Two young Ugandan siblings say their father beat them and tried to choke them after he learned they had decided to follow Jesus Christ. The attack took place on Nov. 3, according to International Christian Concern (ICC), a Christian advocacy group. The siblings, Kabugho Kasfa and Muhindo Ashraf, say the violence started when their father heard them singing a Christian song. Christians nearby heard their cries, rushed in and helped the two escape. They are now without a home.

What happened

Kasfa says her father became violent almost at once. "He became as dangerous as a lion and started beating us with heavy blows," she said, according to ICC. She says she screamed for help when she saw him choke her brother. She also says he tried to tie her mouth with a cloth so that Christians would not hear her. She bit him to defend herself.

Ashraf first became interested in Christianity at his school in Mpondwe, Uganda. There he attended chapel services and spent time with Christian classmates. He says the teaching about Jesus' life, death and resurrection made him want to learn more. He also says his friends' kindness changed how he saw Christians. "Dad always taught us to hate non-Muslims," Ashraf said. "The Christian students have welcomed me with such genuine kindness and friendship." He later accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He then shared his faith with his sister, who also chose to follow Christ.

The siblings have lost their mother. Now, Kasfa says, they have also lost the protection of their father. "We have nowhere to go and do not know where we shall spend the night," she said.

Context

Uganda's constitution guarantees religious freedom. ICC says reports of violence against converts are fairly common in the country. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Uganda's population, according to the group, and most of them live in the East. The report does not describe any government response to this case. The siblings' account comes from ICC's report and has not been independently verified in this story.

What to watch

ICC says the siblings are still without shelter. Kasfa thanked the Christians who rescued them. She said they had only wanted to follow Jesus, but that choice cost them their home and their family's protection. ICC invites readers to support its work for persecuted Christians. Global Christians Network will report any new details as they become available.