Outspoken social and political commentator Frank M. Gashumba has taken his dispute with Pastor Robert Kayanja to the police, formally petitioning Uganda’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) to investigate alleged threats against him and his family.
In a lengthy complaint addressed to CID Director AIGP Major Tom Magambo, Gashumba accused the pastor of making public statements that he interpreted as threats to his life and the safety of his family.
The dispute reportedly began after Gashumba appeared on a radio programme in October to discuss religious figures he considers false prophets, whom he accused of exploiting poor and unsuspecting members of the public.
However, Gashumba insists that he did not mention Kayanja by name during the broadcast or single out any particular pastor.
In his letter, he explained that his comments were general and based on biblical teachings, specifically Jesus’ warning about false prophets in Matthew 7:15.
“In October, I was hosted to a radio programme on false prophets who exploit the poor and the unsuspecting public.
“I did not mention ‘Pastor’ Robert Kayanja. I did not single out any pastor. I preached generally from the words of Jesus about wolves in sheep’s clothing, as stated in Matthew 7:15. The following day, ‘Pastor’ Robert Kayanja waged a personal war against me,” Gashumba wrote.
He further alleged that Kayanja publicly cursed and threatened him and his family, raising concerns about their safety.
Gashumba said he was particularly troubled by what he described as the possibility that public statements could translate into actions behind the scenes. He maintained that he could not simply ignore remarks he considered threatening.
The commentator also argued that threats should be taken seriously regardless of whether they are presented as religious declarations, curses or prayers.
In explaining why he approached the CID, Gashumba urged police to examine the matter and establish whether any wrongdoing had occurred.
“I hope police will accord this complaint the attention and seriousness it demands. A threat is a threat, whether it is dressed as a prayer,” he stated.
The petition marks a formal escalation of the disagreement, moving the matter from a public exchange into a police complaint.
However, Gashumba’s allegations remain claims contained in his complaint. The material provided does not establish whether CID has opened an investigation, whether Kayanja has responded to the accusations or whether police have made any findings.