Youth in Uganda suffer persecution for turning to Jesus Christ

Young Christian converts in eastern Uganda suffer physical injuries and were consequently disowned by their parents after turning to Christ.

Eight children ranging from ages 9 to 16 from four families in Busalamu village, Bukanga Sub-County, Luuka District suffered serious beatings from their parents after converting to Christianity early this year. They took refuge at a church building on June 29 and are currently staying with several church members after their parents disowned them.

The 29-year-old Pastor Brian Mukisa of the Power Gates Church led the young people to Christ. He used to hold worship services at a rented building nearby but had to move 10 kilometers away on June 15 after a group of Muslims led by Bavakuno Ibra, Kalemba Farouk, and Imam Jengo reportedly destroyed the first site on May 25.

"Your church activities will not be tolerated in this area," the pastor quoted one of the Muslims as telling him, according to Morning Star News. "If you do not leave our village, then we shall soon come for your life."

Pastor Mukisa also said that the young Christians disowned by their parents need money to continue their education and that some of them needed funds for medical treatment.

"The parents have totally disowned them as infidels," said the pastor. "They need prayers to come to terms with the separation from parents for choosing Christ."

He implored for prayers and financial assistance for both the persecuted Christians and his church.

"Busalamu is a Muslim stronghold, and any church presence here will meet with strong resistance," said Pastor Mukisa. "We are worshipping in a temporary church structure, and we also appeal for financial assistance in assisting both the persecuted young children and our young upcoming church."

Two separate murders by Muslim hardliners also happened in different villages of Luuka District in June. Muslim relatives poisoned an infant baby whose mother fed during the fasting hours of Ramadan, while the other murder resulted from a Catholic woman's adamant refusal to give her land for a Muslim mosque.