Kabale Diocese in a mega development strategic plan.

Kabale Diocese Continue to lead Uganda Roman Catholic Community in Developmental Projects as BAAF takes the Centre Stage with two Parishes getting ready for opening soon and it has been Ranked among Dioceses with most Developed Rural Parishes in Sub Sahara Africa

The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) has greatly contributed to the global community and it has become a leader in media, education, health, agriculture and financial services especially for the most poor drawing experience from Bangladesh rural financial services innovations. It is believed to be the biggest landlord on the planet and land is used for farming and commercial infrastructure. It has TV channels and Radio stations almost reaching every family across the world.
The (RCC) is part of humanitarian agencies and of recent, its affliated organizations were overtaking some UN agencies in global fundraising drive which was facilitated by its credible accountability and transparency in its operations.
Its global services are implemented through its affliated International organizations which includes; Caritas International, Cooperation Development Solidarity, International Catholic Education Office, World Union of Women Organizations, World Federation of Catholic Youth and many others.
In humanitarian service delivery is implemented by Catholic humanitarian agencies led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Catholic Medical Mission (CMM) which work across the globe in war torn countries, saving lives threatened by wars and supporting the most poor in be poverty striken countries caused wars and other life threatening conflicts. All these projects and programs are driven by a strong spiritual foundation which is the pillar of the RCC.

Kabale RCC Diocese in South Western Uganda was established in 1966 and was part of Apostolic Vicariate of Rwenzori.
Today, it is under Ecclesiastical Province of Mbarara and part of 19 Dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church in Uganda. It covers Kigezi sub region covering six districts which includes; Kabale, Rukungiri, Kisoro, Rubanda, Kanuungu and Rukiga. Kabale Diocese is known by its dynamism globally which is part of Banyakigezi culture. Banyakigezi supported the Catholic religion from the beginning and worked hard to eliminate Nyabingi and Emandwa. After clearance of these evils, everything in Kigezi was rooted in Religion including the way of life and politics.
Banyakigezi never had a king like other regions and tribes which helped Religion to penetrate deeper than any other part in Uganda. In other parts of Uganda, religious leaders competed with kings and in most cases were controlled in spreading religion in their respective kingdoms without permission. In Ankole they had Omugabe, Batooro and Banyoro had Omukama, Baganda had the Kabaka. These kings interfered with the growing of religion in their kingdom which was not the case in Kigezi.. Even when government passed the Witchcraft Act, Kigezi scored best on its implementation. It came at the time when Christians were highly charged and determined to create an evil free society.
Due to the lack of a culture institution to safe guard Kigezi culture, Banyakigezi ended up loosing most of their Cultural practices and became like a whites. Every cultural tradition was taken as evil and people denounced everything. After the passing of the Witchcraft Act, witchcraft was wiped out and people started not to associate with witchcraft and evil spirits. But other tribes like Baganda kept their strong culture alongside religion and today they lead in culture preservation and practices.
Banyakigezi saw religion as everything and embraced it whole heartedly which helped Kabale Diocese to grow faster than most dioceses in Uganda.
Nkalanga the first bishop who was from Karagwe in Tanzania, was also dynamic and supported highly charged Banyakigezi Christians making the Diocese strong and famous. He was later replaced by bishop Halemimaana who continued with the same spirit and supported spiritual and economic development.

