, appealed to Dr. Lubaale to promote exemplary leadership and stewardship, urging him to fight poverty among Christians by partnering with government wealth creation initiatives.
Archbishop Kaziimba congratulated the newly enthroned bishop and urged him to pray without ceasing as he transforms the lives of Christians. He also commended the retiring Bishop Naimanhye for his service to the Church.
Kaziimba further encouraged the people of Busoga to make better use of the River Nile, as neighbouring Egypt has done, to fight poverty and unemployment.
The Archbishop appealed to the people of Busoga to maintain peace and stability during the ongoing general election campaign.
In his charge, Dr. Lubaale thanked President Museveni for the continued support to the Church, which has enabled it to carry out its mission.
He stated that his greatest calling is to proclaim the Gospel of salvation by committing time and resources human, financial, and physical to mission and evangelism.
He also pledged to promote good governance, capacity building, resource mobilisation, family ministry, socio-economic transformation, and effective representation.
Born on October 9, 1978, in Bugombya Zone, Butansi Parish, Butansi Sub-county, Bugabula County in Kamuli District, Dr. Lubaale was saved in December 1994, according to the Church.
He was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Kampala in 2008, a priest in 2009, and installed as Canon for Education and Training at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala, on November 1, 2024.
He is married to Clare Louise Atuheirwe, and they have four children. He holds a Doctor 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.
