Persecution parallels between Uganda, Nigeria raise concern

Uganda (MNN) — Is East Africa the next “hotspot” of persecution?

Voice of the Martyrs Canada spokesman Greg Musselman says the latest uptick in Uganda is starting to look like persecution in Nigeria. “There are similar patterns that we’re seeing now happening in Uganda on a frequent basis,” he explains.

Parallels between Uganda and Nigeria are concerning. “In the first 200 days of this year, around 3,500 Christians had already been killed (in Nigeria), which was as many as was killed last year,” Musselman says.

“When you’re looking at violence against Christians, Nigeria always pops to the top of the list.”

VOM Canada partners with churches around the world to support persecuted believers and advocate on their behalf. This year, the ministry received “more stories (reports of persecution) from Uganda than we’ve seen in previous years,” Musselman says.

See examples on VOM Canada’s website.

Churches are often targeted for destruction like this one burned down in Tanzania.
(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs Canada via Facebook)

“Some of the reports I’ve seen this year from Uganda [involve] churches that have been very effective – seeing people come to Jesus, going into areas that may be a little more hostile, and sharing the [Gospel]. When that happens, these evangelists and pastors are then targeted.”

So, what’s causing the trend, and why Uganda? “Uganda happens to be the country now that is being targeted, but it’s certainly not the only one,” Musselman says.

“The radicalization of militant Islam is growing throughout Africa.”

Although Nigeria gets the most attention, “we’ve also seen the Al Shabaab very active in Somalia,” Musselman says.

“Radical Islamic groups are feeding off of what’s happening in other places. They’re trying to spread their brand of Islam to wherever they can.”

Now that you know, what will you do? Find your place in the story.

“It could be easy just to put our hands up and say, ‘well, there’s nothing I can do.’ Yes [there is], we can all pray. When we hear the stories, be praying for those situations,” Musselman says.

“And, if God directs certain people to [be] supporting organizations that are working in some of these places, then I encourage people to do that.”

Learn how you can help persecuted Christians through VOM Canada.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Monstera/Pexels.