Chaos in Yumbe as Muslim youth attack Christians over pork sale.

Some of the destoryed property after Tuesday violent clashes erupted between Muslim youths and Christian traders over the sale of pork. Police say the situation is now calm but tense.

Yumbe, Uganda: Tension gripped Yumbe Town in the West Nile Sub-region on Tuesday after a violent confrontation erupted between Muslim youths and Christian business owners, following a heated dispute over the sale of pork in the predominantly Muslim district.

Eyewitnesses said dozens of Muslim youths, armed with clubs and machetes, stormed several government offices and Christian-owned businesses, smashing windows and vandalizing property while chanting anti-pork slogans.

The attack, residents said, was fueled by an online sermon by Sheikh Kasim Abdallah, the Imam of Munir Mosque, who allegedly incited Muslims to forcibly stop the sale of pork in the area.

“The youths attacked our offices and smashed windows and doors, shouting that we must stop eating pork if we want to live,” said one frightened civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Sermon Sparks Outrage

The violence came after a video recording circulated widely on social media last week, showing Sheikh Abdallah delivering a fiery message in the Aringa’ti language, urging Muslims to “destroy” any pork they find in Yumbe.

In the viral clip, Sheikh Abdallah said, “Should you see any pork, destroy it. If the police ask, say I sent you. Pork is dirty meat; when you take it to the lab, worms will come out of it.”

He went on to encourage the youth to use “any means necessary,” including violence, to stop pork joints from operating. “…Don’t allow pork joints in Yumbe by all means. You strike, whether using karate, we shall do it by all means. Yumbe is not a place for pork,” he declared.

Sheikh Kasim Abdallah who is said to be behind the directive to raid christian pork business owners

The video quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions online, some accusing the cleric of incitement and hate speech, while others praised his stance against what they called “moral decay” in the district.

According to residents, the unrest began when police attempted to arrest Sheikh Abdallah on Monday evening, prompting his followers to mobilize through local mosques. By Tuesday morning, large groups of agitated youths had gathered in Yumbe Town, blocking roads and attacking offices.

“There was supposed to be a meeting today to calm tensions following the video. But before it could start, mobs had already taken over the streets,” said another eyewitness.

Police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse the rioters after they stormed government offices and business premises, forcing traders to flee for safety.

Police Respond, Situation “Calm But Tense”

The North West Police Spokesperson, Mr Collins Asea, confirmed the incident but said security had since been reinforced. “We are still gathering information right now, but the situation is getting calm,” Asea told DailyExpress in a phone interview.

By Tuesday evening, a joint security team of police and army patrols had been deployed across Yumbe Town to restore order and prevent reprisal attacks.

According to the 2024 Census Report, Yumbe District has a population of 934,340 people, with 76 per cent Muslims and 24 per cent Christians. Despite its strong Islamic majority, several pork joints have emerged in urban areas, catering to Christian residents and travellers.

Local leaders say the proliferation of such eateries has increasingly become a flashpoint for religious tension in recent months, with calls for authorities to balance freedom of worship and cultural sensitivity.

A community elder in Lodonga said while Muslims have a right to oppose the sale of pork on moral grounds, violence and intolerance are unacceptable. “This is Uganda, not an Islamic state. Everyone has freedom of choice. Destroying people’s businesses is criminal,” he said.

Calls for Calm and Dialogue

Religious and civil leaders have since called for peace and interfaith dialogue to prevent further escalation. They urged security agencies to investigate the cleric’s remarks and prosecute anyone involved in violence.

Human rights advocates have condemned the attacks as a breach of constitutional freedoms, reminding citizens that Uganda’s laws guarantee religious coexistence and equal economic rights.

Meanwhile, police remain on high alert amid fears of retaliatory attacks from affected communities. “We are calling on all residents to remain calm as investigations continue,” said Asea. “Those found to have incited or participated in violence will face the law.”