Frank Gashumba has doubled down on his criticism of pastors who claim to perform miracles, saying he would turn to Catholic priests for prayers if he ever fell sick and needed spiritual support.
The social commentator insists his remarks are not an attack on God or Jesus Christ but are directed at religious leaders he accuses of using claims of supernatural healing to exploit vulnerable believers.
“First, I have never said that God does not exist or that Jesus does not work. I simply condemned these fake prophets, pastors and apostles who successfully use the name of Jesus to rob the poor,” Gashumba said.
His comments come amid an ongoing debate over miracle claims in Uganda’s religious circles, with Gashumba challenging pastors who say they can heal serious illnesses, including cancer and HIV.
He said he had offered Shs200 million before increasing the amount to Shs500 million for anyone willing to demonstrate such healing abilities at hospitals including Nsambya Hospital, Rubaga Hospital and Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Gashumba claimed that nobody had come forward to collect the money. The account of the challenge and whether any religious leader has responded has not been independently verified in the material provided.
He also alleged that some religious leaders had threatened him with misfortune because of his public criticism.
“One of them said they have given me one year and I will be flattened like a chapati. Another female pastor said my family will suffer misfortune until I need a pastor to pray for me,” he said.
Gashumba maintained that such alleged threats would not change his position. If he fell sick and wanted prayers, he said, he would contact Catholic clergy rather than born-again pastors.
“First of all, I will never bother to call for a pastor to pray for me. If I ever fall sick and need prayer, Catholic fathers are there and I have some bishop friends. I am 100 per cent a Catholic,” he said.
He went further, making a direct comparison between Catholic priests and pastors from born-again churches.
“Besides, one father is better than 1,000 pastors. One reverend-father’s prayer is better than 1,000 pastors,” Gashumba said.
He argued that Catholic priesthood involves years of formal education and preparation before ordination, contrasting that process with what he described as the rapid establishment of churches by some self-proclaimed religious leaders.
“You do not simply become a Catholic priest. You have to get a degree and have to go another four to six years to become a priest,” he said.
He also criticised what he sees as inadequate preparation among some pastors, claiming that certain individuals begin operating churches and announcing miracles shortly after converting to Christianity.
Gashumba concluded by rejecting suggestions that his comments amount to contempt for Christianity, insisting that his target is what he considers religious deception.
“Those who are hitting me, it means the shoe fit them perfectly. I have never despised God. I despise these people who pretend to be God,” he said.
His remarks add another chapter to the public dispute over miracle claims, religious accountability and the responsibilities of leaders who promise healing to their followers.