TAKEAWAYS

• Frank Gashumba says Uganda has embraced a culture of excessive “kajanja” in many aspects of life.
• He criticized baby showers, pregnancy photo shoots, men entering labour wards and extravagant introduction ceremonies as unnecessary displays.
• His remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing and others defending modern family and cultural celebrations.

Social commentator Frank Gashumba has stirred debate after criticizing what he described as Uganda’s growing culture of “kajanja”—a Luganda term commonly used to describe excessive showmanship or unnecessary hype around ordinary activities.

Speaking during a radio show, Gashumba argued that many practices which have become fashionable in recent years are driven more by the desire to impress others than by necessity.

“There is no country I know with more kajanja than Uganda.”

Among the examples he cited were men escorting their wives into labour wards, saying he personally sees no reason for doing so and would never participate. He also questioned the growing popularity of baby showers and pregnancy photo shoots, wondering what value they add beyond public display.

Gashumba extended his criticism to traditional introduction ceremonies, saying they have drifted away from their original purpose of bringing families together with dignity and respect. According to him, excessive decorations, entertainment and spending have turned the ceremonies into spectacles.

“Everything we do has kajanja all over it.”

He also referenced the recent tragedy involving King David Nursery and Primary School pupils at Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District. Gashumba questioned why young children were taken on such a trip, arguing that age-appropriate destinations such as the Entebbe Zoo or Entebbe International Airport would have been more suitable educational experiences. He said that if the school’s director were still alive, he would have wanted explanations about the choice of destination.

His remarks have since generated widespread discussion on social media, with some Ugandans agreeing that society has become increasingly driven by appearances, while others defended practices such as baby showers, pregnancy photo shoots and fathers accompanying their partners during childbirth as expressions of family support and celebration.

The comments have reignited a broader conversation about changing social norms in Uganda and where the line should be drawn between meaningful celebration and what many describe as “kajanja.”