For nearly two decades, pork joints were a rare sight in the dusty town of Yumbe. But over time, a few began to emerge, even in this predominantly Muslim district. While some are located within the town centre, others have appeared in rural areas.
According to the 2024 Census report, Yumbe has a population of 934,340, with Muslims comprising 76 percent and Christians making up about 24 percent. Yumbe is also home to the Catholic Lodonga Minor Basilica, dedicated in 1961, and the Anglican headquarters at Eleke, among other religious institutions. The arrival of refugees and the expansion of Non-Government Organisations (NGO) operations in the district birthed a cosmopolitan township, creating new business opportunities.
As a result, several pork joints were established to meet the growing demand by the new arrivals. However, this development has quietly stirred discontent within the Muslim community, whose faith prohibits the consumption and handling of pork, deeming it a ‘dirty’ delicacy. On Tuesday morning, tensions boiled over into violent protests. A group of Muslim youth, armed with clubs and machetes (pangas), attacked government institutions and Christian-owned businesses in protest against the sale of pork in the town.
Rumours
The unrest was reportedly triggered by rumours that police intended to arrest Sheikh Kassim Abdallah, the Imam of Munir Mosque, who had made claims against the sale of pork in the area. In a video recording circulated on social media last week, Sheikh Abdallah, speaking in the Aringa’ti language, said: ‘Should you (youth) see any pork joint in the town, you should destroy it. Should the police ask you, tell them that I sent you to do it. Pork is a dirty meat. When you take it to the lab, there are worms coming out of it.’ He added: ‘.don’t allow pork joints in Yumbe by all means. You strike, whether using karate, we shall do it by all means. We shall do that. Yumbe is not a place for pork.’
A witness, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, told the Daily Monitor: ‘The youth attacked our offices and smashed most of the windows and doors. For years, we have been living in harmony with Muslims. Why should the Sheikh come out with bad statements now?’ He noted that a meeting had been planned to ease tensions following the video at the weekend. Police responded with teargas and live bullets to disperse the protesters. The North West Police spokesperson, Mr Collins Asea, told the Daily Monitor: ‘The incident was reportedly initiated by an individual, who was preaching against other religions. He was mobilising a group of Muslim youth to target and attack establishments selling pork within the town.’
He added: ‘During the unrest, five individuals were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Yumbe hospital. Additionally, one motorcycle was set ablaze and the suspect involved has been arrested. The situation is gradually coming under control.’ The West Nile Regional Secretary of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Mr Habib Aluma, however, said the sermon was meant to remind people of their spiritual obligations. ‘It is a small matter that was blown out of proportion by those who exaggerate things. Sheikh Kassim made a good sermon. Everybody is aware that in Islam, we do not eat pork. It does not mean that the animal is haram. Our legislation is about eating or dealing in pork products,’ he said.
‘How come that his preaching labelled him as a person who deserves to face the law? We need more investigations into the matter so that there is no conflict in the district,’ Mr Aluma added. ‘We are restraining the Muslims from such violence. We need to co-exist as humanity because there is religious tolerance. Even if the Christians are few, they are part of the community where we need unity with them.’ The prime minister of Aringa Cultural Institution, Mr Lemeriga Fadhil Kujo, emphasised the need for dialogue between Muslims and Christians, facilitated by the Inter-religious Council of Uganda.
‘We also call upon the armed forces to exercise restraint against unarmed civilians as the situation might escalate beyond control. The Muslims should stop ransacking the properties and businesses belonging to Christians since this will cause irreparable relational damage amongst Aringa people,’ he said. Mr Lemeriga added: ‘Aringa land belongs to us all and we should tolerate each other.’