Ugandan pastor Bernard Mulongo was reportedly killed hours after taking part in a Christian-Muslim debate, with police investigating the incident and an imam said to be among the suspects.
The 25-year-old pastor of New Restoration Church of Christ participated in an open-air interfaith dialogue in Butebo District before appearing on a local radio programme to continue discussions on religious issues.
According to fellow pastor David Omala, tensions escalated after two Muslim women reportedly converted to Christianity during the debate, an outcome that surprised many attendees.
The Christian Post reported that Omala claimed one of the Muslim participants became visibly upset after the event.
The imam allegedly accused Pastor Mulongo of misleading Muslims and using the Quran to persuade people to embrace Christianity.
Mulongo had travelled to Mbale for the debate, and those close to him believed the hostility that followed both the public discussion and the radio programme may have contributed to the events that unfolded later that evening.
His friend, Robert Mukisa, said they were travelling on a motorcycle to their accommodation when several men riding motorcycles intercepted them in Jami village, about nine miles from Mbale.
Mukisa alleged that one of the attackers accused the pastor of converting people away from Islam before he fled the scene and alerted police.
When officers and church leaders arrived, Pastor Mulongo was found dead with multiple injuries to his head, chest, back and hand.
His remains were taken to Mbale City Mortuary for a postmortem examination before being released to his family for burial in Butebo District.
Sources familiar with the investigation said the imam is among those being investigated and has reportedly gone into hiding.
Police have opened an investigation into the killing, but no arrests had been announced at the time the incident was reported.
Uganda’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, including the right to change one’s faith and practise religious beliefs openly.
The killing has sparked fresh concerns about the safety of religious leaders involved in interfaith engagement and the state of religious tolerance in the region.
