Banyole Celebrate Launch of Three Old Testament Books in Lunyole

Butaleja District, Uganda — The Lunyole Bible Translators on Thursday celebrated a historic milestone with the official launch of three translated Old Testament books — Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Proverbs. The colourful event, held in Butaleja District, marked yet another significant step in preserving and promoting the Lunyole language through the Word of God.

The Guest of Honour, Mr. Apollo Lyada, the Prime Minister of the Bunyole Cultural Institution, commended the translators for their unwavering commitment to uplifting the local language and culture. He praised the team for their tireless efforts to make scripture accessible to the Banyole community in their mother tongue, emphasizing that such work strengthens identity and faith.

“I am deeply pleased by the people’s love for their local language,” said Mr. Lyada. “As we celebrate this achievement, I also call for the full gazetting of the Bunyole Cultural Institution to further consolidate our language and cultural heritage.”

The event drew a diverse crowd, including political figures, religious leaders, and community members. Among those in attendance were Agatha Hamba Muloki, an independent candidate for Butaleja Woman MP, and Milly Mugeni, former Butaleja Woman MP. Christians from different denominations — Anglican, Catholic, Pentecostal, and Seventh-day Adventist — gathered in unity to witness the momentous occasion.

The Guest Preacher, Bishop Glados Olokol, overseer of Tororo Pentecostal Church, delivered a stirring sermon urging believers to uphold moral values and cultural roots. He shared his own experience of learning the Lunyole language in primary school back in 1961, calling on education authorities to reintroduce local language instruction in modern schools.

“Our children must learn and love their mother tongue,” Bishop Glados said. “Let us reject witchcraft, greed in church, and the growing vice of homosexuality, which threaten to erode our moral and spiritual foundations.”

Mr. Mathias Mahabala, Project Manager for the Lunyole Bible Translation initiative, alongside Mr. Samuel Mudenya, the Project Chairperson, thanked the community for their support and encouraged them to embrace the newly launched books.

“These books are not just for decoration,” Mr. Mahabala said. “We urge Christians to buy and read them thoroughly for a deeper understanding of their faith.”

Representing the Uganda Bible Society, Mr. Peter Serumaga, the organization’s General Secretary, congratulated the Lunyole translation team for reaching this important milestone. He noted that the successful translation of the Old Testament books follows the earlier completion of the New Testament, marking steady progress toward a complete Lunyole Bible.

Mr. Serumaga extended gratitude to Justice Mike Chibita for his support of the project and highlighted November as the designated month for Bible reading and interpretation to strengthen faith across Uganda.

The launch ceremony was punctuated by uplifting performances from local choirs, including Leresi Catholic Church, Bingo Catholic Church, Bunawale Catholic Church, Covenant Choir Nampologoma, and the Seventh-day Adventist Choir. The choirs filled the air with hymns and praise songs in Lunyole, showcasing the beauty and richness of the language.

As the Lunyole Bible Translators continue their mission, the event underscored the vital role of local languages in deepening faith, promoting unity, and preserving Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage.

Source: Ambrose Wanagoli