The shocking final words were revealed.
James Mukenye Habiibu, a 29-year-old Christian from eastern Uganda, was murdered on December 16, just months after converting to Christianity with his wife. The family had faced severe threats from Muslim relatives after their conversion in January 2022. These threats escalated after the couple moved back to their hometown in October, where they rented a house. Relatives and other local Muslims began sending threatening messages, vowing to kill them if they did not abandon their new faith.
On the evening of December 16, Habiibu left home to attend a Gospel outreach. His wife received a call around 7:30 p.m., where he mentioned being followed by individuals and asked for prayers. She lost contact with him shortly after. The next morning, she was informed that his body had been found in a swamp. Upon arriving at the scene, she discovered her husband’s lifeless body, lying in a pool of blood.
Witnesses reported hearing Arabic voices as Habiibu was attacked, with one bystander recalling hearing him cry out for help, shouting “Jesus! Jesus! I am dying, please help me!” The murderers were identified as local Muslim extremists, including individuals named Jafari and Swaibu. The police quickly responded to the situation, and investigations are underway to capture the suspects responsible for the killing.
Habiibu’s death is part of a broader trend of religious violence against Christians in Uganda. Despite the country’s constitution guaranteeing religious freedom, incidents of persecution, especially in the eastern regions, have been increasing. Habiibu leaves behind three young children, ages 2, 4, and 7, who are now without their father due to the violence spurred by religious intolerance.