Kabale started to be self reliance and around 1976, every parish had started a model farm to support local churches and the Diocese. Rubanda and Kakore parishes began the project and other parishes followed suit making Kabale the first model Diocese in Uganda. Other Dioceses began to visiting Kabale diocese to learn from its projects. There was also spiritual development which helped other Sectors to grow. Kabale Diocese also became famous in music and sent the first Uganda Choir to sing in Vatican. This made it shine the more on the global scene.
Projects on the ground started to be more visible and a number of buildings were built and other bought. There were other projects across the diocese and other parts of the country. Some of the projects and properties included; Cardial Motel in Kabale town, diary farms, St Raphel Hotel also in Kabale town, Oil factory in Kitumba, Modem Garage in Kitumba, Travellers Hotel in Kisoro town, Bitwire House in Makanga and many buildings in Mbarara and Kampala which made it self reliance and different from other Dioceses in Uganda.
It became the biggest partner with government in health care services with big hospitals like Nyakibale and Mutorele. Dr Ndagijimaana a German trained doctor made Mutorele famous and attracted patients from Rwanda, Burundi, Congo and other parts of Uganda. The Diocese established model schools like St Paul’s Seminary, St Mary’s Rushoroza, Immaculate Heart Girls Nyakibale, Mutorele Secondary School and many which others which educated students from other religious denominations.
When Centenary bank started, Kabale Diocese hosted the first branch in Kabale town and this helped many people. It came with new retail banking which was lacking in Kabale. It contributed to the development of Kigezi through financial services which were affordable by the common man.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Callistus Rubaramira the current bishop of Kabale Diocese joined with energy and raised the dynamsm of Banyakigezi. He came at the time when the diocese needed him and was received with love from all Christians. He strongly united the diocese and came with new knowledge which matched with modern times. After a short time kabale took its position and registered more archivements. He has greatly transformed the Diocese and put it at the highest level.
He did not only unite and bond Christians but also helped to bring on board new ideas which match with modem times and improved the already established projects. He has been able to construct more building at Rushoroza, Kabale town, Kisoro and Rukungiri. He has also helped parishes to be more self reliance and impact on its members positivity.
Our Lady of Good Shepherd Cathedral Rushoroza is one the historicsl churches in Africa which should be globally listed to be visited because of its archtectual design and historical significant and attachments. It is in the same category with churches which have been listed as a must visit in Africa like St. Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt located on Mt Sinai at the site of the burning bush where God talked to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments and Mai Maliu an Italian Church in Kenya, the smallest church in the world which seats 12 people and was buit by Italian prisoners of war. Rushoroza church which chased all traditional cultures and created a new culture based on religion has a big history. It is unfortunate that first missionaries were French speakers and most literature about Kabale Diocese was in French. They were not transilated and not published, still lying in Church Missionary Society archaives unpublished. When the king of Belgium visited Kigezi, he slept at Mutorele parish in 1932. His visit to Mutorele boosted it and many priests from Mutorele benefited. As a result, Mutorele produced the first bishop of Kabale Diocese.
Bishop Rubaramira has also started the university at Rushoroza, the tea projects, improved the Women Development Project, made Our Lady of Good Health Rushoroza a model in Uganda and strengthened the Family Ministry.
When Kabale Diocese got leadership challenges sometime back, Masaka Diocese and Kampala Archdiocese took over in development. Kabale has again got back to its position under the new leadership of Bishop Rubaramira.
One of his most outstanding work, is to educate priests to the highest level who are capable of competing on the planet Earth in most displines led by Divinity and theology.

