Two pastors in eastern Uganda have been discharged from hospital after being attacked by a group of masked men over a week earlier, sources reported.
Pastor John Michael Okoel and Assistant Pastor Abraham Omoding of New Life Church in Pallisa, around 200 kilometres northeast of Kampala, were returning home from an all-night prayer meeting at 4 a.m. on 30 January when five men dressed in Islamic attire confronted them at Osupa Swamp along the Pallisa-Mbale Highway, Pastor Okoel said.
The attackers, armed with sticks and knives, accused the pastors of blasphemy and of attempting to convert Muslims. Pastor Okoel told Morning Star News that one assailant struck him across the face, cut him near the mouth, and hit his knee and hand, leaving him unconscious.
“The attackers then turned on my assistant pastor, fracturing his arm, knocking out two teeth, and beating him severely on the back,” Pastor Okoel said. Their lives were spared only when a passing vehicle’s headlights forced the assailants to flee.
People in the vehicle stopped to assist and took the pastors to a nearby clinic for emergency treatment. They were later transferred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for further care and have now returned home to continue their recovery.
The pastors intend to report the attack to police once they are physically able. Church leaders and local residents expressed alarm at the incident. A neighbouring pastor, speaking anonymously, described it as “deeply disturbing” and urged authorities to investigate.
“No religious leader should fear for their life because of their faith,” he said. Residents noted that the assault has increased anxiety in the area, particularly among Christian leaders.
“This attack has shocked the community. If left unaddressed, it could threaten peaceful coexistence,” one Pallisa resident said.
The incident underscores continuing religious tensions in parts of eastern Uganda. At the time of reporting, police had not issued an official statement, and no arrests were recorded.
Uganda’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, including the right to propagate faith and convert to another religion. Muslims constitute around 12 per cent of Uganda’s population, with higher concentrations in the eastern regions.
Original reporting by Morning Star News, rewritten for this publication.
