Uganda: Evangelist Killed Following Mass Conversions at Public Christian–Muslim Dialogue

Image: Jihad Watch

A Christian evangelist in eastern Uganda was brutally killed by suspected Muslim extremists following a public Christian–Muslim dialogue held earlier this month, according to local sources.

The victim, Konkona Kasimu, 42, was a former Muslim who had converted to Christianity and was widely respected for his deep knowledge of both the Bible and the Quran. His unique background enabled him to engage confidently in interfaith discussions, and he had taken part in Christian–Muslim dialogues across multiple districts, including Iganga, Mayuge, Jinja, and Kampala. Church leaders said Kasimu was especially effective in explaining Christian beliefs to Muslim audiences because of his understanding of Islamic theology.

Kasimu was serving as the lead speaker at a series of open-air dialogues organized by New Eden Church in Busia town, eastern Uganda, from December 8 to December 12. The outreach team consisted of four evangelists—three men and one woman—tasked with preaching, counseling attendees, and discipling new converts. While Kasimu led the theological discussions, the other team members supported those who expressed interest in Christianity, church leaders said.

According to organizers, tensions escalated sharply on the final day of the event after several Muslims publicly renounced Islam and embraced Christianity. Concerned that Kasimu had become a target because of these conversions, local Christians temporarily hid him for his safety. Later that evening, on December 12, the team decided to leave Busia and return to Iganga, about 108 kilometers away.

At around 6:30 p.m., the group began their journey on two motorcycles. Kasimu was riding with fellow evangelist Recheal Kyakuwa, while the remaining two team members traveled on a separate motorcycle ahead of them. As Kasimu and Kyakuwa passed through the Nakalama swamp area, they were intercepted by four men reportedly dressed in Islamic attire, Kyakuwa said.

Initially believing the men were seeking help, the two Christians slowed down. Moments later, one of the assailants identified Kasimu as the evangelist who had led the Busia dialogue. He was then struck violently on the head, Kyakuwa told Morning Star News from her hospital bed in Iganga. She said the attackers then turned on her, beating her until she lost consciousness. The second motorcycle carrying the other two evangelists managed to escape the scene during the attack.

Kasimu later died from the injuries he sustained. Kyakuwa survived but required hospitalization due to the severity of her wounds.

Kasimu’s death has triggered deep mourning among Christian communities across eastern Uganda. Church leaders described the killing as a deliberate and targeted attack linked directly to his evangelistic activities and his role in recent conversions. Many expressed concern over rising hostility toward Christian outreach efforts and called for greater protection for those engaged in interfaith dialogue.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)