Social and political commentator Frank Gashumba has sparked fresh controversy after declaring that one Catholic priest is worth more than 1,000 pastors, intensifying his criticism of evangelical preachers who claim to perform miracles in Uganda.
Gashumba clarified that his remarks were not an attack on God or Jesus Christ but were directed at religious leaders he accuses of exploiting vulnerable believers. He challenged pastors who claim to heal serious illnesses to demonstrate their abilities.
The controversy began when Gashumba offered Shs200 million to pastors willing to prove their healing powers in hospitals, later increasing the reward to Shs500 million. He challenged them to treat patients suffering from serious conditions at facilities including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Nsambya Hospital and Rubaga Hospital.
According to Gashumba, several pastors have criticised him over the challenge, but none has accepted his offer. He accused some of misrepresenting his comments as an attack on Christianity rather than a demand for accountability over miracle claims.
Gashumba further alleged that some religious leaders had issued threats and made troubling predictions about his future following his remarks. He claimed that one pastor predicted he would encounter serious problems, while a female preacher allegedly warned of misfortune affecting his family.
Despite the criticism, Gashumba said he would not seek prayers from evangelical pastors if he fell sick, insisting that he remained firmly committed to the Catholic Church. He added that he had friends among Catholic bishops who could pray for him.
He defended Catholic priests by pointing to their extensive training and preparation before ordination, arguing that the process distinguishes them from individuals who establish churches and begin claiming miraculous powers without comparable preparation.
Gashumba maintained that his criticism was intended to expose religious exploitation rather than undermine Christianity. His remarks have reignited debate about miracle claims, religious accountability and the responsibility of spiritual leaders towards believers.
