Biography
Rt. Rev. John Baptist Kakubi was born on 23 September 1929 in Birunduma Parish to Mr. Rafaili Ziridamu and Kandida Kiremire.He was ordained a priest on 11 July 1960, at Westminister in London.
On 1 August 1969, at the age of 40, he was Ordained Bishop of Mbarara, by Pope Paul VI at Kololo, Uganda. As the first African Bishop of Mbarara Diocese, he succeeded Bishop Jean Marie Ogez and led the Diocese with unwavering strength and devotion until his retirement on 23 November 1991.
During his years of service, Bishop Kakubi became known not only for his spiritual guidance but also for his pioneering efforts in establishing Vocational Catholic schools. His vision for education and the future of Uganda’s youth was instrumental in shaping the direction of vocational training in the region.
He died at age of 86 years, having served as a priest of the Archdiocese of Mbarara for 55 years and 47 years as Bishop. He is buried at St. Joseph’s vocational school chapel, Mbarara.