Seven family members are currently languishing behind bars after they subjected another member of their family to 100 strokes for attending a church service. Apparently this Muslim family from Kibuku in Eastern Uganda aroused social media fury after a video of them was posted on different internet platforms such as X and TikTok.
In the viral video, these people were seen holding and caning this young girl aged 16 years mercilessly. It’s said that this girl who has been identified as Shakira Naula decided to attend a Pentecostal church service.
Being born in a Muslim family, this wasn’t welcomed and the following thing was a severe punishment for her. In the viral video, two men can be seen holding her strongly on the ground. Other two men are then seen flogging her without any remorse.
Apparently, Shakira attended these prayers from Kadama Prayer Convention Church under Pastor Nicholas Kitibwa. It was Pastor Kitibwa who reported the incident to Police as confirmed by SP Samuel Semewo, the North Bukedi Regional Police spokesperson.
This incident happened in Bugolya Parish. Furthermore it’s said that the men who subjected this young girl to 100 canes are her uncles.
Those who have so far been arrested have been identified as Yusuf Nantege, Mohammad Wapesa, and Jaberi Lumans, and Ziyadi Musenero.
Additionally, it’s said that Shakira’s mother is currently abroad for work and these are just her caretakers. Police have revealed that they are currently behind bars waiting to be prosecuted.
On the other hand, the girl is currently recovering. SP Samuel Semewo urged parents to use amicable means to pass on advice to their children rather than corporal punishment.
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These suspects are Yusuf Nantege, 28, Mohammad Wapesa, 24 and Jaberi Lumans, 25, Uthuman Koosi, 25, Issa Wasereye, 24 and Ziyadi Musenero and Ziyadi Musenero, 29.
“Naula had allegedly continued going to the nearby church for prayers against her guardians’ wishes. On the fateful day, she had attended an overnight prayer at the church and when her uncles went to pick her up the following morning, the pastor asked them to leave because she was leading the church choir in praise and worship” SP Semewo stated.
“When she finally went home, she found them waiting. They pounced on her with lashes. Each gave her five to 10 lashes in turn. This is very unfortunate and disturbing,” he added.
The incident even caught the attention of Kibuku LC5 chairman Mr. Mohammad Nakeba, and Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara who all condemned it as inhumane.
