Africa-Press – Uganda. The apex leadership of the Owa Sehulu Wa Bunyole Cultural Institution has appealed to the Bible Society of Uganda and other well-wishers to support efforts toward producing an audio version of the Bible in the Bunyole mother tongue.
The initiative aims to ensure that all believers, including those who are illiterate or visually impaired, can fully listen to and understand the scriptures in their native language.
The appeal was made by the Prime Minister of Owa Sehulu Wa Bunyole Cultural Institution, Apollo Lydda, during the launch of the locally translated three books of the Old Testament, held at Butaleja Boma Grounds. The colorful ceremony drew hundreds of Christians, clergy, and cultural leaders from across the Bukedi region.
In his address, Lydda expressed gratitude to the Bible Society of Uganda for its continued commitment to making the Word of God accessible to Ugandans in simple and understandable forms. He described the translation of the three books as a significant milestone but noted that an audio version would take accessibility a step further.
“I say thank you to our generous partners for helping our brothers and sisters who do not understand English. But we also appeal to you to go the extra mile and assist those who are visually impaired to understand the Good News of Jesus Christ through an audio version. This category of people rely on others to read and interpret the Bible for them, yet some of the interpreters may not be perfect,” he said.
He emphasized that many believers are spiritually “thirsty” but face language barriers that prevent them from understanding the English scriptures, often leaving church services without grasping the messages preached.
Lydda also urged men and youth to take an active role in church activities, noting that attendance in places of worship remains low compared to women. He challenged them to embrace the newly translated local Bible versions that eliminate language difficulties.
“Some of you claim that the reason you don’t go for prayers is because you are not comfortable with English. Now that the Bible has been made easier to understand, we want to see your numbers increase in worship places,” he said.
The Vice Chairperson of the Council of Bishops in Bukedi region and Bishop of Pentecostal Outreach Ministries International Church, Tororo, Girado Olukol, welcomed the translation project as a step toward realizing citizens’ constitutional right to access information in all forms.
“There is a lot of excitement about the audio Bible because it’s going to be the first time that people will hear God speak in their own local language. This will make scripture more accessible and relatable, and it will deepen faith among believers,” he said.
Olukol also appealed to the government to exempt taxes on Bible importation, saying such levies hinder church efforts to provide free or affordable Bibles to congregations.
“We are grateful to those who invested in the translated version and recognized that there is also a group that desires to listen and know the Word of God,” he said.
In response, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bible Society of Uganda, Peter Serumaga, commended the language board translation committee for their dedication and urged churches to encourage believers to purchase and use the translated books.
“It is interesting to note that before publishing some of the translated books, there is always great enthusiasm. However, after publication, interest tends to wane, leaving many copies unsold. We encourage believers to take ownership of these resources as they are a gateway to spiritual growth,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Bible Society’s mission to make God’s Word accessible to every Ugandan in a language and format they understand.
“We believe that the Bible is the ultimate source of truth with the power to transform lives and eternities. For centuries, it has brought hope and new life to believers through the Word of God and the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ,” he said.
The Owa Sehulu Wa Bunyole Cultural Institution pledged continued collaboration with the Bible Society and other stakeholders to promote the translation and distribution of scripture in the Bunyole language, including plans for an audio Bible to reach even the most remote and marginalized believers.
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