As Christians in Uganda rushed to their respective places of worship on Sunday, person’s with visual impairment did the contrary – they took to the streets of Kampala carrying placards, matching and making stop overs to preach the word of God.
The group did this in protest of limited bibles they can use in places of worship. They additionally went bitter wondering why they are not permitted to participate in Church activities yet the word of God calls them to active ministry.
They allege that such an attitude from Churches deliberately belittles their membership, which justifies their division yet they also need God’s love and protection.
The group explains that braille bibles and other spiritual materials should be provided to each of them at their places of worship so that they can strengthen their relationship with God.
“If you know scripture and can asses it easily, then you will read it for yourself, not waiting for others. And you will be spiritually motivated. Most cases we survive in the world through spiritual guidance we often receive.” One of the protesters told Journalists.
“We believe that a Bible is a personal item and one should have some choice in what version to receive. Sometimes I feel like reading a specific book of the bible at night, which I do not have.” Another protester said.
Uganda has a population of over 2953 blind persons, and only 47 have braille bibles, according to sources.
In response, Uganda bible society has promised to increase accessibility to braille bible in churches and other institutions, however urging that the cost of making and importing these bibles from Germany is expensive.
About two years back, the complete bible which costed 1.3 million shillings to produce was transcribed in braille by the Bible Society of Uganda, under a two year project; Providing scriptures for People with Visual Disabilities. The 43 volume book was handed to the National Union for People with Disabilities in Uganda (NUDIPU).
aaron@ugchristiannews.com
