Gulu, Uganda: The Bible Society of Uganda (BSU) has launched a newly revised Acholi Bible, marking 35 years since the first translation was published and a significant step in making Scripture more accessible and linguistically accurate for the Acholi-speaking community.
The new version, the first revision and second edition of the Acholi Bible, was officially launched on Friday, October 3, 2025, during a colourful event in Gulu.
According to BSU Secretary General Mr. Sserumaga Peter Lumbuya, the revision process began in 2014 and took a decade to complete — a journey he described as “long but worthwhile.” He said the revision was necessary to make the Holy Scriptures more accurate and relevant to contemporary readers.
“We have worked to ensure that people receive the Word of God in the language they understand best,” Mr. Sserumaga stated, adding that Uganda has 21 local languages requiring Bible translations, but only three have undergone revision so far due to limited funding.
He appealed for support from individuals and faith-based organizations to enable BSU to extend Scripture access to marginalized groups, including the deaf, visually impaired, and the youth.
The Society has introduced several innovations such as Braille Bibles for the visually impaired, audio Bibles for the youth using smart devices, and upcoming video Bibles in sign language for the deaf. However, Mr. Sserumaga noted that the high cost of printing Braille Bibles and the low number of Braille readers remain major obstacles.
“We have translated the Braille Bible into six languages: Acholi, Luganda, Lusoga, Lango, Runyankore-Rukiga, and English, but very few people can read them. The Ministry of Education should promote Braille literacy in schools,” he urged.
Mr. Anguduro Alfred, the BSU Acholi Branch Administrator, said the revision was vital to address linguistic evolution. “Languages change roughly every 20 years. The 1985 Acholi Bible had several errors in spelling and dialect representation. It was time to unify and refine the language,” he explained.
He revealed that the translation and review team comprised senior scholars proficient in both Acholi and original Biblical languages: Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, to ensure authenticity.
Rev. Canon Eunice Opok, Vicar of St. Phillip’s Cathedral and one of the reviewers, said the revised version has improved clarity and contextual understanding, helping preachers interpret Scripture more accurately.
“The revised version makes it easier for church leaders to teach Scripture in its correct context. Misinterpretations like ‘Heaven belongs to the poor’, which refers to spiritual humility, not physical poverty, will now be minimized,” she said.
Rev. Canon Ayella Okot, one of the translators, described the revised Bible as both a spiritual and cultural milestone. “This work not only enhances the spread of the Gospel but also preserves the Acholi language for future generations,” he remarked.
Currently, the Bible Society of Uganda has translated the Bible into 21 local languages, with ongoing efforts to make God’s Word available in every Ugandan language and accessible through multiple media formats.
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