Evangelist Slain Amid Bold Gospel Outreach
An evangelist in eastern Uganda, David Washume, was tragically killed after leading several Muslims to Christ during an open-air event last month. Washume, 38, was fatally stabbed on April 3 while returning from three days of preaching in the Nalondo, Buwalasi, and Nabumali areas. He had been traveling with fellow evangelist Fred Wepuhulu when the attack occurred in the evening.
During their preaching campaign, Washume and Wepuhulu integrated Quranic verses and biblical teachings to highlight the divinity of Christ and the humanity of Muhammad. This sparked a significant response from attendees, including several Muslims who chose to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. However, some Muslims protested, which led the two evangelists to seek refuge at a friend’s house.
As they made their way back home later that night, the two were ambushed by three masked men dressed in Muslim attire. Armed with knives and speaking in Arabic, the assailants demanded the evangelists’ bags. Inside Washume’s bag were both a Bible and a Quran. The attackers then shouted for Washume to be killed, and despite Wepuhulu’s attempt to fight off one of the attackers, Washume was captured and murdered. The next morning, local authorities discovered Washume’s body near a Bible college chapel, with multiple stab wounds to his neck and chest.
A written note in Arabic was found at the crime scene, threatening Washume with judgment and calling him an “infidel.” Washume, known for his dedication to his faith and hard work, was remembered fondly by his community. Police have launched a manhunt for the assailants, but this attack adds to a troubling pattern of Christian persecution in Uganda, where religious freedoms are constitutionally protected. Despite Muslims comprising around 12% of the population, incidents of violence against Christians continue to be reported.