Pastor Bernard Mulongo of New Restoration Church of Christ was murdered shortly after taking part in an interfaith Christian-Muslim debate in Butebo District, Uganda.
The 25-year-old clergyman had participated in an open-air dialogue and later appeared on a local radio program to further discuss religious issues. During the debate, two Muslim women reportedly converted to Christianity, which escalated tensions.
Fellow pastor David Omala noted that one Muslim participant, reportedly an imam, became visibly upset, accusing Mulongo of misleading Muslims and misusing the Quran to attract converts.
Attack Details
On the night of the incident, Mulongo and his friend Robert Mukisa were riding a motorcycle towards their accommodation in Jami village near Mbale when a group of men on motorcycles blocked their path. One attacker accused Mulongo of drawing people away from Islam before attacking him.
Mukisa escaped and alerted police. Authorities found Mulongo with multiple injuries to his head, chest, back, and hand. His body was taken to Mbale City Mortuary for postmortem examination before being released for burial in Butebo District.
Investigation and Concerns
- Police have launched an investigation, with the imam among those suspected and reportedly in hiding.
- No arrests have been made at the time of reporting.
- The incident raises concerns over the safety of faith leaders involved in interfaith dialogue and the state of religious tolerance in the region.
- Kenyan and Ugandan law protect freedom of religion, including the right to convert and practice faith openly.