Today Kabale Diocese has so many priests with PhDs serving across the globe and doing so well because of the foundation of kabale diocese churches. Some priests are working with government, lecturing in Universities and others serving in International organizations. Those serving in the diocese have been well positioned according to their skills, talents and capacity and contributing greatly to the development of the diocese.
Kabale Diocese will soon list some of its priests among the ten most amazing priests on this planet soon. Priests who are listed in this category are highly educated, innovative, researchers, very creative, authors and genius, Some of those currently listed today is Fr Anthony Pinizzotto an American priest who used to work as a church priest in a parish during the day and work at night for FBI the biggest security agency for USA. .He is a forensic expert who witnessed physchological and spiritual terror but kept focused to serve God. He is one the highly paid priest in the world who is believed to understand a human being. Even when he retired, FBI still consult him because of his experience.
In that category Africa has one priest on the list and who is a Ugandan Rwandese.Fr Emmanuel Katongole whose parents came to Uganda as refugees was mentored by Uganda to become a world brand. He is , a professor of theology and peace studies and whose innovations have shaped Sub Sahara Africa politics and violence mitigation including Rwanda genocide. He is based in the USA where he lectures and do other activities.
Kabale Diocese not only leads in other projects but also with well educated and well groomed and trained priests whose contribution has impacted on the development of the church and the nation.
The list is endless with some having special skills and talents. Fr Gaetano Batanyenda is know as one of the most polished politician priest in Uganda but has transformed Kitanga parish. His SACCO is has become a model in Uganda and it prouds him because of its impact in Rukiga and beyond. He has also transformed Kitanga parish and it is listed among developed parishes in Kabale diocese. Fr Peter Safari in Gatete parish in Kisoro is known as one of the most innovative priest in Kabale Diocese whose services go beyond the Diocese. He has been able to cause a very big positve change where he is posted in the shortest time.
Fr Innocent Young Buregyeya has the gift of prayers and chasing demons. Fr. Kiiza in Nyamwegabira in Kanuungu is known as a polished Priest and when it comes to rural community innovations he scores highly. Fr Kasigeire who was recently transferred to Kisoro Parish from Nyakibale, is another upcoming politician who was charging Rukungiri politically before his transfer. He joined another big team of seasoned and polished priests in Kisoro Deanery who includes; Fr. John Bazimenyera, Fr Sebatware, Fr Havugimaana and Fr Melvian Kamari.
There is a big team of priest leaders some of them working out of the diocese who includes; Fr Dr Turyatoranwa Julius, Fr John Vianny Sunday, Fr Prof Abel Twinomugisha, Fr Fracid Mugumya, Fr Dr Luciano Ngabirano, Fr Maritanzari Byomugabe, Fr Fred Barungi, Fr Paulino Mondo, Fr Vianny Byaruhanga, Fr Ndema Alozias, Fr Jeremaya, Fr Kibuuka, Fr Januario Ndyanabangi, Fr. Nsengiyunva John, Fr Fredrick Byaruhanga and many others. In partnership with the bishop, they have shaped Kabale Diocese and took development beyond the diocese.
Bishop Rubaramira has also been a tmentor and raised a team of credible politicians who have taken high political leadership positions in Uganda under his stewardship. Raising responsible citizens is a great task in this modem and changing world but he has been able to make it which was a big missing gap in his church.

The introduction of Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) by Bishop Callistus Rubaramira in 2008, created a very big impact on the development of Kabale Diocese and its impacts have contributed greatly to Uganda’s economy. The BAAF supports Bishop efforts to develop programs of the Diocese which includes missionary work of preaching good news and reaching out to the most poor.

This year BAAF fundraising began in Rukungiri at Nyakibale on 23rd October 2021 and Rt Hon Robinah Nabanja, the Prime Minister of Uganda was the chief guest. The fundraising raised 233, 721,100 in cash and pledges which set a good starting foundation.
Amidst covid19 pandemic economic challenges, Christians heed to the Bishop’s call and supported him. BAAF fundraising after Rukungiri, it has been going on in Rukiga, Kanuungu and Kisoro where Christians have embraced it and contributed generously.
Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Associa tion (KKCRA) on 20th to 21st November they will host the bishop for BAAF fundraising and hold their monthly service. It is expected to be a colorful event. On 27th November 2021, Rubanda district will hold BAAF fundraising event and 4th December 2021, Kabale district will hold its BAAF fundraising activity. The climax event of BAAF activities will be held on 4th January 2022 at Rushoroza where great men and women will gather to thank God for the great work.
BAAF funds have done great work in Kabale Diocese which includes: construction of commercial building hosting Centenary Bank in Kabale town, construction of Kisoro commercial building hosting Centenary Bank, construction of Diocesan Jublee House at Rushoroza, construction of Radio Maria office at Rushoroza, boosting shares in Centenary bank and construction of a commercial building in Rukungiri under construction which will host Centenary bank after its completion. BAAF contribution has kept Kabale Diocese ahead supplemented by many projects at Rushoroza and in various parishes.

