Bwisi in Uganda

Introduction / History

Bwisis are a small people group living in Western Uganda on the slopes and plains of the Rwenzori Mountains, along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Bundibugyo District. Their language is Talinga-Bwisi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Bwisis are mainly subsistence agriculturalists who raise crops such as maize, cassava, beans, sweet and Irish potatoes, soya beans, yams, groundnuts, finger millet, and bananas. Most still live in rural areas in mud huts, with no electricity or running water.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Christianity was brought to the Bwisis in the 1920s by a Bwisi man who went to Fort Portal, where he was saved and baptized. He then became an Anglican catechist and, with the help of some Batooro missionaries, returned to his home area and began to minister and evangelize among his own people. Although most claim to be Christians, their faith is not deep, and many are nominal. Traditional religion remains prevalent among the Bwisis, often blended with Christianity and Islam.

What Are Their Needs?

Malaria is the most common cause of death among the Bwisis, as are the side effects of unclean water, such as diarrhea. Access to proper health care in the Bwisi area is poor but slowly improving. Bwisis need proper health care, literacy, Christian discipleship, training for local pastors, and inventive ways to reach the youth, who are spiritually very open. Scripture distribution is also a problem, due to poor roads and a lack of transport. A Talinga-Bwisi Bible Translation is in progress.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Bwisis to have the schools and medical care they need.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Bwisi churches, giving them hearts after the Lord.
Pray for the Lord to provide for them physically and spiritually abundantly. May they be thankful to God.

Text Source:   Joshua Project