In a historic development for the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon. Associate Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale has been elected as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese. The election, conducted by the House of Bishops, took place on October 7, 2025, at the Lweza Training and Conference Centre, drawing church leaders from across the country.
Dr. Lubaale will be consecrated and enthroned on December 14, 2025, at Christ Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja, where he will officially take the helm of the diocese.
Born on October 9, 1978, in Bugombya Zone, Butansi Parish, Kamuli District, Dr. Lubaale’s spiritual journey began in December 1994 when he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was ordained a Deacon in 2008, priested in 2009, and recently installed as Canon of Education and Training at All Saints Cathedral Kampala on November 1, 2024.
A scholar and church leader, Dr. Lubaale holds a Doctorate in Development Studies, a Master of Arts in Theology, a Master of Arts in Development Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts with Education. Married to Clare Louise Atuheirwe, the couple is blessed with four children.
Church leaders and the faithful of Busoga have welcomed the election with optimism, highlighting Dr. Lubaale’s combination of academic excellence and pastoral experience as a foundation for strong diocesan leadership. His tenure is expected to strengthen spiritual guidance, education, and community development across Busoga Diocese.
Earlier on the same day, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, commissioned the Provincial Tribunal, a new body set up to address disputes within the Church.
The Tribunal, chaired by Canon Naboth Muhairwe, the Provincial Chancellor, includes 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), and Bishop John Wilson Nandaah (Mbale Diocese). Representing the laity is Justice Hellen Obura, while the clergy is represented by The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye.
The Tribunal underwent orientation led by Supreme Court Justice Mike Chibita and is expected to play a key role in fostering justice, transparency, and unity within the Church of Uganda.
The election of Dr. Lubaale, alongside the establishment of the Tribunal, signals a renewed focus on leadership, service, and accountability within the Church, promising a vibrant future for Busoga Diocese and the wider Church community.
