Dr Grace Lubaale, a priest and academician has devoted his life to serving the community. PHOTO/COURTESY SAMI CELEN
At the convergence point of education, religion, family and community development, lies the untold story of Dr Grace Lubaale.
Guided by the words of Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up’’ Dr Lubaale, who is also a Canon, has dedicated his life to uplifting others and creating a lasting impact in the academia and the Lord’s ministry.
Early years
Dr Lubaale’s journey began in the humble background of Butansi Village, Kamuli District. His upbringing, inspired by his father, Rev Nathan Lubaale and his mother Margaret Lubaale (a teacher), was deeply rooted in the values of faith and education.
The two motivated Lubaale to weave his spiritual devotion with intellectual rigour.
“My parents are my first role models and biggest influencers in my life,” Dr Lubaale said during his thanksgiving ceremony in Kamuli District recently.
He remembers a pivotal moment during his primary school years when he first met Rev Can Dr Tom Tuma.
“A special mention to Dr Tuma, the first PhD holder I met and shook hands with and read his thesis of 1973 which he donated to my father before I completed my Primary Seven,” Dr Lubaale said. Years later, he pursued his dream and earned a PhD in Development Studies at Uganda Martyrs University in 2010.
His thesis was based on: “Higher Educational Programmes in the Development of Uganda: Cases of Development Studies Programmes of Uganda Martyrs and Makerere Universities”.
Academic excellence
Earlier on, he had earned a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Arts in Development Studies alongside his bachelor’s degree in education. These qualifications laid a solid foundation for a career that would span academia, ministry and community development.
His academic journey has traversed through Makerere University, Uganda Christian University and Uganda Martyrs University. Today, he is an Associate Professor of Education and Development at Kyambogo University.
He has supported eight students to graduate with PhDs, more than 40 to earn a master’s degree and has published more than 30 articles in internationally referenced journals.
While the academia has shaped a big part of Dr Lubaale’s identity, his calling was just as significant. He has also found a way to weave the two, with his recent appointment as Canon of Education and Training by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba.
“I have always gravitated towards the ministry since childhood,” he said.
Dr Lubaale became a deacon in 2008, a priest in 2009 and served as an Assistant Vicar at St Stephen’s Kisugu for two years between 2009 and 2011.
He later became an Associate Chaplain at St Luke Mulago Hospital from 2011 to 2019 before moving to serve the same role that he holds at the Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi, Church of Uganda. In these roles, he values the mentorship of Bishop Hannington Mutebi who nurtured him in this ministry at its infancy. He also appreciates the support of Canons, John Awodi, Festus Udongo, Geoffrey Byarugaba and Emmanuel Kalagala, among the clergy.
“My guiding scripture is Galatians 6:9 and becoming a canon today is a true testament,” he adds.
Balancing roles
Clearly, the professor, clergyman, mentor, researcher and family man wears many hats. Balancing these multiple roles might seem overwhelming to many, but Dr Lubaale has mastered the art of multitasking.
“God gives me the grace to balance but it is also self-discipline and having a timetable,” Dr Lubaale revealed.
“Apart from being a workaholic, he also spends quality time with his family,” his wife, Clare Lubaale, complemented his words, adding: “He gives God what belongs to Him and Caesar his too and to him, office is office, home is home. He remains faithful, true to his words, a tough disciplinarian, strict time manager and perfectionist who is loving and caring.”
Besides, Dr Lubaale views the many roles as complementary, whether guiding a lecture on human rights, planning or policy or delivering a sermon on Galatians 6:9, his mission remains the same: to inspire change and growth in persons and communities.
Vision for leadership
Despite his remarkable achievements, Dr Lubaale has remained grounded with ambitions filling the air. During his thanksgiving ceremony, the prime minister for Busoga Kingdom, Dr Joseph Muvawala, praised the educated canon and welcomed him to the doctoral holder’s family of Busoga.
“The Church has been perceived as for those who can read the Bible and called to serve, but now with the dynamic congregation, we need well trained, well-educated church leaders to take over,” the Katikiiro said before dropping a huge tip about the kingdom’s support for a future role.
“Prof Grace Lubaale being young comes handy for the Bishop’s role [that] we pray [for] and bless.”
Dr Lubaale himself is ready for the next blessings.
“Once called upon I will be ready,” he remarked, adding: “I will continuously ensure that the Church is strong and remains the voice of the voiceless.”
