Evangelist Killed in Uganda After Converting Muslims
MBALE, Uganda — In a tragic act of violence that has sent shockwaves through the Christian community in eastern Uganda, 38-year-old evangelist David Washume was brutally murdered on April 3 after preaching the gospel at a three-day open-air event where several Muslims reportedly converted to Christianity.
Washume, a resident of Manga Cell in Mungoma Ward, Nabumali Town Council, was killed as he and fellow preacher Fred Wepuhulu were returning home from evangelistic outreach in the Nalondo, Buwalasi, and Nabumali areas. According to witnesses and survivors, the duo had boldly incorporated both Quranic and biblical teachings to emphasize the divinity of Christ and the humanity of Muhammad—an approach that reportedly drew both large crowds and rising tensions.
“On the third day, the attendance grew, and David called people to repent and identify with Christ against Satan,” said an attendee of the event, who requested anonymity for safety. “Several Muslims accepted Jesus, but others began shouting angrily in protest.”
Later that night, at approximately 10 p.m., as the two men walked back to Nabumali, they were ambushed by three masked assailants dressed in Islamic attire. Speaking Arabic and wielding knives, the attackers demanded their belongings, eventually discovering Bibles and a Quran in Washume’s bag.
“One of them shouted, ‘They are the ones, they are the ones… Kill, kill them!’” recounted Wepuhulu. In the chaos, Wepuhulu managed to escape after wrestling with one of the attackers. Washume, however, was overpowered and could not flee.
At dawn, Moses Kutosi, chairperson of the Nabumali Town Council, received a disturbing call alerting him to a body found in a pool of blood near a local Bible college chapel. He immediately rushed to the scene.
ALSO READ: 5 Children Found Dead in Abandoned Vehicle, Nasarawa
“I found the lifeless body of my friend and resident, David Washume. It was shocking,” said Kutosi, who notified police authorities. The body, which bore deep knife wounds to the neck and chest, was taken to the Mbale city mortuary.
Beside the body, authorities found a knife and a chilling note written in Arabic and English: “You, infidel, will meet Allah in judgment.” Other Arabic words scrawled on the note were not immediately understood.
According to relatives and local leaders, Washume was a devout and dedicated Christian, known for his hard work and bold evangelism. He was a member of a church in Mbale city, though the name of the church has been withheld for safety.
Police have launched an active investigation and intensified efforts to track down the killers. A local officer confirmed to Morning Star News that law enforcement is collaborating with the community to bring those responsible to justice.
The killing highlights a growing wave of religious persecution in parts of Uganda, particularly in the east where Muslim populations are more concentrated. Although Uganda’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, including the right to convert and evangelize, attacks like this reveal the dangers Christians may face when ministering in sensitive regions.
Washume’s death marks yet another grim reminder of the cost of faith in areas where tensions between religious communities persist. His bold witness in the face of growing hostility now stands as both a tragic loss and a testimony of unwavering devotion.
Content credit: Agbetan Abisola
Image credit: CBN.com
