Two Pastors Ambushed and Beaten With Knives for Preaching That Jesus Is the Son of God

Muslim Extremists Attack Two Christian Pastors in Eastern Uganda for Converting Muslims

Five masked men dressed in Islamic attire ambushed two Christian pastors at 4 a.m. in eastern Uganda, beating them with sticks and slashing them with knives for preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. The attack took place on January 30 at Osupa Swamp along the Pallisa to Mbale Highway.

Pastor John Michael Okoel and Assistant Pastor Abraham Omoding of New Life Church in Pallisa, approximately 120 miles northeast of Kampala, were returning from an all night prayer meeting when the attackers stopped them.

"They began accusing us of lying about Allah, preaching that Allah has a Son and converting their brothers and sisters. Before I could respond, one of them, Ali Kitaali, slapped me, cut me near my mouth"

Pastor John Michael Okoel recounting the attack to Morning Star News

Pastor Okoel suffered a deep facial laceration near his mouth, knee and hand injuries, and lost consciousness during the assault. Assistant Pastor Omoding sustained a fractured arm, had two teeth knocked out, and suffered severe back injuries.

Christian Persecution in Uganda Escalates as Pastors Targeted for Evangelism

The attackers fled when a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction flashed its headlights. The occupants of that vehicle rushed both pastors to a nearby clinic before transferring them to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Both men were discharged on February 8 after more than a week of treatment.

A neighboring pastor who requested anonymity called the attack "deeply disturbing" and urged authorities to investigate and ensure justice. Area residents reported that the assault has heightened fear and anxiety among Christian leaders in the region.

At the time of reporting, no official police statement had been issued and no arrests had been made. Muslims comprise approximately 12 percent of Uganda's national population, with higher concentrations in eastern regions where tensions between Muslim communities and Christian evangelists have intensified in recent years.

THE CRUSADER'S OPINION

They were beaten for saying what every Christian believes: that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

These pastors were not provoking anyone. They were walking home from prayer at 4 in the morning. And for that, they were ambushed, slashed, and left for dead.

No arrests. No police statement. No justice. The silence of the authorities is complicity. We will say their names when the world will not.

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Pray for the full recovery of Pastor John Michael Okoel and Assistant Pastor Abraham Omoding

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