Yumbe Town in West Nile descended into chaos this morning when violent riots broke out after a group of Muslim youths armed with pangas, bows, and arrows, stormed the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC). The group was protesting against plans to arrest Haji Sheikh Kasim Abdala, who faces accusations of inciting Muslims to demonstrate against pork vendors.

According to preliminary findings, Sheikh Abdala reportedly made remarks during one of his daily morning sermons at a mosque in Yumbe Town. The preaching, broadcast live on Ribat FM and later uploaded to his TikTok account, allegedly urged Muslim youths to “ensure there is no public pork joint in the largely Moslem district of Yumbe.” The message is said to have triggered protests and widespread destruction on Tuesday.

Security sources reveal that Sheikh Abdala was summoned by police following instructions from RDC Yumbe, Sulaiman Lubowa. However, in defiance, groups of youth stormed the RDC’s office demanding the Sheikh’s release. Others attacked nearby pork joints, vandalized property, and even assaulted workers at a local bar and club.

Police responded with teargas and live bullets in an attempt to control the situation, which had quickly spread across several parts of Yumbe Town Council.

North West Nile Police Spokesperson, Collins Asea, confirmed the unrest but refrained from giving further details. “I don’t want to give half information; our teams are still on the ground,“ he said.

RDC Sulaiman Bukya Lubwama dismissed circulating claims that three people had died during the clashes. Meanwhile, local business owners like Zahara, who operates a phone accessory shop in Yumbe Town, told reporters she was hiding at home, fearing her shop might be looted by protestors.

In response to the allegations, Sheikh Kasim Abdala said his message had been misunderstood but urged calm among residents.

The Prime Minister of Aringa Kingdom, Lemeriga Fadhil Kujo, condemned Tuesday’s violence and appealed to the Interreligious Council of Uganda to organize an immediate dialogue between Muslims and Christians in Yumbe District. "We also call upon the armed forces to exercise restraint against unarmed civilians, as the situation might escalate beyond control," said Kujo.

Fadhil Kujo further implored Muslims to cease attacks on Christian-owned properties and businesses, warning that such actions could cause lasting divisions among the Aringa people.

By press time, security forces had been heavily deployed along major streets in Yumbe Town, with most businesses remaining closed.

URN