Evangelist Murdered in Uganda
On October 30, 2023, a group of Muslim extremists brutally killed Emmanuel Dikusooka, a 29-year-old evangelist, in eastern Uganda. The incident occurred after Dikusooka and a fellow Christian, Jack Mbulante, refused to renounce their faith and convert to Islam. The attack, which has sent shockwaves through the Christian community in Uganda, is yet another instance of religious violence in the region.
A Mission of Faith Turns Tragic
Dikusooka was leading a six-day evangelistic event at the Nawaikoke trading center in Kaliro District, an area with a predominantly Muslim population. The event, which began on October 28, aimed to share the Christian faith and saw 18 Muslims convert to Christianity within its first three days.
The evening of October 30 marked a turning point. At approximately 6:30 p.m., as Dikusooka and Mbulante were returning to their hotel in Kaliro town, six Muslim youths intercepted their rented motorcycle near Lumbuye Bridge. According to Mbulante, the attackers were dressed in traditional Islamic attire and armed with long Somali swords (pangas), iron bars, and sticks.
The assailants demanded the Christians hand over their belongings, including Bibles and other Christian materials, which were subsequently thrown into the River Lumbuye. The extremists then attempted to force Dikusooka and Mbulante to hold up a Quran, swear allegiance to Allah, and renounce Christianity.
“They tried to force us to renounce Jesus Christ and our faith,” Mbulante later recounted. “We openly refused, which angered them, and they hit Dikusooka with an iron bar on the head, and he fell down.”
Mbulante managed to escape by jumping into the river, leaving Dikusooka behind as he screamed for help. Upon reaching safety, Mbulante sought assistance from local Christians. Tragically, when they returned to the scene, they found Dikusooka lifeless, his body bearing severe head injuries, cuts to the neck and back, and a disfigured mouth.
The Impact on the Community
The murder of Emmanuel Dikusooka has left his family, including his wife and three children aged 9, 6, and 4, devastated. The community he served is grappling with fear and grief. Dikusooka was not only a devout evangelist but also a symbol of hope and faith in a region where Christians face significant challenges.
The attack has also instilled fear among those who converted to Christianity during the evangelistic event. Mbulante revealed that some of the new converts recognized the attackers and now fear for their own lives. Many have sought refuge in an undisclosed location to avoid further violence.
Despite Uganda’s constitutional protections for religious freedom, including the right to convert and propagate one’s faith, incidents like these highlight the fragility of these rights in areas with significant extremist activity. While Muslims constitute no more than 12% of Uganda’s population, their concentration in certain regions, particularly in the east, has led to periodic tensions and violence against religious minorities.
The Need for Justice and Protection
Local police have been informed of the attack and are reportedly searching for the perpetrators. However, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect religious minorities and ensure justice for victims of religious violence.
The murder of Dikusooka is the latest in a series of documented attacks against Christians in Uganda. Advocacy groups and local leaders have repeatedly called on the government to address rising extremism and provide security to vulnerable communities.
Dikusooka’s death serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by evangelists and converts in areas where religious tensions run high. His unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of mortal danger, stands as a testament to his courage and conviction.
As his community mourns his loss, there is a collective demand for accountability and action. The tragedy of Dikusooka’s death should catalyze efforts to foster greater religious tolerance and protect individuals’ rights to freely practice their faith.
While the path to justice remains uncertain, the memory of Emmanuel Dikusooka will continue to inspire those who share his vision of spreading hope and faith, even in the most challenging circumstances.