A shocking tragedy unfolded in eastern Uganda on December 26 when a family recently converted to Christianity met a brutal end.
Sixty-four-year-old Kaiga Muhammad, along with his wife, Sawuya Kaiga, and their 26-year-old son, Swagga Amuza Kaiga, were killed in a fire that engulfed their home in the Budini Nyanza area of Kaliro town.
Conversion to Christianity
This family had made the life-changing decision to embrace Christianity less than a month earlier, specifically on November 22, 2024.
Their conversion followed a visit from representatives of a local church who shared the Christian Gospel with them.
Shortly after their commitment to faith, they sought the pastor’s help as Swagga battled malaria.
Following an earnest prayer, Swagga’s health reportedly improved, but the family remained cautious about their new beliefs.
Given Muhammad’s previous role as a member of the mosque committee, they felt they had to keep their conversion a secret for their own safety.
Threats and Ultimatum
However, their covert change in faith came to light when local Muslims saw Muhammad attending a church service on December 15.
This sighting led to a confrontation the next day when Wangule Abudu, the community chairperson, visited Muhammad’s home.
During this visit, the family confessed their conversion.
Abudu then issued a chilling ultimatum, warning Muhammad to renounce his newfound faith within a week or face the wrath of the local Muslim community.
A relative recounted that Abudu accused them of dishonoring Islam and bringing shame to the Muslim community.
Tragically, on December 26, the family’s home was doused in flammable substances and set ablaze.
A neighbor who had rushed over could only watch helplessly as Muhammad, Sawuya, and Swagga perished in the inferno.
Legal Action and Wider Context
Authorities soon received word of the devastating fire, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Wangule Abudu and Ismail Njagi, who now face charges of arson and murder at the Kaliro central police station.
The victims’ remains have been sent to Bumanya Health Centre for an autopsy.
This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated case; it fits into a troubling pattern of violence against Christians in Uganda, which has been increasingly highlighted by numerous organizations, including Morning Star News.
Despite constitutional protections that guarantee religious freedom, many converts continue to navigate a perilous landscape.
It’s worth noting that Muslims make up about 12% of Uganda’s population, predominantly located in its eastern regions.
The struggle for religious tolerance remains an urgent issue in the country.
Source: Christianpost
