Tragic Murder of Evangelist in Uganda
NAIROBI, Kenya — A tragic event unfolded in Uganda as a 29-year-old Christian evangelist and devoted father was brutally murdered by Islamic extremists.
The victim, James Mukenye Habiibu, had previously fled death threats prompted by his conversion to Christianity, which he undertook with his wife back in January 2022.
On December 17, Habiibu was found lifeless in a swamp in Kagumu Sub-County, Kibuku District, having succumbed to brutal violence.
This grim discovery came on the heels of mounting pressure from family members who opposed his faith and had issued violent threats against him and his loved ones.
His wife, who prefers to remain anonymous for her safety, recounted how they fled their hometown after receiving threats of death from relatives who vowed to kill them if they did not renounce their beliefs.
They sought refuge in another district and soon found solace in a local church community.
Return Home and Renewed Threats
After a brief respite, the family returned to Bulangira town in October, but their safety proved illusory.
They received a spate of threatening messages from their Muslim relatives, one warning them of violence and stating they would invoke Allah’s wrath for abandoning their former faith.
A particular message ominously promised retribution, insisting it was only a matter of time before they would be found.
On the night of December 16, Habiibu set out on a motorcycle for a Gospel outreach event, accompanied by another evangelist from a local Presbyterian church.
Before heading out, he texted his wife, warning her of men who seemed to be following him and asking for urgent prayers.
Tragically, this would be their final conversation.
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation
The next morning, a person using Habiibu’s phone delivered the devastating news of his death; he had been found dead nearby.
His wife, accompanied by a neighbor, rushed to the scene, only to discover her husband had been brutally slain.
Eyewitnesses recounted chilling details from the incident, including cries for help from Habiibu as he called out to Jesus.
Some reported hearing voices in Arabic, and one resident claimed to have seen two of the attackers, both known within the local community.
In the aftermath, Habiibu’s wife reached out to the authorities, who promptly arrived to begin their investigation.
Officers from Kibuku Central Police Station and Lyama are diligently working to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.
Habiibu leaves behind three young children, only 2, 4, and 7 years old, now faced with an unimaginable loss.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the persistent persecution of Christians in Uganda, where the constitution claims to protect religious freedoms, including the right to convert and share one’s faith.
While Muslims represent roughly 12% of the Ugandan population, tensions often flare up in the eastern regions, highlighting the fraught atmosphere for those choosing a different path in their spiritual lives.
Source: Christianpost
