Imam detained in murder of Christian convert

An Imam has been arrested for allegedly murdering a 28-year old Christian convert in eastern Uganda.

Laurence Maisao's body was found dead last Jan. 27, in his house at Numerasu, Village, Naboa Sub-Country, Budaka District, Morning Star News reported.

According to his wife, they were met by Imam Kamulali Hussein on a local road four days earlier saying that her husband had refused to join them, and that "Allah does not want us to have a kafir (infidel) neighbor."

She heard from the Imam , who is locally known as "the malaria of Christianity", "Allah is about to send to you the Angel of Death in your house. Please prepare to meet him at any time."

Four days later, she found her husband lifeless on the floor.

The police immediately investigated, detaining Hussein a day later at Nampangalle village.

The body was removed from the house and brought to the police station, then to a morgue in Budaka. An extensive search was operated the following day by the police.

On the day of the murder, eight men dressed in Islamic attire were reportedly seen coming out from Maiso's house by 4 p.m., Hussein being with them.

The police are still searching for the other suspects.

Crossmap reported that the area where Maiso lived is predominantly Muslim. Disowning his Christian faith was often demanded of him.

This is the latest in a series of attacks against Christians in Uganda, where 85 percent of the population are Christians and 11 percent Muslims, mostly living in eastern areas. In Islamic law, death is the penalty for converting from Islam.

Uganda's constitution provides for religious freedom, including the right to practice one's faith and to convert from one religion to another.