That Won't Happen! Frank Gashumba Defies Muhoozi, Refuses to Apologise Over Fake Pastors Controversy

Social commentator Frank Gashumba has refused to apologise to Christians over his controversial remarks about alleged fake pastors, insisting that his criticism targets individuals he accuses of exploiting believers rather than God or Christianity. Gashumba’s position puts him at odds with Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) president General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who called on him to apologise following the heated public debate.

The controversy began when Gashumba challenged Pentecostal pastors who claim to perform miraculous healings to demonstrate their powers on critically ill patients in hospitals. He initially offered Shs200 million for a successful demonstration before increasing the amount to Shs500 million. He identified Mulago National Referral Hospital, Nsambya Hospital and Mengo Hospital as facilities where the challenge could be conducted.

Gashumba argued that religious leaders who publicly claim to heal serious illnesses through prayer should be prepared to demonstrate their abilities under conditions that can be independently observed. He questioned the credibility of some miracle claims, accusing certain preachers of taking advantage of desperate people seeking healing and other forms of divine intervention.

Despite facing criticism over his remarks, Gashumba has maintained that he has no intention of apologising because, in his view, he did not attack God. He insists that his concerns are directed at what he describes as dishonest religious leaders who allegedly use miracle claims to attract followers and collect money from vulnerable believers. He believes that questioning such practices should not automatically be interpreted as an attack on Christianity.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba intervened in the dispute by distancing the PLU from Gashumba’s remarks and calling on the social commentator to apologise to Christians. The intervention introduced a political dimension to the debate, with attention shifting from Gashumba’s challenge to the relationship between public criticism, religious sensitivity and the responsibilities of individuals associated with political organisations.

Miracle Centre Cathedral lead pastor Robert Kayanja also rejected suggestions that miracles associated with his ministry were fake. Other religious leaders questioned Gashumba’s decision to attach a financial reward to the demonstration of healing powers, arguing that miracles and matters of faith should not be reduced to a monetary contest. Their responses have further intensified the disagreement over how claims of divine healing should be examined.

Gashumba’s daughter, Sheila Gashumba, has also defended her father, arguing that questioning alleged fake miracles should not be confused with disrespecting Christianity. The debate has since attracted wider public attention, with Ugandans expressing differing views on whether religious leaders should face greater scrutiny over their claims and whether critics should be more careful when discussing matters of faith.

As the controversy continues, Gashumba remains firm in his position that he will not apologise for criticising what he considers fraudulent religious practices. The dispute has raised broader questions about accountability among religious leaders, the protection of vulnerable believers and the distinction between challenging alleged deception and attacking religious faith. For Gashumba, the central issue remains the conduct of pastors he accuses of misleading the public, rather than Christianity itself.