Uganda: Family members kill a Muslim man after he converts to Christianity

Image: Jihad Watch

NAIROBI, Kenya (Morning Star News) – A Muslim teacher at an Islamic school in eastern Uganda who converted to Christianity on October 4 was killed on October 21, according to local sources.

Wanjala Hamidu, 32, taught at Swidiki Islamic School in Nankoma, Bugiri District, approximately four kilometers from his home in Masita village. He was reportedly beaten to death by his brothers after they discovered his newfound faith in Christ.

Hamidu embraced Christianity during an evangelistic event held on October 4 in Bulange, which he attended with his brother, Wulasiyo Swamadu. While Hamidu stayed after the event for further Christian teachings, Swamadu returned home and informed their Muslim family members about his conversion, a local source revealed.

News of Hamidu's conversion quickly spread through Masita and the school. The head teacher at Swidiki Islamic School had reportedly planned to dismiss him at the end of the school term due to his faith. On October 21, four of his brothers, led by Hiire Isifu and Hawumba Jamada, came to the school, where they met with administrators and obtained permission to take Hamidu and his belongings back to Masita, according to the source.

Upon reaching the village, the brothers demanded that Hamidu renounce his Christian faith. When he refused, Isifu slapped him, and the others prepared to administer 39 lashes, which they believed Islamic law prescribed for apostasy, said a local Christian source.

“We heard loud cries and wailing, prompting neighbors to rush to the scene,” the source told Morning Star News. “When we arrived, Hamidu was on the ground, bleeding profusely, while his brothers shouted, ‘Infidel, infidel, shame to our family.’”

Hamidu's mother pleaded for help, but no one intervened, fearing retaliation under the vigilante enforcement of sharia (Islamic law), the source said. Uganda's constitution guarantees religious freedom, including the right to change faiths and share one’s beliefs.

“Soon, he was dead, lying in a pool of blood,” the source said. “He had severe injuries to his head and chest inflicted by a sharp object.”

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)