Literacy project helps Ugandans engage with God’s Word

KAMPALA, Uganda — Many church leaders in Uganda believe that the high levels of crime and corruption in this largely Christian country are due, in part, to poor Bible knowledge (see other featured stories). This, in turn, is thought to be partly linked to illiteracy, which prevents people from having direct contact with the Word of God.

That is why the Bible Society of Uganda is working closely with Uganda’s largest provider of adult literacy training – the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Both organisations believe that tackling illiteracy and helping people engage directly with the Bible is key to Uganda’s future.

“We are so involved in literacy work because people who can’t read do not have the opportunity to connect directly with God’s Word, which is important,” says ADRA Director Elder Booker Ajuoga. “We use Bible Society New Reader Portions in our literacy campaigns, and, thanks to these Scriptures, people can read God’s Word for themselves – they don’t have to have it interpreted by a priest or anyone else.”

Mr Ajuoga also spoke of the importance of people being able to read the Bible in their own language.

“Many Christians read the English Bible, which we all enjoy,” he said. “But, thanks to the translation work of the Bible Society, many people can now also read God’s Word in their own language, which is even more special.”
Mr Ajuoga is a member of the Kampala Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, where the Bible is central to the life of the church.

“The Bible is our food – without it the world would be lost,” declared its pastor, the Rev Gerald Kairanga, who places a heavy emphasis on Bible study. During services each week, a time of singing and testimony is followed by a sermon, after which the congregation breaks up into small groups for Bible study. Leaders emphasise the importance of applying lessons in the Bible to everyday life. (WR 375/18 - 3.03)