Evangelist Killed After Religious Event in Kampala, Police Investigate

KAMPALA, DC News — An evangelist was killed and his wife injured in an attack by unidentified assailants late Thursday night after a religious outreach event in Kampala, Ugandan authorities said, in a case that has raised fresh concerns about security for faith-based activities.

The victim, Alfred Kitenga, had just concluded an evangelistic gathering in the Namungoona area with his wife, Anna Grace Nabirye, when the couple accepted a ride home from four men who claimed to be fellow Christians, according to accounts reported by local and religious media outlets.

The attack occurred at around 9:30 p.m. along the Northern Bypass in Kawaala, in Wakiso District on the outskirts of the capital.

Ms. Nabirye said she grew uneasy during the journey when one of the men repeatedly spoke on the phone in a language she did not understand. Shortly afterward, three additional men joined them.

“What followed was sudden violence,” she said.

The attackers beat and stabbed the couple, she said. Mr. Kitenga died from his injuries at the scene, while Ms. Nabirye was assaulted and later left near her home, where she survived.

Local church leaders who arrived shortly afterward found Mr. Kitenga’s body by the roadside and reported the incident to police.

Authorities have taken the body for a postmortem examination. As of Friday, no suspects had been arrested and officials said the motive remained under investigation.

Police did not immediately comment on whether the attack was targeted or opportunistic.

Church leaders described Mr. Kitenga as a committed evangelist known for his outreach work. His death has prompted expressions of grief within the local Christian community and renewed calls for caution during nighttime religious activities.

Religious Landscape and Ongoing Concerns

Uganda is predominantly Christian, with about 82 percent of the population identifying with the faith, according to the 2024 national census. Muslims make up an estimated 13 to 14 percent, with higher concentrations in eastern regions.

The country’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, including the right to practice and share one’s beliefs, and prohibits discrimination on religious grounds.

However, monitoring groups have documented sporadic incidents of violence linked to religious activity in some areas. The killing of Mr. Kitenga has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by evangelists and religious workers, particularly when traveling at night.

Police officials said the investigation is ongoing. []