Ugandan Convert Has Hands Chopped Off by Muslim Relatives for Leaving Islam

Kalegeya's story is a powerful reminder that following Christ can come at a cost. However, as the Bible teaches, persecution is nothing new for followers of Jesus. In Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV), we read: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

The Context of Conversion and Threats

Kalegeya Faruku, a former Muslim, gave his life to Jesus in March 2025 after being evangelized by a Christian friend. The decision was not well received by his family. "I gave my life to Jesus in early March, and my relatives were not happy. They were very angry and started sending me messages threatening to take my life," he told Morning Star News.

Facing these threats, Kalegeya decided to flee to a safe place. He planned to travel to Busembatia Town Council in Bugweri district, where the friend who evangelized him lives. However, on April 17, when he returned to his home in Jinja to collect some belongings, he was ambushed by his brothers and other relatives.

The Brutal Attack

The attackers held him down and cut off his hands with a machete. "I found my brothers waiting for me inside the house. They attacked me and cut off my hands. I screamed in pain, but no one came to help me," Kalegeya recounted. After the attack, the relatives left him bleeding, and he was rescued by neighbors who took him to the hospital. The hands could not be reattached.

This act of extreme violence is not isolated. In Uganda, converts from Islam often face hostility and violence. Religious persecution is a reality that many prefer to ignore, but it affects millions of people around the world.

What Does the Bible Say About Persecution?

The Bible is filled with stories of persecution and suffering for the sake of faith. From the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles, many were persecuted, imprisoned, and killed for their faithfulness to God. However, Scripture also encourages us to stand firm. In 2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV), Paul writes: "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Jesus also prepared his disciples for persecution. In John 15:18-20 (NIV), he said: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."

These words remind us that persecution is not a sign of failure but part of the Christian journey. However, we are also called to pray for those who suffer and to act in solidarity with them.

The Role of the Church and Christian Community

Kalegeya's story highlights the importance of community support. After the attack, he was helped by neighbors and taken to the hospital. The local church also mobilized to offer spiritual and material support. Unfortunately, many persecuted Christians do not have that support. The global church is called to pray, denounce these injustices, and provide practical help to suffering brothers and sisters. As Hebrews 13:3 (NIV) says: "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

This story challenges us not to remain indifferent. Persecution of Christians is still a reality in many places. Let us pray for Kalegeya and for all those who suffer for their faith, and seek ways to be a voice for the voiceless.