Shimba Theological Institute Newsletter
Religious Freedom and Persecution in Uganda: Converts Facing Deadly Violence
Uganda, August 2021 – Reports of Lethal Attacks on Christian Converts
Recent incidents in Uganda highlight the ongoing persecution faced by Christian converts, particularly those transitioning from Islam to Christianity in the eastern regions of the country. Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, including the right to propagate one’s faith and convert from one religion to another, Christians—especially converts—continue to face harassment, threats, and even lethal violence.
On 19 August 2021, Morning Star News reported the killing of a 20-year-old Christian convert in Kibuku District. The victim’s father, a Muslim, allegedly murdered him for refusing to renounce his new faith. Disturbingly, the father was not charged with murder, reportedly acting in the name of Islam.
Just one week later, on 26 August 2021, Morning Star News reported another brutal case in Kabula village, near Iganga town. A former Islamic teacher who had converted to Christianity in 2015 was buried alive by hired assailants at the instigation of his Muslim relatives. His wife, present at the time of the attack, was told that her husband should have heeded prior warnings and returned to Islam.
Commenting on these incidents, Yonas Dembele, World Watch Research analyst, noted: “The majority of the Ugandan population is Christian, and the constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate one’s faith and convert from one faith to another. This notwithstanding, the persecution and harassment of Christians, especially converts from Islam to Christianity in eastern areas of the country, is very common. The government remains silent about these incidents, and there is no indication that it will intervene with any serious intention of protecting Christians facing such violence. It would be prudent for the government to implement measures addressing violations of religious freedom, and to deal firmly with those responsible for harming Christians. Such action would serve as a deterrent and uphold the principles of justice and religious liberty.”
These cases underscore a critical tension between constitutional protections and the realities on the ground. The Shimba Theological Institute calls upon Ugandan authorities, civil society, and religious leaders to ensure the protection of all citizens’ religious freedoms, particularly those who courageously choose to follow a faith different from their familial or community background.
References:
Morning Star News. (19 August 2021). Young Christian Convert Killed by Muslim Father in Kibuku District.
Morning Star News. (26 August 2021). Former Islamic Teacher Buried Alive in Kabula Village.
World Watch Research. Dembele, Y. (2021). Analysis on Religious Persecution in Uganda.
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