Published on June 30, 2024, 12:35 am

Image source: Fox News

Surrounded by heightened concerns for religious freedom, real news has emerged from eastern Uganda. There has been a tragic loss of life with the murder of an evangelist who was working diligently to promote the message of Christ. Trusted sources reveal that Richard Malinga, a devoted 36-year-old Christian pastor, succumbed to threats from Muslim extremists.

Malinga’s lifeless body was found in Kayete Swamp, Akisim A village within the Butebo District. Earlier that day he’d sent an alarming text message to his senior pastor, disclosing that he had been surrounded by Muslims.

A driving force in spreading Christianity and fostering faith in his community, Malinga hailed from Pallisa District. Just hours before his untimely demise on June 17th, Malinga had set out on a mission to propagate the gospel among residents of Butebo District. His steadfast dedication moved many people towards Christ, drawing even radical Muslims towards faith.

His church’s senior pastor provided further heartbreaking details about their final digital exchange: “The evening of June 17th, I received a short message from Malinga intimating that he was surrounded by Muslims.” Despite multiple attempts at replies from the pastor – whose identity remains undisclosed – there were no responses from Malinga.

Malinga’s role as a messenger for Christ was not without its hardships. He had previously faced threats and intimidation from Muslim extremists across Budaka, Kadama, Butebo and Pallisa districts; a stark reminder of the religious bias and intolerance that fuels cruel violence.

Evidently shaken eyewitnesses have helped piece together the grisly scene at which Malinga’s body was discovered tied up and lying amidst a pool of blood. Upon identifying him via his phone messages with his senior pastor they notified authorities immediately leading to an active investigation unleashed by police in Butebo District.

The tragic incident has not only imprinted sorrow upon those who knew and worked closely with Malinga, but also cast a spotlight on Christian persecution in Uganda. Reflecting on this grim period, the pastor shared his grief, mourning the loss of an “active, devoted and committed evangelist,” whose relentless efforts managed to mould the faith journeys of many in their community.

The shocking event adds to several incidents that reveal a trend of Christian persecution in Uganda. Despite legislations safeguarding religious freedom, it is noteworthy to underscore that Muslims constitute a significant population in eastern Uganda – about 12 percent.

As these events continue to shape a Christian worldview towards religious tolerance and understanding, it stands as an urgent call to continually uplift faith communities under siege and to echo their struggles worldwide through trusted news coverage.