Before BSU
Uganda was part of the general Bible Society work in the early years of missionary penetration starting in 1849 at the coast linked with BFBS.Later in 1896 operations were through the Egyptian Agency of BFBS when the Bible Society in East Africa was established initially as a ‘joint Sub-Agency.
A National Bible Society of Uganda
In the city,1960, Bible Society in East Africa was extended, first by the appointment of an indigenous staff(John Mpayee from Kenya)followed by twoothers later for Tanganyika and Uganda (in 1964).The Rev.Asa Byra,a man of great statute and initiative (from Tooro Kingdom)laid the foundation for the inauguration of the Bible Society of Uganda on November 24,1968 as a national office ran under an Advisory Council with the Hon.Serwano Kulubya (mayor of Kampala) as its first Chairman. Serwano (deceased) , with the Late John Kyeyune as Treasurer.
Staff At A Retreat Dressed In Traditional Wear
On April 24, 1972 the advisory Council passed the constitution and Bye-laws that led to the recognition of BSU as an Associate member of the United Bible Societies in 1974.
The 1970s were difficult years not only for the Bible Society but for Uganda as a whole, but distribution from Bible Society members increased.
At the end of 1970, Asa Byara passed away suddenly and Michael Kalule who was Business Manager acted as Executive Secretary until 1974 when the late Bishop Yokana Mukasa, then a Canon, was appointed first as Executive Secretary when BSU attained Associate Membership.
During Bishop Mukasa’s time the interdenominational Character of the Bible Society was established. It will be remembered that the mid-sixties saw the exposure of the visit of Pope Paul VI in 1969 and enhanced Bible Society membership from the Catholic Church. The movement and entrenchment of the Bible Society ministry into all Christian denomination and congregation remains a challenge.
When Yokana Mukasa became Bishop of Mityana in 1977, the now late Bishop Akisoferi Wesonga took the leadership as General Secretary, who on becoming Bishop of Mbale Diocese in 1981 was succeeded by Rev. Canon Benezeri Kisembo until 1987 when Mr. Jeroham Kaddu became the first layman appointed as substantive General Secretary (though Mr.H.kalule had acted 1971-73). When Mr. Kaddu took early retirement, Rev.Canon Benezeri Kisembo was transferred from serving as a Translation Advisor to serve again as General Secretary from July 1996.
In the year 1999 Rev. Canon Benezeri Kisembo became Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese and was succeeded by Mr. Henry Kalule becoming the 2nd lay man appointend as General Secretary.
In April 2009 Mr. Henry Kalule resigned as General Secretary and currently Mr. Simon Peter Mukhama is the Acting General Secretary.
The Honorary officers and the Executive Committee (now board) members have provided better continuity.
Left is Bishop Joseph Willigers who served as BSU President for many years and (right) Bishop Benezeri Kisembo.
(Front row from your Right)Lady Justice Faith Mwondha Board member, Board chair and also meber of the UBS Global board,Bishop Joseph Willigers and Bishop Benezeri Kisembo.
Mr.Kalule Henry
Mr. Kaddu
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