Ugandan Christian Killed by Relatives Over His Faith
Kaliro District, Uganda A man who recently converted to Christianity was killed by his Muslim relatives in eastern Uganda on Friday, July 18, after they discovered he had renounced Islam, according to local sources.
Kasajja Abdul Maliki, 37, was attacked in his home in Kaliro village, Kaliro District, where he had locked himself inside to pray and read the Bible during the Friday Mosque service, a practice he had adopted since placing his faith in Christ in April.
According to his niece, Shamina, Maliki’s family had grown suspicious of his absence from communal prayers at the mosque. He told them he was attending welding classes, but a week prior to the incident, a Muslim neighbour informed relatives that Maliki had been seen near a church, heightening their concerns.
On the day of the incident, at around 3 p.m., Shamina heard Maliki praying loudly inside his home, invoking the name of “Issa” (Jesus) and praying for the salvation of his family. Alarmed, she alerted other family members.
ALSO READ: Nigeria’s Passport Jumps to 88th Rank – Highest in 5 Years
Relatives rushed to the scene, forcibly broke into Maliki’s locked house, and found him praying beside an open Bible. According to Shamina, they tore up the Bible, began shouting Islamic slogans, and started beating him. Soon after, more relatives arrived, some armed with knives and sticks, and joined the attack.
Shamina alleged that her father, Lubega Kalimu, and another man named Sempa Arafat led the assault. Kalimu is reported to have stabbed Maliki in the chest with a knife as the victim screamed for help. Neighbours who arrived in response were too late to save him. Maliki died on his way to a nearby clinic.
Maliki had converted to Christianity on April 12 following a four-day evangelistic outreach event in Kaliro town, according to a local pastor who spoke to Morning Star News on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
“After the campaign, I took him to my home for a week of Christian discipleship,” the pastor said. “Since then, he had shown great interest in the faith and was actively participating in Bible studies. We were also preparing to help him start a welding business.”
The pastor continued, “His dedication has been inspiring, and we believe that with the right support, he can not only build a successful career but also strengthen his community ties. We are hopeful that this journey will lead him to a brighter future, both spiritually and professionally.”
This incident marks yet another case of religiously motivated violence in Uganda, where persecution of Christian converts from Islam remains a growing concern. While Muslims make up only about 12 percent of Uganda’s population, areas in the eastern part of the country have seen repeated instances of hostility toward Christian converts.
Uganda’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, including the right to change one’s faith and to share one’s religious beliefs. However, enforcement of these protections remains inconsistent in regions where societal or familial pressures are strong.
Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit: Los Angeles time.com
