Busoga Diocese has ushered in a new era following the consecration of Grace Lubaale as its new Bishop. Bishop Lubaale takes over from Paul Naimanhe, who has served as the Bishop of Busoga Diocese. An Associate Professor at Kyambogo University, Lubaale brings with him strong intellectual credentials, which many Christians believe can be harnessed to transform the livelihoods of extremely poor communities across the sub-region.
Busoga Diocese is the founding body behind several major schools in the region, including Busoga College Mwiri, Wanyange Girls School, Pilkington College, and Muguluka, among others. However, education outcomes in the sub-region remain low, with many learners struggling to attain the points required to pursue competitive university courses. Christians are hopeful that Bishop Lubaale will leverage his doctoral expertise to change this narrative.
The Diocese has also faced criticism over alleged land grabbing, reportedly orchestrated by internal forces in what is suspected to be a decades-long racket. A member of the diocesan synod, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claims the alleged racket has amassed unspecified acreage of land that once belonged to the Diocese.He alleges that members of the syndicate opposed Lubaale’s appointment, fearing that his leadership would silence them after his consecration. According to the source, the group allegedly created lobbying networks within various church departments, including lay leadership, choirs, and ushers, to blackmail church leaders and discredit them before congregations.
He says this partly explains the rising number of protests against church leaders at village, parish, deanery, and diocesan levels. The synod member describes Lubaale as a beacon of hope in safeguarding diocesan property, which he says was taken by selfish individuals protected by their ability to manipulate existing church structures.In his maiden address to congregants, Bishop Lubaale said his leadership would be anchored in good governance and accountability—to God first, then to the congregants and the synod. He emphasized that all diocesan decisions would be subject to accountability at all times, adding that congregants would actively participate in leadership through guidance and scrutiny.
“Everyone will be offered space to participate in leadership. We shall exercise transparency and give timely responses to congregants, all in the interest of God first and the Diocese,” Lubaale said. He also pledged to be a committed preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever opportunity allows.
“We are going to preach the Gospel in Busoga and beyond—in churches, schools, hospitals, markets, streets, and all available spaces—for the glorification of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” he said. The theme of his episcopal ministry, he announced, is “Busoga Diocese Must Rise and Shine,” with a focus on education, health, agriculture, and economic transformation.
The consecration ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe Ward, Jinja City. Archbishop Kaziimba urged Bishop Lubaale to champion a transformative Gospel capable of changing the head, heart, and hands.
He described Busoga as a strategic hub for evangelism due to its proximity to major highways and water bodies, encouraging Lubaale to prioritize a Gospel that promotes economic empowerment. According to Kaziimba, this approach would nurture a generation of empowered Christians free from dependency and compromise.The ceremony was attended by bishops from various dioceses across the country. North Kigezi Bishop Onesmus Asiimwe called on Christians to embrace their God-given talents as tools for socio-economic transformation. Referring to the biblical parable of the talents, Asiimwe said Bishop Lubaale’s leadership should be viewed as a unique opportunity granted to Busoga, which Christians must utilize for growth.
He urged the Diocese to benefit from Lubaale’s expertise in education and economics rather than undermine it with divisive rhetoric. Vice President Jessica Alupo represented President Yoweri Museveni, who was the chief guest but did not attend due to a tight campaign schedule.
Alupo challenged the Church to mobilize Christians to embrace government development initiatives such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). She cited Jesus Christ’s carpentry work and Apostle Paul’s tent-making as biblical examples of combining faith with productive economic activity.Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa and State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza also attended the ceremony. Namuganza said Bishop Lubaale, like his predecessors, was chosen for such a time to shepherd God’s people, urging Christians to pray for him and for peace during the ongoing election cycle.Busoga Kingdom was represented by the Prime Minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, who stood in for the Kyabazinga, His Royal Highness Gabula Nadiope IV, who was absent due to health challenges. Muvawala challenged Bishop Lubaale to exercise expert stewardship and visionary leadership over the Body of Christ in Busoga, while rallying educated and influential Basoga to invest in their home communities.
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