In eastern Uganda in a predominantly Muslim village on 6 October, a mob of armed jihadists injured 27 Christians working at a food-producing project because people were coming to Christ through the outreach.
As they harvested rice, 16 of the 27 wounded Christians were seriously injured when the Islamists, invoking jihad in Arabic, descended on them.
Led by Imam
An imam identified only as Akiimu led the group in the attack. The Christians suffered deep cuts on their heads, faces and hands, as well as back injuries, as the assailants struck them with long, metal knives used for cutting firewood, among other objects.
Police arrived at the site, arrested several Muslims and opened a case against them.
The rice plantation project, a joint effort by churches from three denominations, began in March. Part of the production was designed to help the community through periods of food shortfalls, while other amounts were sold to help pay school fees for needy families.
Through the project, 21 Muslims over six months put their faith in Christ. Muslims started issuing threats to the Christians, with one leaflet warning: ‘We have discovered your hidden agenda, and be warned that soon you will reap what you have sown in changing our members to Christianity.’
Muslims angered by conversions had issued threats to Christians, and mosque leaders had cautioned during Friday mosque prayers that those who converted would be treated harshly, as taught in the Qur’an.
