Five Christians have died and dozens more were injured following violent clashes in northern Uganda on 4 November, after tensions rose over reports of pork being sold near a mosque in Yumbe District.
Local police say the trouble began when a video circulated online in which Sheikh Kasim Abdalla of Munir Mosque urged Muslims to oppose what he described as “unholy practices” in the town’s central market. The call led to a large protest on Monday, drawing supporters from across the West Nile region.
What started as a demonstration quickly descended into attacks on Christian-owned shops, homes and churches, according to church leaders and community witnesses. A northern Uganda contact, Moses Nsubuga, reported that five Christians were killed in the violence and at least 44 injured.
Among those confirmed dead were Jackson Lameriga of New Revival Church Yumbe, Collins Chadiru from the Church of Uganda in Nebbi District, Recheal Anyandiru of Koboko Baptist Church, Philemon Okou of Deliverance Church and evangelist Ben Gracious Padi, also of Koboko Baptist Church. Some were struck with stones; others suffered severe wounds while attempting to flee or assist others.
Churches across Yumbe, including St Peter’s Anglican Church, Lodonga Pentecostal Church and Yumbe Revival Centre, sustained damage, while several Christian-owned businesses were looted or set alight, clergy said.
Police intervened using tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse the crowds. More than 30 people, including Sheikh Abdalla, were arrested on suspicion of inciting religious violence. Security forces have since increased their presence in the town.
Local Christians say they remain frightened. “We are in great fear because Muslims are many in the region,” one believer, identified only as Bernard, told Morning Star News.
The Rev Akidribo Robert of the Anglican Church of Uganda called on the government to safeguard all faith communities. “We shall not abandon our homes or our churches,” he said. “We pray for peace and we seek justice for those who suffered.”
Uganda’s constitution protects religious freedom, and national figures suggest Muslims make up around 12 per cent of the population, though the proportion is much higher in parts of the north-west. Christian leaders note that attacks on believers in the region have been reported repeatedly in recent years.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and assess the scale of damage, with some reports suggesting up to 50 homes were affected.
Adapted from Morning Star News.
