Rev. Canon Prof Dr Grace Lubaale Elected 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese

The House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, sitting at Lweza Training and Conference Centre, has elected Rev. Canon Associate Prof. Dr Grace Lubaale as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese.

Rev. Canon Dr Lubaale will be consecrated and enthroned on 14th December 2025 at Christ’s Cathedral, Bugembe, Jinja, succeeding Bishop Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye, who is set to retire.

Announcing the election, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, thanked God for guiding the process and congratulated the bishop-elect and the people of Busoga Diocese on the milestone.

“We thank God for the successful election and pray for His blessings in the next steps of consecration and enthronement of Bishop-Elect Grace Lubaale and the retirement of my brother Bishop Paul Naimanhye,” Archbishop Kaziimba said. “We congratulate Rev. Canon Dr Grace Lubaale and the people of Busoga Diocese on this great milestone in ministry.”

Born on 9th October 1978 in Bugombya Zone, Butansi Parish, Bugabula County, Kamuli District, Rev. Canon Dr Grace Lubaale gave his life to Christ in December 1994. He was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of Kampala in 2008 and a priest in 2009. On November 1, 2024, he was installed as Canon of Education and Training at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala.

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.

Rev. Canon Dr Lubaale is married to Clare Louise Atuheirwe, and together they have four children.

His election marks a significant moment for Busoga Diocese, which continues to play a key role in the spiritual and social development of the region. Many Christians have welcomed the news, describing Dr Lubaale as a “dedicated servant leader” with a strong background in both theology and academia.

Earlier in the day, Archbishop Kaziimba also commissioned the Provincial Tribunal, tasked with resolving disputes within the Church. The Tribunal had first undergone an orientation session led by Justice Mike Chibita of the Supreme Court.

The members of the Tribunal include: Canon Naboth Muhairwe, the Provincial Chancellor, as Chairperson; Bishop Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa (Ankole Diocese); Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe (North Kigezi Diocese); Bishop Pons Awinjo Ozelle (Nebbi Diocese); Bishop James Bukomeko (Mityana Diocese); Bishop George Turyasingura (East Ruwenzori Diocese); Bishop John Wilson Nandaah (Mbale Diocese); Justice Hellen Obura (representing the Laity) and The Very Rev. Canon Dr Rebecca Nyegenye (representing the Clergy).

The Church of Uganda expressed gratitude for the unity and prayerful spirit that characterised both the election of the bishop and the commissioning of the Tribunal, describing the day as a “testament to God’s faithfulness in guiding His Church.”