Senior Born-again church leaders in Uganda have expressed concern over the possibility of facing restrictions under a future government led by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, saying recent attacks against religious leaders have created fear among their followers. The concerns were raised during a meeting between prominent pastors and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) leaders at Serena Kigo Hotel.
The meeting, organised by PLU Secretary General Fadhil Twaha, brought together several influential religious leaders, including Pastor Robert Kayanja, Bishop Joseph Serwadda, Pastor Tom Mugerwa, Bishop David Kiganda, Pastor Imelda Namutebi and Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga. The religious leaders discussed their relationship with PLU and concerns surrounding public attacks against Born-again church leaders by businessman and PLU member Frank Gashumba.
Although the pastors expressed willingness to support PLU’s activities as the organisation mobilises support for Muhoozi’s anticipated 2031 presidential bid, they questioned why some of their leaders were being publicly attacked despite their long-standing relationship with the government. They argued that such attacks were creating unnecessary tension between the religious community and the organisation.
Apostle Umar Mulinde told the meeting that some young Born-again Christians were beginning to associate Gashumba’s attacks with PLU, raising fears about what could happen to their churches if Muhoozi eventually became President. He said the situation had created suspicion among believers who were questioning whether the organisation supported the continued criticism of pastors.
Mulinde further urged PLU leaders to publicly distance themselves from individuals attacking religious leaders, warning that the controversy could affect the organisation’s relationship with the Born-again community. He questioned why pastors who had supported the government for decades were being insulted and described using terms such as wild cats and thugs against religious leaders as unacceptable.
Pastor Robert Kayanja also addressed the controversy, revealing that his disagreements with Gashumba had been ongoing since 2022. He said he eventually decided to speak out after what he described as repeated attacks not only against Born-again pastors but also against other influential religious and cultural figures, including Catholics and the Katikkiro of Buganda.
The meeting comes amid a long-running public disagreement between Gashumba and sections of Uganda’s Pentecostal community, with Pastor Kayanja among his prominent targets. The latest confrontation followed Gashumba’s reported challenge offering up to Shs500 million to pastors who could demonstrate healing miracles in a Ugandan hospital, further escalating tensions between the businessman and church leaders.
Despite expressing willingness to work with PLU, the pastors made it clear that continued attacks against their faith leaders could weaken confidence in the organisation. It remains unclear whether PLU leadership will take action against Gashumba or publicly address the fears raised during the meeting, particularly concerns about religious freedom under a possible future Muhoozi presidency.
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