Bible Society of Uganda Begins Translation of Study Bible into Runyankore-Rukiga

Rukungiri: The Bible Society of Uganda has commenced the translation of a Study Bible into Runyankore-Rukiga, marking the first time a Study Bible will be translated into a Ugandan local language and only the second time in an African language. The project, which began in May this year, is estimated to take five years to complete.

This was revealed during a prayer and Bible breakfast organized by the Bible Society of Uganda at New Palm Hotel in Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, on December 6.

The administrator of the Bible Society of Uganda Ankole Branch Wycliffe Bariisa, shared that the organization has so far translated the Bible into 20 local languages in Uganda. He explained that translating a single verse costs UGX 35,000, and the Bible contains over 30,000 verses. The Anglican Bible has 31,102 verses, while the Catholic Bible has over 35,000 verses.

“This work is intensive and resource-demanding, with each Bible translation requiring over a billion shillings. We appeal to Bible lovers to support this mission by becoming members of the Bible Society of Uganda,” Bariisa said.

The coordinator for justice and peace in Kabale Diocese and chairperson of the Bible Society’s Kigezi Committee Rev. Fr. Balthazar Ndyomugabe, expressed the need for a dedicated Kigezi branch to better serve the region, which currently falls under the Ankole branch. He emphasized that the Society’s focus is on translating, printing, and distributing affordable Bibles, as they are currently printed abroad in Brazil, Korea, and China.

Fr. Ndyomugabe praised the ongoing translation of the Runyankore-Rukiga Study Bible, saying it would help Christians better understand the Word of God.

The Archdeacon of Nyabitete Archdeaconry C.O.U in Rukungiri District Rev. Enock Karamuzi, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the translated Study Bible would simplify Bible interpretation and strengthen community fellowship.

Representing the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, Rev. Andrew Newman, an acting principal of Canon Ndimbirirwe Bible College and missionary from Austria, reminded Christians that the Bible is not just a book but a tool for personal transformation.

Christians have been encouraged to support the translation project financially, with membership subscriptions ranging from UGX 30,000 to UGX 1,000,000, payable either in full or in installments.