BY JULIUS MUHUMUZA

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has commended the efforts of United Bible Societies Africa in supporting the blind and visually impaired by providing access to the Scriptures. He praised their work in transcribing the Bible into Braille, with six languages completed so far, describing it as an act of imitating God's goodness.

Archbishop Kaziimba made these remarks during the official opening of the United Bible Societies Africa face-to-face meeting for people with visual disabilities (PVD), which had previously been held on Zoom for several years. The event, organized by the Bible Society of Uganda, took place today in Kampala.

Uganda today hosted representatives from 12 countries of United Bible Societies Africa, all of which have projects aimed at helping the blind and visually impaired access the Scriptures.

During the official opening of the United Bible Societies Africa PVD face-to-face meeting, which had previously been held on Zoom for several years, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, commended the efforts of United Bible Societies Africa. He praised their work in transcribing the Bible into Braille, ensuring that blind and visually impaired individuals can access the Scriptures. Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized that this work reflects the goodness of God, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in spreading God's word to all. The event, organized by the Bible Society of Uganda, took place in Kampala today.

Archbishop Kaziimba stated that one of the ways to demonstrate true faith and show the world that one is a believer is by showing love and compassion to the blind and visually impaired. He emphasized that this act reflects the goodness of God and serves as an imitation of His love and care for all people.

He further urged Ugandans not to cause obstacles for the blind, but instead to offer help and support, emphasizing that this is in line with the goodness of the Lord.

Peter Serumaga, the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Uganda, stated that the meeting aims to develop strategies for implementing projects that assist people with visual disabilities, particularly those focused on transcribing the Bible into Braille, so that the blind can read the Scriptures.

He added that in Uganda, the Bible has been transcribed into five languages, and this week, they will launch the sixth edition in Lusoga, in Iganga District.

Meanwhile, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, the former Prime Minister of Uganda and chief guest at the event, highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives that promote God's work and make it accessible to everyone.

Justice Mike Chibita, President of the Bible Society of Uganda, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, explaining why they focus on providing special Bibles for blind and visually impaired people. He highlighted that such efforts ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to the Scriptures.

Serumaga added that the Bible Society of Uganda has directly empowered about 56,000 people who benefit from the Scriptures provided by the organization.

Catherine Nakibuka, a blind student at Makerere University, expressed her gratitude for the work being done by the Bible Society of Uganda in transcribing the Bible into different languages, acknowledging the positive impact it has on her and others like her.

Disability not being inability, blind children showcased their talents in choir and playing different instruments.

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