An Ugandan court sentenced five men to death for the 2024 killings of two Christian evangelists in Namayingo District. Justice David Batema ruled that Musoke Yakuti and four others murdered Robert Baguma and Moses Okech near Lake Victoria. Three additional men received death sentences for failing to report the attack. Witnesses stated the victims were targeted for their preaching activities. The verdict marks a significant moment for local Christians seeking justice for the brutal assault.
Morning Star News reports multiple violent incidents against Christians in Uganda throughout 2024. In one case, a Ugandan judge sentenced eight Muslims to death for the 2024 killings of evangelists Robert Baguma and Moses Okech. Other attacks include the stabbing of pastor Bernard Mulongo by an imam suspect, the maiming of Kalegeya Faruku by relatives, and the murder of Hamba Juma by his father. Victims were targeted for their conversion to Christianity or evangelistic activities in regions including Wakiso, Iganga, and Mayuge districts. Sources attribute these crimes to religious hostility.
Benjamin Kule Mayani, a 45-year-old teacher in Kasese District, Uganda, was killed on September 29, 2026. He and a colleague were attacked by three men while returning from an outreach. The assailants, including Isifu Marjani, questioned Mayani about his sister Sharifa, a Muslim convert to Christianity whom Mayani had previously hosted. Police Assistant Superintendent Elly Maate confirmed the fatal blow was struck with a blunt object. Mayani died at the scene before being taken to Bwera Hospital. Police have registered a murder case and are investigating the incident, which highlights ongoing religious tensions in the region.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Jonathan Göhner on UnsplashPersecuted church
In Kibenge, Uganda, two sisters, Amina and Shamila, narrowly escaped death when their father, Muhamud, set their house on fire with gasoline. The incident occurred on September 6, following the girls' conversion to Christianity on August 26. Muhamud claimed he was enforcing Islamic law. The sisters woke up to the smell of fuel, broke through a brick wall, and fled before neighbors rescued them. Local Christian leaders condemned the attack as illegal and unjustifiable. Although the fire destroyed their belongings, the girls stated their faith in Jesus Christ has strengthened. The incident highlights ongoing religious tensions in the Kasese district.
Open Doors UK and Ireland will submit the Arise Africa petition to government bodies on Thursday, November 12. This action marks a key moment for the three-year campaign advocating for justice and protection for the persecuted church in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization urges supporters to pray for the hand-in process and for the church in countries including Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to remain steadfast. Pastor Josiah emphasized that prayers are felt by believers in the region. The petition aims to secure sustained impact and restoration for Christians facing persecution.
A leader of International Christian Concern urges governments worldwide to dismantle financial networks sustaining terrorist groups. Citing reports on extremist factions in various regions, the organization argues that cutting off resources is essential for lasting security. The outlet highlights how these groups use cryptocurrency, kidnapping ransoms, and cross-border links to fund attacks against Christians. Recommendations include stronger sanctions, improved intelligence sharing, and better tracking of digital assets to prevent these funds from enabling violence and suppressing religious freedom.
Mugambo Ismail, a Muslim-background believer in Bundibugyo, Western Uganda, survived a violent attack on September 22 after converting to Christianity. According to Ismail, a group of men associated with a local mosque seized him, tied him up, and demanded he deny Jesus at swordpoint. He escaped by running while his hands were restrained, and neighboring Christians rescued him. Rev. Job Thema of Berea Pentecostal Church stated that converts in the region face increasing threats and danger. Ismail remains in hiding, fearing further retaliation from those who targeted him for his faith. The incident highlights the severe risks faced by religious converts in the area.
In Uganda and South Sudan, traditional rainmakers face increasing violence from farming communities when weather patterns fail or cause floods. In eastern Uganda, David Nabutsilili was beaten after excessive rain flooded crops, while in South Sudan, at least two rainmakers were killed in recent years due to drought. The Associated Press reports that erratic climate change has heightened expectations, leading to assaults or killings when rituals do not yield desired results. Farmers blame these spiritual leaders for crop failures, despite the complex nature of weather. The quid pro quo payment system often fuels conflict when refunds are denied after perceived failures.
A four-year study in Uganda shows that a mentorship program for young fathers, supported by cultural and religious leaders, has significantly reduced intimate partner violence. The REAL Fathers initiative, implemented across regions like Bunyoro and Lango, helped 153,579 men improve family communication and parenting skills. Data presented in Kampala indicates that reported violence against wives dropped from 53.3% to 34.4% among participants. State Minister Mercy Faith Lakisa praised the evidence-based results but urged greater budgetary commitment to sustain these gains. The program, backed by the LEGO Foundation, aims to foster responsible fatherhood and peaceful households through community-based training.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Michael Starkie on UnsplashGood news
A young woman from Uganda is studying at the Uganda Baptist Seminary to better understand Scripture for teaching purposes. She previously served in a village with no believers, but civil war has destroyed her home region and the community where she taught. According to the International Mission Board, she remains unable to return home months after the violence. Ugandan Baptist leaders sponsored her training. The outlet highlights her situation as an example of theological education continuing despite conflict, noting that she carries a deep burden for her country while seeking to serve others through the gospel.
