‘Muslim Extremists Beat Two Pastors In Eastern Uganda’

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

KAMPALA, UGANDA (Worthy News) – Two pastors in eastern Uganda who were reportedly attacked by a group of Muslim extremists have been discharged from a hospital and are continuing to recover at home, Worthy News learned Sunday.

Pastor John Michael Okoel and Assistant Pastor Abraham Omoding of New Life Church in Pallisa, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) northeast of the capital, Kampala, said they were attacked while returning home in the early morning hours of January 30 after an all-night prayer meeting.

Five masked men dressed in Islamic attire stopped them at Osupa Swamp along the Pallisa-Mbale Highway, Pastor Okoel said in published remarks.

The assailants, armed with sticks and knives, accused the pastors of blasphemy and of “preaching that Allah has a Son and converting their brothers and sisters,” Okoel told the Christian news agency Morning Star News.

One attacker allegedly slapped Okoel, cut him near the mouth, and struck his knee and hand, causing him to lose consciousness. The group then battered his assistant pastor, fracturing his arm and knocking out two teeth, he added.

PASSING VEHICLE ENDS ATTACK

Their ordeal reportedly ended when a passing vehicle flashed its headlights, prompting the assailants to flee.

Bystanders rushed the wounded pastors to a local clinic, after which relatives and church members helped transfer them to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Both men were later released and are recuperating at home.

Church leaders and community members expressed deep concern over the assault. A neighboring pastor described the attack as “deeply disturbing,” urging authorities to investigate and ensure justice.

Area residents said the beating has heightened fear and anxiety among local Christian leaders and could threaten peaceful coexistence if not addressed.

Police had not announced any arrests as of Sunday.

PERSECUTION CONTEXT

The incident highlights ongoing religious tensions in parts of eastern Uganda, where Christians — especially converts from Islam — sometimes face hostility and violence.

Uganda does not rank among the top 50 countries on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List of places where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

Research behind the list shows that Christians across Africa — including in nations outside the top 50 — still experience violence, discrimination, and pressure for their faith.

Advocacy group Open Doors estimates that more than 388 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith.

The World Watch List measures both violence and pressure across multiple spheres of life, including private, family, community, national, and church life.

Uganda’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, including the right to propagate one’s faith and convert from one religion to another. Muslims make up about 12 percent of the population, with higher concentrations in eastern regions of the country.

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