In a tragic escalation of religious tensions, five Christians were killed and 44 others injured following an attack in Yumbe, northern Uganda, on 4 November. The violence was reportedly sparked by an Islamist leader’s call to protest the sale of pork near a mosque, highlighting deep-seated religious divides in the area.
The incident unfolded after a social media video featuring Sheikh Kasim Abdalla of Munir Mosque circulated, in which he urged Muslims to join what he called “Operation Albadiri,” a reference to historic Islamic battles, to confront the sale of pork, which is prohibited in Islam.
Abdalla’s message, spread on the evening of 3 November, called for Muslims from the West Nile sub-region, as well as from neighboring countries Sudan and Somalia, to unite in protest against pork sales in Yumbe Town’s central business district.
Initially peaceful, the demonstration on 4 November quickly devolved into violence. Protesters targeted Christian-owned businesses and homes, according to local sources. During the unrest, Abdalla reportedly told followers, “Yumbe was dedicated to Allah from the beginning. We cannot allow pork shops to operate here. Every Muslim youth must rise and defend the honor of our faith. Let no Christian business that promotes sin remain standing in our land,” as reported by Moses Nsubuga, a contact from northern Uganda.
Among the victims was Jackson Lameriga, 34, of New Revival Church Yumbe, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by Somali swords. Collins Chadiru of the Church of Uganda in Nebbi District also died after sustaining severe injuries from a stone attack. Others confirmed dead include Recheal Anyandiru of Koboko Baptist Church, Philemon Okou of Deliverance Church, and evangelist Ben Gracious Padi of Koboko Baptist Church, who was stoned while preaching on the streets.
The protest left a trail of destruction, with several churches vandalized, including St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Lodonga Pentecostal Church, and Yumbe Revival Centre, as well as numerous Christian-owned businesses looted or burned.
Security forces intervened, using tear gas and reportedly firing live rounds into the air to disperse the crowd. More than 30 individuals were arrested, including Abdalla, on charges of inciting religious violence and promoting hatred. Authorities have since maintained a strong security presence in Yumbe Town to prevent further violence.
The tensions trace back to demographic and religious divides, with Muslims comprising 76% of Yumbe District’s population, while Christians account for about 24%, according to the 2024 census. A local Christian, identified as Bernard, expressed fear over the region’s Muslim majority.
Community members emphasized the right to conduct any business in the town, amidst reports of significant property damage. The recent attack is part of a pattern of persecution against Christians in Uganda, despite the country’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
Pastor Akidribo Robert of the Anglican Church of Uganda called for government protection of Christian communities, stating, “We shall not abandon our homes or our churches. We are praying for peace, but we also demand justice for those killed and injured of Christian brothers and sisters.”
More details on this incident and its background can be found at Morning Star News.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
