Update: Doctors attempt to save eye of injured pastor


Pray that Bishop Umar will retain sight in his left eye.
Photo: Compass Direct News

A church leader in Uganda who was targeted in an acid attack in December 2011 is currently receiving treatment in Israel to retain vision in his remaining eye. Doctors at Sheba Hospital in Tel-Aviv are still not sure what chemicals Muslim extremists threw on Bishop Umar Mulinde, but they know that the acid is threatening the vision in his left eye. Mulinde said his left eye has been getting better under the specialized treatment he has been able to receive. However, Mulinde also said that "the damaged right eye is somehow affecting the left eye. The doctors are thinking of removing the right eye with hope of saving the left eye."

Mulinde said he was encouraged that ministry is continuing at his church in Namasuba, though his friend Zachariah Serwadda was ambushed on February 4 after an evangelistic outreach in the predominantly Muslim town of Mbale. "I only heard several voices as I dropped down when the windshield of my vehicle got broken," said Serwadda, who was unhurt in the attack. "It could be the same group [that attacked Mulinde]. It seems it's the same network, because after attacking Bishop Mulinde they threw down letters at the [church] ... threatening to attack other preachers like him."

Pray that Mulinde will retain his sight. Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of Mulinde and his friend Serwadda. Pray that the Lord will bless their efforts to spread the gospel. Pray that the perpetrators of these attacks will repent and come to know Jesus Christ. Please pray that increased persecution in Uganda will result in increased boldness among believers (Acts 4:29-31).

  • 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.