View on women bishops
Justices Frederick Egonda Ntende, Irene Mulyagonja and Eva Luswata who spoke at his thanksgiving ceremony, shared thoughts on why the Anglican Church is yet to have a woman bishop yet the canon law allows it. The Justices view Dr Lubaale, a strong advocate of inclusivity and gender balance, as a ray of hope in breaking the fallacy.
“We have often shared with him [Dr Lubaale] thoughts on why we don’t have a woman bishop. We must support him to higher office if only to actualise his beliefs in the equality of sexes in the Church of Uganda,” Justice Luswata said.
Dr Lubaale is challenging the women to beat the odds, prepare themselves through qualifications and present themselves for the positions when they are available.
“I have equally posed the same questions but differently: why are the women not applying when these positions fall vacant? Women should present themselves and apply,” he said.
Gender-blind policies
Still, on women and gender, Dr Lubaale pierces an interesting but insightful view. He identifies a serious problem affecting the Ugandan society as a whole where everyone seems to be advocating for gender equality but in reality, things are more of the same.
“Uganda suffers from what we call gender-blind policies,” he said.
In this, Dr Lubaale is referring to the partial promotion of equality by creating policies and regulatory frameworks that create gender balance but a fallacy in practice.
“When you say girls and boys go to school, you’re promoting gender equality, but the girls reach schools and there are no sanitary towels and they are kicked out, now that is called the gender-blind policies,” he argued.
He provides another example of policies which promote girls to go to school after producing but then a lack of facilities to support them and their children fails them.
Dr Lubaale is challenging all the stakeholders to create enough awareness so that policies developed through research can translate to practical solutions for communities.
Contributions to Busoga
The priest and academician is leading by example through his initiative Hosanna Development Centre. The centre is providing affordable accommodation to the communities to be able to study and work. Through the organisation, Dr Lubaale has built a primary and secondary school.
The organisation has also been at the forefront of advocating for human rights, especially in areas of education but most importantly, gender equality and balance.
“We’re saying that the traditional systems that create imbalances must be removed so that girls and boys have an equal environment to thrive. The potential of a girl and a boy shouldn’t be determined by gender but by nature; it should neither be determined by religion, culture or society but the ability for someone to perform,” Dr Lubaale said.
He also takes pride in mentoring the next generation of leaders. He wants his exceptional early achievements to motivate the youth.
“I am among the first Ugandans to have acquired four degrees, including a doctorate of philosophy at the age of 32 during my time. I hope this will inspire someone,” he said.
Church and the future
As the Busoga Sub-region and Uganda continue to face complex socio-economic challenges, Dr Lubaale believes churches and faith-based institutions have a big role to play.
“The faith-based organisations have to create awareness because the problems of our country are ignorance, poverty and diseases. Several people continue not to be aware of what they are, what potential they have and what they can do,” Dr Lubaale noted.
What others said...
Mr Benon Moses Kigenyi, the under Secretary Ministry of East African Affairs, who also studied with Dr Lubaale said: “My OB, Rev canon Dr Prof Grace Lubaale, you join the illustrious men of God [like] Bishop Cyprian Bamwoze who served with dignified distinction.’’
“Your star is just at take-off. I can only imagine what more the Lord has in store for you. Stay steadfast, the sky will be at your feet.’’
Dr Michael Balintuumye – brother and lecturer Muni University said: “My brother, you have always set the family pace. Today you wipe off [our] mother’s tears and reward her parenting sweat. You have chosen and taken on all dad’s shoes – a professional teacher and priest, a testament to your dedication and perseverance.’’
Quick facts
Current Role: Associate Professor at Kyambogo University, Canon of Education and Training at Church of Uganda.
Education: PhD in Development Studies, MA in Theology, MA in Development Studies and BA in Education.
Major Initiatives: Founder of Hosanna Development Centre, advocate for inclusive education and mentored more than 50 postgraduate students.
Guiding Scripture: Galatians 6:9 “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”
Service
“Congratulation Dr Lubaale,You are a unique priest who merited God’s grace and favour for those appointments, you’re in the right place for another level. Just have the confidence and trust in Him [God], serve with humility and be grateful’’ – The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Samuel Kazimba
Parenting
“I am happy that Busoga is having educated Church leaders who are now inspiring the young generation. This success is attained through quality parenting, education, exposure and resilience.’’
– Ms Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister
