Maiden visual disability summit held in Kampala

The Bible Society of Uganda (BSU) has reaffirmed its commitment to people with visual disability after successfully hosting the maiden United Bible Societies Africa Persons with Visual Disability physical meeting. 

The summit at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala on January 28, 2025, was organised in partnership with United Bible Societies (UBS) and aimed at enhancing accessibility of sacred scripture for the blind and visually impaired people. 

Pupils from Civic School for the Deaf Buwama presenting a musical entertainment item during the summit.

The event attracted delegates from various countries including Germany, UK, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda and Malawi.

Guest of honour former Prime Minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi (who was the) lauded the Bible Society for its inclusive service, singling out the Braille Bible project as one of the initiatives that demonstrate the organisation’s assimilation of those with special needs.

The pupils from Chain Foundation presenting a musical performance. This was during the United Bible Societies Africa Persons with Visual Disability physical meting at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Mbabazi said the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni was even more committed than ever to protecting/promoting the rights of people with disabilities as enshrined in the Constitution.

He thanked the Bible society for supplementing the government's effort to lift up the marginalised and creating opportunities for all people.

The President of Bible Society of Uganda, Justice Mike Chibita (left) presenting a certificate of appreciation to one f the international coordinators as the organisation'sm General Secretary, Serumaga Peter Lumbuye (right) looks on. This was during the United Bible Societies Africa Persons with Visual Disability physical meeting at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

“Of course, we still have challenges such as limited funding, inadequate implementation of policies, social stigma and exclusion. We thus need to work even harder to ensure that inclusivity becomes a living reality,” he said.

Mbabazi encouraged Ugandans to consider becoming life members of the Bible Society of Uganda by paying a membership of shillings one million, which he saidwill help the organisation to carry on its mission.

The President of Bible Society of Uganda, Justice Mike Chibita (left) gifting Rt Hon Amama Mbabazi with a set of Bibles. This was during the United Bible Societies Africa Persons with Visual Disability physical meeting at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Church of Uganda archbishop Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu encouraged Christians to support the organisation’s ministry. 

“One way of showing you are a believer is by helping vulnerable people. Doing exactly what we are supposed to do is the best way to imitate God’s goodness.  When you do good, you feel good, when you feel good you do good,” Kaziimba said.

Society general secretary Serumaga Peter Lumbuye said the Braille Bible project had so far benefited 53,000 people directly, further impacting 116, 000 others.

A sectional spectacle of delegates during the summit.

Society president Justice Mike Chibita gave accolades to some outstanding co-ordinators, including Pastor Emmanuel Turinawe, Barbara Asiimwe and Isaac Tusubira.

Phiona Komujuni, a teenage student with visual impairment, caused enormous excitement when she recited the scriptures (John 15:1-27) with incredible accuracy. The delegates were also mesmerised by the beautiful musical performances of children’s ensembles from special needs educational institutions such as Civic School for the Deaf Buwama and Chain Foundation. 

Moving testimonies from stakeholders such as Willy Atono (a magistrate with visual impairment), Psychologist Peter Nnyombi and Madam Katie Badie also gave people added urge and confidence to support the Bible Society’s project for people with visual impairments. 

The popular Himbisa gospel ensemble from St Francis Chapel, Makerere University also gave the delegates an awesome gospel musical experience.