Kampala: WITH only a few days to be consecrated and enthroned, the newly elected Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale, has chosen Galatians 6:9-10 as his guiding principle for running the diocese.
The passage goes thus “…let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up, therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers…” (NIV).
This passage emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in ministry, urging Christians and clergy to “not to become weary in doing good” and to trust in God’s timing and promises.
In this passage Paul is encouraging the Galatians to persevere in doing good and to continue to live out their faith in practical ways. As the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Dr Lubale’s guiding philosophy reflects his commitment to his role and his willingness to serve the community.
His ministry is expected to be guided by key five pillars: Mission and Evangelism, Good Governance, Capacity Building, Resource Mobilization and Effective Representation. The accomplished academic and theologian is using the text to remind Christians and clergy that their labour is not in vain and that they will reap a harvest if they do not give up.
This echoes his life’s testimony which has over decades been dedicated to serving humanity in various fields and disciplines as a volunteer to now the prelate of one of the biggest ethnic groups in Uganda. For context, the book of Galatians is a New Testament epistle written by the Apostle Paul to the early Christian communities in Galatia, a region in modern-day Turkey.
The Galatian churches were composed of Gentile(non-Jewish) believers who had converted to Christianity through Paul’s ministry. The region was inhabited by various ethnic groups including Celts, Greeks and Romans.
After Paul’s departure, some Jewish Christians known as Judaizers began to teach that gentile converts needed to be circumcised and follow Jewish customs and laws in order to be fully accepted as Christians. This doctrinal error was contrary to Paul’s teaching that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone and not through works or adherence to Jewish law.
Paul’s message is particularly relevant in the context of Bishop Lubaale’s leadership, as he begins his tenure as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese, taking over from an equally charismatic evangel Bishop Paul Samson Moses Naimanhye who took over from Bishop Dr Michael Kyomya who received the mantle from the now deceased Bishop Dr Cyprian K Bamwoze.
Prof Dr Lubaale, in an exclusive interview with The Exposure Uganda (TEU){a revolutionary brand digital newspaper}, highlighted the significance of serving humanity with humility, stating that “at an appropriate time, God will always bless or reward you.”
He emphasized that his own elevation to the position of Bishop is a testament to God’s faithfulness, even when others may not expect it.
Overall, it can be summed up that Dr Lubaale’s unique blend of academic, theological and expertise, combined with his passion for serving others make him an exceptional leader and a valuable asset to the Busoga Diocese and the terribly fractured Busoga as a whole which is increasingly suffering from leadership-related issues.
Bishop Lubaale’s vision for the diocese includes five key pillars: mission and evangelism, good governance, capacity building, resource mobilization, and effective representation.
“…In mission and evangelism, I intend to preach the gospel to all people in all seasons at all times everywhere and that when people come to know the Lord I will be able to save some diseases, polygamy, irresponsible parenthood and witchcraft, among others which eventually will answer the question of poverty and disease that have persisted in Busoga…”, he said.
The prelate admits the long-held accusation that the Church here on earth has for years been only interested in receiving from followers but does not give back, quickly saying that with transparency, accountability, improved human and financial resources with a strong system, Busoga diocese should be in a position to inject resources into the education and health sector as well as socio economic transformation.
He has also pledged to partner with the government of Uganda to promote and popularize anti-poverty programmes like PDM, Emyooga and encouraging believers to form and join SACCOs as well as development partners and organizations from within and outside Uganda to empower communities and promote development in the diocese.
When asked about his ascendance to the Bishopric, Dr. Lubaale drew parallels with biblical figures who were unexpectedly called to leadership roles, such as King David, who was tending sheep in the wilderness, and Moses, who was called while in the wilderness amidst a burning bush.
“…I was not expecting anything like this…,” Dr. Lubaale said, “…but eventually, I was not surprised because my God has always been with me…”
He reflected on his journey, from his humble beginnings in his native village to his academic pursuits in Kampala and outside Uganda, serving as a pastor in Bugolobi, and now, his appointment as the Bishop of Busoga Diocese.
“…God took me away from my comfort zone and prepared me for this moment…,” he added, expressing gratitude for God’s guidance and providence throughout his life.
Citing 1 Samuel 16:7, which says “God does not look at the outward appearance, but at the heart,” Dr. Lubaale emphasized that it is not physical attributes or external qualifications that matter, but rather the condition of one’s heart.
He also took the opportunity to connect with the youth in Busoga, saying, “As one of the youngest Bishops in Uganda, I want to appeal to the youth in Busoga to look at me as one of their own. I understand the challenges and aspirations of the youth, and I am committed to serving and empowering them…”
In his message to the clergy, Bishop Lubaale stresses the importance of perseverance and dedication in their calling: “…Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up…”, he urged, drawing from his theme scripture in Galatians 6:9
This updated version incorporates the biblical reference and Dr. Lubaale’s message to the youth in Busoga, highlighting his commitment to serving and empowering them.
Bishop Lubaale has also stressed the importance of partnership between the Church and State, noting that both institutions work towards the welfare of the people, albeit with different designations such as citizens and believers or Christians.
He expresses his commitment to building the capacity of believers to understand and appreciate this centuries-old partnership, which he believes is essential for the betterment of society.
“…while some may mistakenly think that the Church should distance itself from government programmes like PDM and Emyooga, and others, I believe we have a responsibility to work together with the State to serve the people…”, he said.
By fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding, Bishop Lubaale says he aims to maximize the impact of the Church’s ministry and contribute to the overall development of the community.
Bishop Lubaale’s views on Church-State partnership are echoed by celebrated theologian Hans Kung, who notes that, “The Church and State are two distinct but complementary institutions, each with its own specific task and responsibility”.
As Hans Kung noted in his seminal work, ‘The Church’ (1967), the relationship between the Church and State is complex and multifaceted.
This perspective underscores Bishop Lubaale’s commitment to collaborate between the Church and State, highlighting that both institutions can work together to promote the welfare of the people while respecting their distinct roles and responsibilities.
As Bishop-elect Dr. Lubaale prepares to assume this esteemed office, his theme scripture serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the importance of trusting in God’s timing and standing on His promises, for the Bible assures us that our God is faithful.
This biblical mandate also echoes Jesus’ commission to make disciples and tend to God’s flock, addressing both their spiritual and material needs.
The upcoming consecration and enthronement ceremony, scheduled for 14th December,2025 at Christ Cathedral Bugembe is expected to draw a massive congregation, including prominent politicians.
Given the timing during the campaign season, it is anticipated that high-profile figures will attend. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, currently on the campaign trail in western region, is expected to be represented by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabanja.
Rt Hon Nabanja’s presence is seen as strategic, given her reputation as a neutral and down-to-earth leader who has steered clear of the Busoga sub-regional leadership squabbles. The ceremony will be presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu.
