By Ivan Naijuka
It is a humbling and life-changing experience, says Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale, who was elected on 7th October 2025 by the House of Bishops sitting at Lweza Training and Conference Centre. Rev. Canon Associate Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale will be consecrated and enthroned as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese on 14th December 2025 at Christ’s Cathedral, Bugembe in Jinja. For him, this call to episcopal service is both unexpected and deeply sacred.
“Becoming a bishop is not something one campaigns for. A bishop is elected. Among all the priests in the country at this time, I was chosen and that is truly humbling,” he reflected.
Journey of Faith and Service
Rev. Canon Prof. Lubaale’s ministry journey began in 1996 while he was still a student at Kiira College Butiki. He served in the chapel assisting the chaplain, and when the chaplain left, he was appointed Acting Chaplain, leading both staff and students in prayer and ministry.
“Many people encouraged me, saying I was doing a good job. That motivated me to continue on the path of priesthood,” he recalled.
After completing his bachelor’s degree at Makerere University he began lecturing at Kyambogo University. In 2005, he enrolled for a Master of Theology at Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
He was ordained Deacon in 2008 and Priest in 2009 in the Diocese of Kampala, steadily serving the Church while pursuing his academic career. In 2024, he was made Canon of Education at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala, in recognition of his remarkable contribution to education, mentorship, and theological formation.
Alongside his pastoral duties, he rose through the academic ranks to become an Associate Professor at Kyambogo University, where he has mentored countless students, participated in scholarly conferences, and published widely in areas of theology, development, and governance.
Message to the Diocese of Kampala
As he prepares to leave the Diocese of Kampala for his new calling in Busoga, Rev. Canon Prof. Lubaale expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the leadership of The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala.
“I thank His Grace for his able and visionary leadership, and the other bishops who have guided us along this journey,” he said. “My message to the priests is simple, continue to do good. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.”
He encouraged fellow clergy to stay faithful in ministry, adding that God calls His servants at different times and levels for different purposes.
“I never expected this call to come so soon. I thought maybe in the future, but it came early and very fast. God’s timing is always perfect,” he said.
Background and Education
Born in 1978, Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale attended Naminage Primary School, Walukuba East Primary School, and later Kaliro Church of Uganda Primary School, where he met Bishop Frederick Baalwa in 1990 while the bishop then, was pursuing a Diploma in Primary Education at Kaliro National Teachers’ College (NTC).
He went on to St. John Bosco Secondary School, Kaliro for O-Level, and Kiira College Butiki for A-Level before joining Makerere University for his Bachelor’s degree.
He later earned a Master’s degree in Development Studies, a PhD in Development Studies, and a Master’s in Theology from Uganda Christian University — a unique combination that shaped both his academic and spiritual leadership.
A Life of Dedication and Excellence
Reflecting on his journey, the bishop-elect said his academic and spiritual callings have always complemented each other.
“Teaching and ministry are both about transformation, of minds and of hearts. I thank God for giving me the grace to serve in both worlds,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to his family, colleagues, and the Church for their support and prayers, pledging to serve Busoga Diocese with humility, integrity, and total dependence on God.
“It is the Lord who calls. My prayer is to remain faithful to His call and serve His people diligently,” he concluded.
Prof, Lubaale is married and they have children