Justice Mike Chibita of the Supreme Court of Uganda has appealed to Christians across the country to unite in raising Shs10 billion to help repay a bank loan secured for the construction of the Bible House complex, a flagship project of the Bible Society of Uganda (BSU).
Justice Chibita, who was recently re-elected as President of the BSU during its 40th Annual General Meeting held at Buganda Road playgrounds, emphasized the collective responsibility of Uganda’s Christian community in addressing the organization’s financial obligations. The AGM was held under the theme “2025: Abound in Hope” (Romans 15:13), and brought together over 600 delegates from various regions of the country.
In his address, Justice Chibita called on only two million Christians, regardless of denomination to contribute at least shs10,000 each to help offset two major debts including Shs8 billion loan from Centenary Bank and the additional Shs9.7 billion owed to the contractor of the Bible House project.
He said whether Anglican, Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Baptist, Orthodox, or Pentecostal, they must share the vision and take part in its fulfillment.
He stressed that this is not just a financial appeal but a spiritual obligation to support the Word of God.
The Bible Society’s Secretary General and CEO, Mr. Peter Lumbuye Serumaga, highlighted the initiative dubbed “Power Up the Word,” which encourages Ugandans to make small yet impactful donations toward the Society’s mission of making the Bible accessible and affordable nationwide.
He stressed that through widespread participation, the Society can clear its debts and continue promoting scripture engagement, outreach, and community transformation.
Currently, the Bible Society has 26 months remaining on a 30-month timeline to repay the contractor’s fee, underlining the urgency of the fundraising effort.
The Bible House project recently commissioned by Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni represents a significant milestone in the Society’s infrastructure and outreach efforts.
As part of broader fundraising strategies, Justice Chibita also appealed to school boards across Uganda to support BSU’s work by purchasing Bibles in bulk and selling them to students at subsidized rates.
“We humbly appeal to school boards across the country that they can effectively support BSU projects by buying large stocks of Bibles from us and in return sale to each student at a subsidized fee after engaging parents to support BSU through purchase of Bible for their students,” he observed.
Justice Chibita, affiliated with the Baptist Church, was re-elected unopposed as the President of BSU.
The incoming board features representatives from various denominations, reflecting the Society’s interdenominational character.
Newly elected members include Rev. Canon Rebecca Nyegenye (Vice President, Anglican), Mary Kamuli Kuteesa (Anglican), CPA Martin Muhangi (Anglican), Rev. Fr. Joseph Wamala (Roman Catholic), Margaret Ziribagwa (Roman Catholic), and Amos Welike (Pentecostal).
On the sidelines of the AGM, Bishop Moses Banja of the Namirembe Diocese encouraged members to enrol as life members and recruit others within their communities.
He also commended the Bible Society for recognizing the Church of Uganda’s significant role in advancing its mission and pledged continued support for scripture dissemination and poverty-alleviation initiatives.