Update: Girl tortured by her father for her faith walks again


Susan Ithungu is slowly regaining the
use of her legs after being locked in
a room for six months.
Photo: Compass Direct News

A 15-year-old Christian girl in Uganda is slowly regaining the use of her legs after her father, in an attempt to make her convert back to Islam, confined her in a small room and deprived her of adequate food and water.

Susan Ithungu was locked in a room for six months after accepting Christ as her Saviour in 2010 (for more information, click here). She weighed just 20 kilograms when she was finally rescued after her brother informed neighbours of his sister's life-threatening condition. The two children lived alone with their father who was arrested last fall when the girl was removed from the home by police and hospitalized for more than a month. Susan's father was quickly released, however, and remains unapologetic for the abuse. Susan now lives in a rented house in an undisclosed location.

"Well-wishers have been paying the house rent and buying me food and clothing," said Susan, who added that she has forgiven her father. A church member, Biira Dreda, left her own four children with family to care for Susan. Susan has begun to walk with support, but cannot squat or stand upright due to the amount of time she spent immobilized. She hopes to return to school soon, but remains in very fragile condition.

Please pray that Susan will continue to make progress in her physical and emotional healing. Pray that she will regain full use of her legs and will be strong enough to continue in her studies. Pray that her brother and her father will see Christ's love in Susan and that they will be brought to salvation. Please pray for Biira; pray that her love and compassion for Susan will be rewarded with abundant blessings.

  • Country Information

    Central African RepublicPopulation
    47,729,952 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Baganda (16.5), Banyankole (9.6), Basoga (8.8), Bakiga (7.1), Iteso (7), Langi (6.3), Bagisu (4.9), Acholi (4.4), Lugbara (3.3), other (32.1) (2014 est.)

    Religion (%)
    Protestant (45.1), Roman Catholic (39.3), Muslim (13.7), other (1.6), none (0.2) (2014 est.)

    Leader
    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (1986)

    Government type
    Presidential Republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law and customary law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Uganda

    As persecution increases, ask our Heavenly Father to fill believers' hearts with peace to rest in Him and boldness to continue to share the gospel. Pray that new believers will be discipled in solid biblical doctrice and practice. Ask the Lord to soften the hearts of those responsible for the opposition so that they will turn to Jesus Christ.

Uganda News

  • Two Arrests Relating to Case of Slain Pastor
    Faluku Gaju's arrest
    Faluku Gaju was arrested for his part in Pastor Barnabas' murder.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Two men in eastern Uganda have been charged after the September 12th murder of an evangelist, Pastor Barnabas Musana. According to another pastor from a nearby village, some of the militant Muslims in the area were upset because Pastor Barnabas had been holding evangelistic events and public debates about Christianity and Islam. In February 2020, he had been whisked away by church members after boldly stating that Jesus was the Son of God, and thus greater than Muhammad.

  • Attacks Perpetrated by Family and Neighbours
    Abudlawali Kijwalo and Hajat Habiiba Namuwaya
    Abudlawali and Hajat
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Three recent incidents of violence against Christians in Uganda reveal the costs of following Christ. For believers in this African nation, opposition can come from many directions, even close family members, and may potentially result in serious injury or death.

  • Pastor Killed for Reaching Out to Muslims
    A church in Uganda

    Security officials have arrested an imam who confessed to killing a pastor on June 11th for sharing the Gospel with Muslims in Uganda. Bishop Francis Obo served as the senior pastor of Mpingire Pentecostal Revival Church Ministries International in the village of Odapako and was also responsible for overseeing the ministry of 17 churches in the area. He was killed after being approached by a group of Islamic militants as he was leaving a market with his wife, Christine.

  • Widow's Family Narrowly Escapes Arson
    A church in Uganda - Photo: Flickr / Rod Waddington
    Christians in Uganda are facing growing opposition.
    Photo: Flickr / Rod Waddington (cc)

    In September 2015, Siriman Kintu was beheaded because he converted from Islam to Christianity. He left behind his wife Kanifa Namulondo, who had also converted, along with their five children.

    Following her husband's death, Kanifa and her children fled their home in Kaliro, Uganda. However, she recently determined to return to the village and, with the help of friends, rebuilt the house. On April 25th, she moved back into the home with her children.