by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
KAMPALA (Worthy News) – A 33-year-old man in eastern Uganda was allegedly killed by his Muslim father after converting to Christianity, local sources said, in what church leaders describe as part of a broader pattern of faith-related violence in the African nation.
The attack occurred January 28 in Iganga District, about five kilometers (3 miles) from Iganga town along the Kaliro–Iganga road, Christian sources said.
The victim, Hamba Juma of Butaleja District, was reportedly attacked with a long knife known locally as a panga by a suspect named as his 62-year-old father, Hamba Ahammada
Juma’s wife, Nangobi Mariati, told Christian news agency Morning Star News (MSN) that the family had spent the day planting rice before returning home to find her father-in-law waiting.
After sharing a meal, the father allegedly asked his 12-year-old grandson for the panga and later called his son outside before attacking him.
SCREAMING FOR HELP
“My husband screamed for help,” Mariati said. “We tried to take him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead.”
She said the family had previously faced threats after she and her husband left Islam and embraced faith in Jesus Christ.
Police had not publicly announced any arrests or provided details about an investigation at the time of reporting.
The violence comes despite Uganda’s constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion, including the right to convert.
Christians comprise roughly 82 to 84 percent of Uganda’s population of about 49 million people, while Muslims account for about 12 percent, with higher concentrations in parts of eastern Uganda, according to official data.
FACING VIOLENCE AND THREATS
While Uganda is generally considered to uphold religious freedom, advocacy groups say converts from Islam in some eastern districts face family pressure, threats, and occasional violence.
Worthy News and other Christian organizations have documented multiple cases in recent years in which converts reported attacks or intimidation by relatives or local communities.
However, national authorities maintain that Uganda does not have a policy of religious persecution, and most religious communities coexist peacefully.
Church leaders say the killing underscores ongoing tensions faced by some converts despite constitutional protections.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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