NAMIREMBE: Church of Uganda and The Word for the World Bible Translators registered in Uganda as Bible Translators Uganda have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast track the translation of the Bible to ensure that it is available and accessible to all language communities in Uganda.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, Kampala this morning, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev Canon Capt. William Ongeng reiterated Church of Uganda’s commitment to transform lives by the power of God’s word in everyone’s language.
“There are many marginalized language communities in Uganda which we need to focus on. I am grateful to the Bible Society of Uganda for the good work they have been doing and are still doing. But the workload is too much. That is why we are entering into this MoU with Bible Translators Uganda to reach out to all those language communities in Uganda.” Canon Ongeng said.
According to Enoch Kibuuka the Public Relations Officer for Bible Translators Uganda, translation happens where a needs assessment has been done followed by research in a particular language and culture and subsequently conduct mother tongue literacy programs alongside Bible translation projects.
“After a needs assessment has been done, we then empower the locals and the Church to do translation work. Scripture engagement is done along with the translation process. We share the scripture with the community such that the word has an immediate impact in the lives of the people.” Mr. Kibuuka noted.
He added, “Before translating, we do research in a particular language and culture. Our translations are based on the prestige dialect within a specific language that we are working on so that we are sure that this is not a dying language and that it will still be spoken in two or three generations from now. The Church leaders are a useful resource as they are mostly with people in their language areas.”
At the signing ceremony, Church of Uganda was represented by the Provincial Secretary Rev Canon Capt. William Ongeng; the Provincial Treasurer, Mr Balaam Muheebwa; and Director of Mission and Outreach Rev Simon Peter Ddembe Lya Yesu.
Bible Translators Uganda was represented by the Acting National Director, Dianah Ayesiga; the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Enoch Kibuuka; the Executive Assistant to the Chief Development Officer, Mr. Paul Mutebi Musasizi and the Executive Director of Words of Hope Ministries Uganda, Rev Canon Capt. Titus Baraka.
