Tension and chaos rocked Yumbe Town in Uganda’s West Nile Sub-region on November 4, 2025, after violent clashes broke out between Muslim youths and police officers over the sale of pork. The unrest left at least five people injured, including one person who sustained gunshot wounds, and several properties destroyed.
The violence followed inflammatory remarks made a few days earlier by Sheikh Kassim Abdallah of Munir Mosque, who reportedly urged his followers to destroy pork joints and stop the sale of pork in the predominantly Muslim district. His comments quickly spread through the community, sparking outrage among Muslim youths. When rumors of his arrest began circulating, angry groups of young men armed with sticks and stones took to the streets, targeting pork vendors and Christian-owned restaurants accused of serving pork.
The situation escalated as the mobs began attacking businesses in different parts of Yumbe Town. Christian-owned hotels and pork joints were vandalized, forcing many business owners to flee for safety. According to reports, the violence was triggered by news that a Christian businessman had plans to open a new pork restaurant in an area close to a mosque. The information angered many local Muslims, who viewed it as disrespectful to their faith and community traditions.
Yumbe District is known for its strong Islamic presence, and locals say the issue of pork is a very sensitive one. “Yumbe District is predominantly Muslim; you can’t mess around with pork. Even the locals there know, so trade carefully while there,” one resident commented, highlighting the deep religious sentiment surrounding the issue.
Police and military forces were quickly deployed to the area to restore order. Security personnel fired teargas and live bullets in the air to disperse the violent mobs. By the end of the clashes, five people had been injured, and one suspect was arrested on charges of arson. The situation remained tense throughout the day, with heavy police patrols stationed across Yumbe Town to prevent further violence.
Local leaders and security officials have since condemned the unrest, urging both Muslim and Christian communities to embrace peace and dialogue. They emphasized the importance of interfaith harmony, especially in a region that has long prided itself on peaceful coexistence between different religious groups.
Religious leaders are now calling for calm and understanding, warning that continued violence could divide the community and disrupt business activities that support both Muslims and Christians. The district leadership is expected to hold meetings between community representatives, religious heads, and local authorities to discuss ways of resolving the tensions peacefully.
The Yumbe incident serves as a reminder of the need for tolerance and respect among Uganda’s diverse communities. As investigations continue, both police and local leaders have promised to ensure that justice is served while working to restore unity in the region.