For BAAF to register progress amidst covid19 pandemic economic challenges, it had a team of a strong committed Christians who have stood with the bishop Rubaramira to make sure that all odds are beaten to make him achieve his objects.
Among the great men and women is Dr Peter Ngategize who is Chairperson BAAF 2021. Ngategize has been very instrumental to Kabale diocese and has even helped other denominations in raising funds and other resources.
He is the brain behind Kabale Diocese strategic plan which was made in 2008 to foster development, enhance transparency and accountability. As a result, most projects were streamlined and shaped to match with the current situation and which are managed professionally by high skilled human resource.
Dr Ngategize has labored to make this year’s BAAF fundraising take place despite hickups caused by covid19. His silent but hands on approach has helped the project greatly. He has reached out to people with his simple message of jesus’s mission which is love, good news and reaching out to the poor.
His experience comes from USA where he studied and loved. He was invited to come and reshape Uganda’s economy with other enthusiastic economists. He is an academician and a seasoned civil servant who has also contributed greatly to the ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development where he is currently working.
He has held different positions and headed many technical projects most especially those connected to rural economic employment and private sector led projects. He is a patriotic and charismatic civil servant passionate about rural development. He has touched many lives at national and international level. He has assisted PhD students who to accomplish their studies and also helped fresh graduates for internship placements in government agencies. He has sponsored many students in different Institutions and secured scholarships to many students to attain post graduate studies. He has helped Ugandans and other Africans to get employment in International organizations and mentored many civil servants
. He has mentored and supported politicians and has silently remained a teacher. He is one of the well thought after trainer in the ministry of Finance and a business mentor who is on different boards and a patron to many associations.
This is not the first time Ngategize helping Kigezi; when he was the Chairperson of International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) Uganda Charpter, he initiated many projects and used his personal resources to make ICOB stand out. He is the brain behind Uganda Tourism Clusters. He helped in the establishment of Kigezi Tourism Cluster (KTC) which has become a role model in Uganda because of its strong establishment foundation. Through this initiative, he sponsored many tourism activities in Uganda and outside. He also worked closely with other ICOB Charpters in USA, UK and Canada in resource mobilisation which boosted ICOB activities in Uganda during his term. Through his office, he secured funding and was able to send a number of Banyakigezi and other Ugandans to Israel for training in modern farming. Most of them farmers who went to Israel are successful farmers helping themselves and transforming their respective communities.
He is a successful commercial farmer and as he plans to retire from civil service, he has established Ngategize Leadership Academy which will help to train leaders in the Great Lakes Region. He is currently the head of Private Sector Development Unit (PSDU) in the ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
For the bishop to chose Ngategize to Chair 2021 BAAF fundraising drive, he new his competence, commitment and connections. The soft spoken gentleman will lead BAAF successfully and his contribution will be seen at its climax where Kabale Diocese will gather at Rushoroza to close BAAF activities 2021.

Kabale diocese is at the forefront in Africa with developed parishes in the most rural areas like Rubuguri. Rubuguri parish has big tangible projects which have impacted on its members to be more productive and support their families.. Rubuguri parish has a big tea project, big SACCO, Diary farm, model schools, tourist camp, guest house, a model commercial building in Rubuguri town, Health centre in partnership with Green Health project in Nkuringo. Fr. Nesterio Niwagaba is working hard to change Rubuguri parish which closest to Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the Southern sector.
The development of rural parishes with life changing and State of the art projects, has put Kabale Diocese among Dioceses in Africa with most developed rural parishes and leads Uganda Roman Catholic Dioceses. It has very big projects which made it self reliance from the earliest time until today.

Nyakibale is one of deanay in Kabale Diocese with model projects in different parishes including Immaculate Heart Girls school, one the best Girl’s school in Uganda and Nyakibale hospital competing in good health services in Uganda. Nyakibale has a chain of schools including the nursing school , Vocation school and agriculture projects.
Kabale diocese has life changing projects which have transformed its members, other denominations and contributed to the social and economic development of the nation. It is a big government partner in education, health and in rural development services including water and sanitation projects.

Kabale Diocese is set to open two new parishes which will be added to the 34 current parishes making the total of 36 parishes. Mutorele Deanay in Kisoro district and Makiro Deanery in Kanuungu district will soon opening new parishes. This is a big sign which indicates that Kabale Diocese is growing with its members steadily.