October 4, 2025
The Bible Society of Uganda (BSU) launched the revised Acholi Bible on October 3, a moment of spiritual and cultural significance for the Acholi-speaking community in Northern Uganda. This milestone marks a another step in BSU’s mission to ensure God’s Word stays alive, accurate, and accessible to every Ugandan in their heart language.
At the Bible launch, Mr. Peter Sserumaga, BSU General Secretary, celebrated the event as a triumph in faith and collaboration. “This new edition is more than a Bible; it is a bridge between generations, a voice that speaks God’s truth in the living language of the Acholi people,” he said.
Mr. Sserumaga also highlighted BSU’s ongoing innovations in Scripture access, including Audio Bibles for the youth, Braille Bibles for the visually impaired, and the upcoming video Bibles in sign language for the deaf. “We want every person, regardless of ability, to experience the transforming power of God’s Word,” he emphasized.
Mr. Angudubo Alfred, the BSU Acholi Branch Administrator, explained that the revision was a timely response to linguistic change.
“Languages evolve roughly every 20 years. The 1985 Acholi Bible had several inconsistencies in spelling and dialect. This revision refines and unifies the language so that every reader, young or old, can connect with Scripture naturally and confidently,” he shared.
The translation and review process brought together highly skilled scholars fluent in both Acholi and the original Biblical languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. Their work ensured accuracy, clarity, and cultural depth in every verse.
According to Rev. Canon Eunice Opok, one of the reviewers and Vicar of St. Phillip’s Cathedral in Gulu, the revised version will greatly enhance Biblical teaching.
“The new translation makes it easier for pastors to interpret Scripture correctly. Misunderstandings like ‘Heaven belongs to the poor’, which actually refers to spiritual humility, not physical poverty, will now be reduced,” she explained.
One of the translation team, Rev. Canon Ayella Okot, described the Bible as both a spiritual and cultural treasure.
“This is more than translation, it is preservation. The Acholi Bible now stands as a guardian of language, identity, and faith for generations to come,” he said.
With the revised Acholi Bible, BSU has now made the Scriptures available in 28 local languages, with ongoing projects ensuring that every Ugandan can hear, read, or watch God’s Word in the format they understand best, print, audio, Braille, or sign language video.
The launch serves as an inspiration and a reminder that each translation brings new life to communities and strengthens the heartbeat of the global Bible movement.
“Together, we are shaping a future where every tribe, every tongue, and every nation can encounter the living Word of God in the language of their hearts.”
About the Bible Society of Uganda
Established in 1968, BSU builds on a legacy rooted in the pioneering efforts of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Its mission centres on four key areas: Bible translation, distribution, printing, and engagement. To date, BSU has successfully translated Scriptures into 28 local languages, including 16 complete Bibles and six New Testament editions.
Beyond translation, BSU actively fosters engagement with the Scriptures through diverse programs tailored to meet the spiritual and practical needs of Ugandans. These initiatives include youth and children-focused activities, trauma healing programs, Faith Comes by Hearing audio resources, and efforts to make the Bible accessible to individuals with visual impairments or hearing disabilities. Through these comprehensive efforts, BSU continues to bring the transformative power of God’s Word to communities across Uganda.
