One Catholic Priest Is Better Than Thousands Of Pastors, Says Frank Gashumba

Frank Gashumba has intensified his criticism of some evangelical pastors in Uganda, declaring that one Catholic priest is worth more than 1,000 pastors. The outspoken social and political commentator made the remarks amid an ongoing dispute over claims of miraculous healing by religious leaders.

Gashumba said his criticism was not directed at God or Jesus Christ but at religious leaders he accuses of using Christianity to exploit poor believers. He maintained that he respects his faith and wants pastors who claim to perform miracles to prove their abilities.

The controversy started after Gashumba challenged pastors who claim to heal serious illnesses, including cancer and HIV, to demonstrate their powers in hospitals. He initially offered Shs200 million and later increased the amount to Shs500 million, challenging the religious leaders to heal patients at facilities such as Nsambya Hospital, Rubaga Hospital or Mulago National Referral Hospital.

According to Gashumba, several pastors have criticised him over the challenge, but none has taken up his offer. He accused some religious leaders of misrepresenting his statements by claiming that he was questioning God's existence or the power of Jesus Christ.

Gashumba also alleged that some pastors had made threatening statements and predictions about his future following his comments. He claimed that one religious leader predicted he would face serious trouble within a year, while a female pastor allegedly warned that his family would experience misfortune until he needed prayers from a pastor.

Despite the criticism, Gashumba said he would not turn to evangelical pastors for prayers if he fell sick and needed divine intervention. He declared that he was fully Catholic and said he had friends among Catholic bishops who could pray for him.

He further defended Catholic priests by pointing to their lengthy training before ordination. Gashumba argued that becoming a Catholic priest requires years of formal education and preparation, contrasting this with what he described as the rapid establishment of churches by some individuals who claim to perform miracles shortly after becoming born-again Christians.

Gashumba insisted that his remarks were intended to expose religious leaders he believes misuse people's faith for personal gain, rather than attack Christianity. His comments have added another chapter to the public disagreement between him and several Ugandan pastors, with the debate continuing over miracle claims, religious accountability and the role of faith in healing.