Yumbe District, West Nile Sub-region — Tension remains high in Yumbe Town following violent clashes between groups of Muslim youths and local business owners on Tuesday morning. The unrest was triggered by a viral video of a local cleric condemning the sale and consumption of pork in the predominantly Muslim district.
According to the 2024 Census report, Yumbe District has a population of 934,340 people, with 76 percent Muslims and about 24 percent Christians. Several pork joints have been operating in town areas to serve residents who eat pork, including some Christian-owned restaurants and hotels.
The violence reportedly erupted when police moved to arrest Sheikh Kasim Abdallah, the Imam of Munir Mosque, who had earlier urged Muslims to reject the sale of pork in Yumbe. In his video message, which circulated widely on social media, Sheikh Abdallah called on followers to oppose what he described as “unacceptable practices” in the district.
The message sparked mixed reactions online some social media users accused the cleric of inciting religious intolerance, while others supported his stance.
As police attempted to apprehend the Imam, groups of youths armed with clubs and machetes attacked several Christian-owned businesses and government offices. Security forces responded by firing teargas and live bullets to disperse the mobs.
Authorities have since deployed additional police and military personnel to restore calm. However, local sources report that the situation remains tense, with many residents expressing fear of further violence.
