A recent Christian convert in eastern Uganda tragically lost his life on August 19 after a friend allegedly lured him, highlighting ongoing religious persecution in the region.
Mohammed Nagi, a 38-year-old father of five, lived in Nyanza South village, Nyanza parish, Mugiti Sub-County, Budaka District. In March, a pastor from Mbale visited his home and shared the gospel. Inspired, Nagi, his wife Katooko Nusula, and their children, aged 4 to 15, embraced the Christian faith.
Two weeks later, the family began attending the pastor’s church, which remains unnamed for security reasons. However, a relative and Nagi’s friend, Rajabu, noticed their new religious practice and questioned them.
“We did not answer his question,” Nusula recalled. “Once we realized they were watching us, we decided to attend a different church.”
Threats and Escalation
By July, rumors spread that the family attended the alternate church. Rajabu confronted Nagi about skipping Friday mosque prayers, and Nagi’s brothers and parents also challenged him.
Nusula said, “They told him he deserved death because they had never seen anyone in our family convert to Christianity. They could not understand why he would abandon Islam, the faith of Prophet Muhammad.”
The Fatal Deception
On August 19, around 8 p.m., Rajabu called Nagi, claiming he secured a job for him. He asked Nagi to meet that night at Mailo 5 trading center in Nyanza South village to discuss details. Nusula urged her husband to postpone, but Nagi feared losing the opportunity and left immediately.
“We waited as the night dragged on,” Nusula said. “I tried calling him repeatedly, but I could not reach him. Early the next morning, a neighbor, Naisu Isima, found him dead and called me around 6 a.m.”
Police Investigation
Nusula reported the murder to Budaka Central Police Station (Ref. No. CRB 070/2025). Officers, led by Kwebiiha Sarapio, found Nagi’s body in Kamonkoli village with head injuries and signs he had been dragged approximately 20 meters along a muddy road. Police noted no signs of strangulation. Authorities transferred the body to Mbale City mortuary for a postmortem.
Rajabu, the prime suspect, remains missing, and police continue searching for him.
Impact on Family and Religious Freedom
Nagi leaves behind five children, ages 4, 7, 9, 12, and 15. This killing is the latest reported instance of persecution against Christians in Uganda. While the Ugandan constitution guarantees religious freedom, including the right to convert and propagate faith, Muslims make up about 12 percent of the population, particularly in eastern regions.
This incident demonstrates the ongoing risks that converts face and the challenges of practicing religious freedom in areas with strong societal and familial pressures.
