Benjamin Kule Mayani, a 45-year-old Christian teacher, was beaten to death on September 29 in western Uganda. The educator had offered shelter to several Muslims who had converted to Christianity, and according to testimonies that emerged later, his attackers were looking for a young woman who had left Islam and whom he had helped to hide.
The murder was reported by the Ugandan police on the same day of the incident, while details about its possible religious motivation were published on October 19 by Morning Star News, a media outlet specializing in the persecution of Christians. The case was also covered by organizations supporting persecuted Christians, including Voice of the Martyrs.
Mayani worked as a teacher at the Excellent Nursery and Primary School and lived in the village of Kasokero, in the Kasese district. In addition to his teaching duties, he collaborated in welcoming people who had left Islam to embrace the Christian faith.
Attackers inquired about a young woman who had converted to Christianity
According to information published by Morning Star News, Mayani and his colleague Pascal Muhindo received a call from a man identified as Isifu Marjani, who asked them to come to the school where the teacher worked.
When they were approximately two kilometers from the educational center, three men intercepted them and began asking about the whereabouts of Sharifa, Marjani’s sister, who had converted to Christianity.
Mayani had previously taken the young woman into his home, along with other converts from Islam. He later decided to move her to another residence for security reasons.
The attackers insisted on knowing her location until one of them struck the teacher on the head with a large stick.
Muhindo managed to escape and sought help from neighbors. However, when he returned with several people, Mayani had already died.
These details were provided to Morning Star News by an elder of the Anglican Church who spoke with Muhindo shortly after the attack. His identity was not revealed for security reasons.
The testimony suggests a possible connection between the murder and the help the teacher provided to people who had converted to Christianity, although this motive has not been officially confirmed by the police.
The police confirmed the murder on September 29
The teacher’s death was reported by the Ugandan press on the same day the events occurred.
The newspaper Nile Post reported on September 29 that Mayani had been attacked around midnight in Karambi Cell, within the municipality of Kisinga, while returning from the city with Muhindo.
According to the police spokesperson for the Rwenzori East region, Elly Maate, three unidentified men struck the teacher on the forehead with a blunt object. The victim suffered serious injuries, collapsed a few meters from the scene, and died.
The police opened a homicide investigation at the Kisinga police station. Officers examined the scene, used a police dog, took statements from witnesses, and collected evidence for forensic analysis.
Mayani’s body was taken to Bwera Hospital for an autopsy.
Authorities requested public cooperation to identify those responsible. The reports consulted do not indicate that any arrests related to this murder have been announced.
Assistance to converts, possible motive for the crime
Information later published by Morning Star News added an element that was not included in the initial police reports: Mayani’s work as a protector of people who had left Islam.
The outlet noted that one of the alleged attackers was upset about his sister’s conversion and that the assailants were seeking to learn her whereabouts.
The case was also reported on October 21 by Voice of the Martyrs, an organization dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians, which called for prayers for the teacher’s family and the affected Christian communities.
Uganda’s Constitution recognizes religious freedom, including the right to change one’s faith. However, Morning Star News has documented various episodes of violence against people who leave Islam and against those who help them.
Among the cases recorded during 2026 are attacks on converts, incidents related to evangelistic activities, and the murder of a pastor after participating in an interfaith debate.
The persecution of Christians in Uganda
The murder of Benjamin Kule Mayani once again highlights the difficulties faced by some Christians in Uganda, especially those who accompany people converting from Islam.
Although the African country is predominantly Christian and its legislation protects freedom of worship, organizations documenting religious persecution have reported threats and attacks against converts in certain communities.
Violence has also affected members of the Catholic Church. In December 2025, a priest from the diocese of Masaka was kidnapped, prompting church authorities to request prayers for his release.
In Mayani’s case, the police investigation continues without any public resolution being announced. The testimonies that emerged in October suggest that his decision to protect a young woman who had converted to Christianity may have triggered the attack that ended his life.