Prof Elisam Magara, a professor of Information Science, Records and Archives Management at Makerere University, has published a captivating book on how to use oral history and local culture to advance Christian ministry in a relevant way.
The book, Bridging the Evangelical Gap: Preserving Oral History in the Ministry of the Word, is published by Fountain Publishers, Kampala. It was purposefully launched during a regular Sunday service at St Andrew’s COU Bukoto, Kampala on December 21, 2025.
The ceremony was presided over by Rev Canon Michael Mukhwana, the vicar and archdeacon of Bukoto, flanked by Ven. Rev Steven Asingwire, the archdeacon of Kabira in West Ankole diocese, and Tom Tibaijuka, the publishing manager of Fountain Publishers.
Magara said the book was largely a result of research done among Runyankore-speaking congregants of St Andrew’s COU Bukoto, evangelicals in West Ankole and Ankole dioceses, and the East African Revival museum in Mbarara city.
The author also interacted with various Pentecostal churches and ministers, and interviewed key informants at the Uganda Joint Christian Council. The project also benefited from his personal ministering experiences.
See, Magara became a born-again Christian at an early age of 10, and used to fellowship with adults and elderly, which made him appreciate the value in using oral history, local proverbs, idioms and stories in witnessing the mission of Jesus Christ.
The book highlights some misconceptions and practices that neglect or dismiss easily available and understandable useful tools, thereby leading to limited spreading of the gospel.
However, it cautions against some inappropriate ideas that have invaded sacred spaces and are undermining the ministry, such as false teachers and misuse of technology.
The book aims to bridge the gap between Christian ministry and everyday work, arguing that when the two get integrated, especially in the marketplace of business, job, career or vocation, the gospel sinks deeper and permeates farther in society.
The book that contains a bibliography, glossary of terms and index is highly recommended for preachers, theologians, spiritual elders, academicians, public servants and laypeople. Now in many bookshops, it costs only Shs 30,000.
About the Author
