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UgandaHostile
Christian Persecution in Uganda
Overview:
Uganda is a majority-Christian nation with many active churches. However, Uganda’s history has made it particularly vulnerable to the influence of Islam. During the 1970s, Uganda was ruled by the dictator Idi Amin, who was inspired by Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi to join the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and to begin Islamization of the country. Many of Amin’s policies continue to influence society and government today. Uganda’s parliament has passed Islamic banking laws, which provide zero-interest loans to Islamic projects. Arab countries also continue to invest significant resources into furthering Muslim interests in the country. Radical Islam’s influence has grown steadily, and many Christians within the majority-Muslim border regions are facing severe persecution, especially those who convert from Islam. Despite the risks, many churches in Uganda have responded by reaching out to their neighbors; many churches are training leaders how to share the gospel with Muslims and care for those who are persecuted after they become Christians.
Major Religion:
84 percent of Ugandans are Christians, and 14 percent are Muslims.
Persecutor:
Local Islamists persecute Christians, especially along the eastern, southwestern and northern borders, where radicals have been steadily encroaching.
What It Means To Be A Christian In Uganda:
Christian converts from Islam face pressure from family members and harassment in Muslim communities. Several young people who converted to Christianity have been severely beaten and injured by parents or community members. Pastors and churches have been attacked, and some converts have been killed after their faith became known. The children of families who leave Islam are no longer welcome at school. In some areas, local laws are passed to limit the spread of Christianity or seize church land.
Access To Bibles:
Bibles are available in urban areas, but most people in rural areas do not have access to them or cannot afford them. In addition, many tribal dialects are spoken in rural areas of Uganda, and literacy rates are low among older members of the population. Give Bibles
VOM Work:
VOM supports the distribution of print and audio Bibles in areas with a heavy Muslim influence and helps believers who have been attacked, threatened or ostracized because of their Christian faith. VOM is also sponsoring conferences in central Uganda to inform Christians of encroaching Islamization and to empower churches and pastors to continue standing for Christ in the face of radical Islamic activity while caring for Christian converts from Islam. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for the courage and stability of Molly and Shanita, whose mother was killed for her faith.
- Pray for Betty Musani, whose children took away her property after she became a believer.
- Pray for the courage and safety of Christian converts from Islam who are now sharing the gospel.
- Pray for Ali Mukisa, persecuted by his brothers for leaving Islam.
- Pray for more believers who can respond to the increasing number of Christian converts from Islam.