Group of Muslims attack a pastor, wife after Imam becomes Christian

Pastor Moses Nabwana and his wife Lovisa Naura were attacked by a group of Muslims in eastern Uganda on Dec. 27.

The incident took place as the pastor and his wife returned home from a late afternoon church service.

According to sources, the reason for the attack was the conversion of a Muslim imam to Christianity. For that reason, mosque leaders incited a group of Muslims to beat the Christian couple and demolish parts of their church building.

The head leader of the church was hospitalized for several days while his wife was hospitalized for five days. They received treatment at a clinic in nearby Kasasira, and when Pastor Nabwana’s condition worsened the next day, he was the transferred to a hospital in Ngiino, Kumi District, the pastor’s wife said.

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The imam, whose name is withheld for security reasons, put his faith in Christ on Dec. 5 and on Dec 27 joined the church worship in Nankodo Sub-County at about 4 p.m. During the service, the new believer shared his testimony with his new brother and sister at in Christ, but a few hours later, muslims also knew the news about the imam’s new faith, so they took revenge.

“The members were overjoyed and made loud shouts and praises to God, which attracted the nearby Muslims to take note, and at 6 p.m. the announcement in the mosque was made of the apostasy of the imam,” Naura told Morning Star News.

“They began by beating my husband, hitting him with sticks and blunt objects on the head, the back, his belly and chest,” Naura told Morning Star News. “I made a loud alarm, and one of the attackers hit me with blows and a stick that affected my chest, back and broke my hand.”

“We are yet to report this horrible incident to the police,” Naura said. “My prayers at the moment are for the quick recovery of my husband.”

Since the Dec. 27 attack, she has been referred to Mulago hospital for further treatment but has no money, she said. To date the medical bill has reached 3.5 million Uganda shillings (US$9,417), she said.

“We are requesting for prayers for quick recovery of my husband, money to settle the medical bills and money for rebuilding the demolished church,” Naura said.

Uganda’s constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate one’s faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Uganda’s population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.

Source: Christian Headlines/Morning Star News