The International Mission Board's training team is supporting leaders in East Africa who face challenges after completing their global training. While some act immediately, others feel overwhelmed or struggle to share their knowledge. To assist, the team launched a post-training cohort for participants across several nations in the region. This group aims to provide mutual support, discuss ministry victories and challenges, and encourage the faithful application of their learning. The initiative seeks to ensure leaders remain connected and effective in their local communities, fostering resilience and continued growth in their ministries despite difficult circumstances. (Source: IMB)
A missionary team reports that displaced persons in northern Uganda are experiencing heightened tensions due to ongoing tribal wars in Sudan's Nuba Mountains. The group states that daily news of battles and deaths is causing distress among the refugee community. They emphasize the need for peace and unity among tribal members. The team urges Christian leaders to share the gospel effectively and calls for an end to tribalism in the region. This situation highlights the impact of cross-border conflicts on displaced populations in Uganda.
A missionary team is preparing for a ministry event in a refugee settlement in Uganda. The initiative targets pregnant women arriving from neighboring countries who often lack resources for safe childbirth. Organizers plan to distribute sealed 'Mama Kits' containing essential hygiene and delivery supplies, alongside reusable diaper and menstruation kits. The event also includes educational sessions on prenatal and postnatal care. According to the outlet, the program aims to support maternal health while sharing a religious message about the value of women. Local partners will assist the team in this effort.
In Uganda, a man named Fred from Sigulu Island on Lake Victoria changed his lifestyle after encountering a missionary in July. Previously known for visiting a bar before 10 a.m., Fred heard the gospel message and decided to stop drinking. He now attends church and shares his experience with others. The World Health Organization identifies Uganda as having the highest alcohol consumption in Africa, highlighting the significance of this personal transformation amidst the country's broader struggle with addiction. Fred's story illustrates the impact of missionary work in island communities.
The Karamojong Team reports that two new churches have been established in the Karamojong region of Uganda. The group is seeking support for training pastors to lead these congregations. They also request prayers for community members to hear the gospel, become disciples, and help expand the church network. This development marks a significant step in the spread of Christianity within this specific Ugandan area.
The International Mission Board's Global Training Team provides trauma healing sessions in East Africa. These Bible studies help participants process suffering through effective listening and hopeful scripture. Trainees learn to share these resources with their communities. The program aims to foster spiritual healing and eternal hope in Jesus Christ. Leaders are encouraged to guide groups with wisdom. The initiative seeks to expand outreach to new areas and support those experiencing personal trauma through faith-based counseling methods.
The International Mission Board urges support for believers displaced by war in Uganda. The outlet highlights students at the Uganda Baptist Seminary who originate from areas affected by long-term civil and tribal conflict. One student stated that despite being labeled enemies by combatants, they must share the gospel with them for both present hope and eternal salvation. The group encourages these students to remain strong in their faith and to encourage friends and family still residing in war-torn regions to spread the message of the gospel. http://ugandabaptistseminary.org/
In July, a volunteer team from the International Mission Board visited Sigulu Island in Lake Victoria, Uganda, to share the gospel. The group engaged with local residents through personal testimonies, safe water presentations, and food distributions to 213 families. According to the outlet, more than 1,000 people were directly impacted, and 301 individuals made professions of faith. Participants were also trained in sharing their faith using specific biblical stories. The mission highlights efforts to reach isolated communities in the region.
The Uganda Baptist Seminary (UBS) in Uganda trains students who already serve as pastors or lay leaders in their local churches. Attendees come from Uganda and seven surrounding countries, drawn by word-of-mouth recommendations regarding the institution's biblical focus. The students seek to deepen their understanding of Scripture and apply it to their specific cultural contexts. The seminary serves both men and women, aiming to equip them for effective ministry and teaching within their communities. This educational initiative supports the growth of local church leadership across the region by providing structured theological study. (Source: IMB)
An IMB team member in Uganda reports that a German woman, while prayerwalking, engaged in a conversation about her spiritual life. The woman, who felt alienated from her family and God due to past choices, responded to evangelism tools by acknowledging her need for a Savior. She confessed her sins, accepted Jesus, and joined a women’s Bible study. The group has embraced her, and she has reconnected with her children, who are welcoming her return to the family and the country. The team member notes her ongoing growth in faith within the local community.
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