Christian man killed by Muslim after debate on religion

Christian persecution continues in the predominantly Muslim country Uganda as the recent killing of a Christian man is connected allegedly to a religious debate that angered some Muslims.

An evangelical preacher in Kasasira village, Kibuku District was found dead June 4 in Kadama village a few meters from the suspect's house. According to Morning Star News, sources said that 50-year-old Yokannah Zirinkuma had preached in his village two weeks prior his death and engaged in a heated debate that led to threats from unknown Muslims.

An unnamed Christian convert shared with the publication a letter written in Arabic that Zirinkuma had received. The letter read, "You should stop misleading Muslims, and if you fail to adhere to this, then you will face the judgment sword from Allah." 

Pastor Samuel Keffa at Kadama Church of Uganda recalled the incident leading to Zirinkima's death.

"Yokannah mentioned to me that three Muslims from his village followed him till he entered the church for the seminar, and that he did not know where they went after that," the pastor shared with Morning Star News.

"He looked fearful for his life," he added.

He also narrated how a Muslim, Ibrahim Mwede, approached him and Zirinkima as the seminar ended and that the Muslim began talking about his cassava business to Zirinkuma. It was getting late so Mwede invited Zirinkuma to spend the night at his house. At 3 a.m., Mwede's neighbours heard a commotion and found a dead body lying near Mwede's place, according to Keffa.

Autopsy reports indicated signs of strangling. Mwede was arrested and charged with murder.

In early May, a Christian woman convert was also strangled to death by her Muslim husband after he found out that she had left their Islamic faith. The 30-year-old Mariam Nakirya of Mbaale village, Imanyiro Sub-County, Mayuge District, was survived by her five children, ages 5 to 12, who are now living with relatives. Their father, Awali Kakaire, fled the village after neighbours stopped him as he tried to dump his children into a hole in a nearby garden.