Let Us Not Despise Messengers Who Seem Small- Gen Muhoozi Breaks Silence On Frank Gashumba’s Fight Against Fake Pastors

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has urged Ugandans to exercise caution when discussing pastors and religious leaders, reminding the public that God's messengers should not be judged by their outward appearance or social standing.

In a message shared on X, formerly Twitter, Muhoozi used the birth of Jesus Christ to explain why people should avoid looking down on religious leaders simply because they appear insignificant. His remarks come amid the ongoing public disagreement between social commentator Frank Gashumba and several pastors over miracle claims and the conduct of some religious leaders.

Muhoozi noted that Almighty God chose for Jesus Christ to be born in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem rather than in a palace in Jerusalem. According to him, this example shows that God's work does not always come through people who appear powerful, wealthy or influential in society.

"On the issue of pastors, I urge caution. Almighty God chose for His son, Jesus Christ, to be born in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem. Not in a palace in Jerusalem. So, let us not despise messengers who seem small," Muhoozi wrote.

However, the army chief also reminded Christians that the Bible encourages believers to examine the actions of those who claim to represent God. Referring to Matthew 7:16, he quoted Jesus Christ's teaching: "Ye shall know them by their fruits." The biblical passage is commonly understood as a call to assess people by their actions and the results of their conduct rather than relying only on their words or public image.

Muhoozi's message comes after Gashumba's criticism of some pastors who claim to perform miracles, particularly healing people with serious illnesses. Gashumba has challenged such religious leaders to demonstrate their claims, sparking heated exchanges and reactions from pastors who have defended their ministries and religious practices.

The dispute has attracted public attention, with some people supporting calls for greater accountability among religious leaders while others have urged caution against making general accusations against pastors. Muhoozi's latest comments appear to emphasise the need to respect religious messengers while also recognising the importance of examining their conduct.

His reference to both the humble circumstances of Jesus Christ's birth and the teaching in Matthew 7:16 presents two related messages: people should not dismiss religious leaders simply because they appear small or lack wealth and influence, but neither should a person's religious title alone prevent others from examining their actions.

As the debate continues, Muhoozi's remarks add a biblical perspective to the discussion about faith, religious leadership and accountability in Uganda. His message calls for caution in judging pastors while reminding Christians that, according to the Bible, the actions and character of those who claim to serve God remain important.