Bible Society of Uganda donates talking bibles to Katanga

Katanga slum, located in the vicinity of Makerere, has always had acute socio-economic problems that include abject poverty, unemployment, overpopulation, sexual and domestic violence, crime and diseases, to name a few.

These problems have become even more critical during the lockdown.

Mindful of the afore-mentioned problems in Katanga settlement, The Bible Society of Uganda decided to give Talking Bibles to the residents (of Katanga slum), to make it possible for them to listen to the Word of God.

The function during which 40 Bibles were given out took place at Katanga playground, Kawempe Division recently.

The Bible Society Secretary General, Simon Peter Mukhama said the organisation and its partners were greatly concerned with the suffering, vulnerability and desperation of the residents of Katanga slum, which was why they opted to give them the Word of God in form of Talking Bibles.

"Today I am filled with joy because we have moved from the comfort of our offices and brought the Word of God to our brethren in Katanga.

We know the suffering that our people have been going through ever since the restrictions of COVID-19 were introduced.

Many of them are not working. Others are starving with their children. There is a lot of domestic violence and crime. People generally don't know how they will live tomorrow! In this trying situation, it is only the Word of God that can restore the hope and faith of our people."

The Talking Bibles that were donated to the Katanga residents were in English, and local languages such as Luganda, and Runyankore.

The Coordinator of Digital/Audio Bible Project at Bible Society, John Kayima said the talking Bibles are user-friendly. They have a solar panel, but they can also be re-charged with batteries.

The Bibles are priced at $35 (about sh170,000), but they were given out for free courtesy of the Bible Society of Uganda and its partners.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Joseph Ariko commended the Bible Society of Uganda for what he called a "timely initiative."

"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the standards of morality in our communities to their lowest. We are very grateful to Simon Peter Mukhama and his team at the Bible Society for the donation of the Talking Bibles, which we are sure, will help to revive the faith, hope and moral values of our people, who are currently very disheartened by the pandemic."

Christine Muwonge, one of the residents said the Talking Bibles donated by the Bible Society would promote love, peace and unity among the residents.

The function was also graced by Rev. Moses Nnyombi from St. Peter's Church of Uganda Wandegeya, Evangelist Charles Kalemeera from Eden Revival Church and the Evangelist Samuel Sentomero from Kamwokya Seventh Day Adventist Church.

During the function, the people were entertained by the needy children from Hope for Katanga Kids Project, a local charity that operates in the area.