Morning Star News, November 26, 2020
Muslim relatives of a former sheikh in eastern Uganda who refused to renounce Christ killed his 6-year-old son on Monday (Nov. 23).
Following a two-hour meeting with Muslim relatives in Kibuku District, former sheikh (Islamic teacher) Emmanuel Hamuzah refused their demand to renounce Christ. Shortly afterward, his brothers, sisters and paternal uncle attacked him outside his house, he said.
His 6-year-old son, Ibrahim Mohammad, was outside with him when the five relatives approached at about 6:30 p.m., with one saying, “You should renounce this Christian faith, which is a disgrace to our family,” Hamuzah said.
“I refused to yield to their demand, and they started fighting me with kicks and blows,” Hamuzah told Morning Star News. “I tried to defend myself while the other attackers were stepping on my child’s neck, suffocating him.”
The assailants fled when neighbours rushed toward the commotion, and his son died before he could obtain medical help, he said. The family has not reported the assault to police out of fear of further violence by the assailants.
Hamuzah, who with his wife has three other children ages 10, 8 and 4, put his faith in Christ two years ago.