The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has suspended outspoken social commentator Frank Gashumba with immediate effect as investigations begin into his controversial remarks about Balokole and Pentecostal churches. The decision follows days of heated exchanges between Gashumba and prominent religious leaders after he challenged pastors who claim miraculous healing powers to demonstrate their abilities in hospitals, promising Shs500 million if they could prove their claims.
The suspension was communicated in a letter dated October 19, 2026, signed by PLU National Vice Chairman Michael Kaguta Toyota. The letter cited complaints about Gashumba’s conduct and statements concerning religious communities, saying the organisation had received numerous concerns over what were described as attacks on Balokole and Pentecostal Christians. The party said the matter would be handled through its internal disciplinary procedures as it investigates the allegations.
The controversy began when Gashumba questioned pastors who claim to heal serious illnesses, including cancer and HIV, through prayer. He challenged them to visit Mulago National Referral Hospital, Nsambya Hospital or Mengo Hospital and demonstrate instant healing on critically ill patients. Initially offering Shs200 million, he later raised the challenge to Shs500 million, insisting that claimed miracles should be demonstrated under conditions that the public could verify.
Gashumba defended his position by accusing some religious leaders of exploiting vulnerable believers through promises of miracles and financial demands. He argued that money given to churches could instead support struggling families through school fees, food and other essential needs. He also contrasted the training of Catholic priests with what he described as the ease with which some individuals establish churches and begin presenting themselves as prophets and apostles with extraordinary powers
The outspoken commentator maintained that his criticism was directed at what he called fake religious leaders, rather than Christianity or God. However, his remarks triggered a strong response from Miracle Centre Cathedral lead pastor Robert Kayanja, who rejected suggestions that miracles associated with his ministry were fake. Other religious leaders also criticised Gashumba’s approach, arguing that spiritual matters should not be reduced to a public financial challenge.
The dispute intensified when Gashumba’s daughter, Sheila Gashumba, defended her father during an exchange involving Robert Kayanja Jr. She argued that questioning alleged fake miracles, financial demands on poor believers and church accountability should not automatically be interpreted as an attack on Christianity. Meanwhile, PLU president General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly distanced the organisation from Gashumba’s attacks on pastors and called on him to apologise to Christians.
In its suspension letter, the PLU emphasised that religious freedom and peaceful coexistence must be respected, regardless of differences in belief. Toyota said the organisation recognised the contribution of religious institutions to moral values, social harmony and community welfare. He also confirmed that a formal investigation had been requested and directed Gashumba to cooperate with the relevant authorities while the disciplinary process continues. The suspension places Gashumba’s future within the organisation in the spotlight as the clash over his Shs500 million miracle challenge continues to generate debate.
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