TAKEAWAYS

• Gashumba alleges that some Kampala pastors preach about marriage despite private relationship difficulties.
• He challenges religious leaders following his earlier remarks about self-proclaimed apostles and their alleged miracles.
• He urges singles, including women in their 30s and 40s, not to rush into marriage and to make responsible relationship decisions.

Social activist, businessman and political commentator Frank Gashumba has renewed his criticism of Kampala pastors, questioning their credibility in offering marriage advice to their followers.

Gashumba made the remarks during the launch of singer Sophia Nantongo’s Love and Fame concert, where he discussed marriage, relationships and the responsibilities of religious leaders.

According to Gashumba, some pastors who publicly advise people on marriage allegedly remain in relationships maintained for public relations purposes, despite having separated from their spouses privately. He suggested that rumours about such arrangements are widely known, although he did not identify the individuals he was referring to.

“Some pastors in Kampala talk about marriage when they shouldn’t be talking about it,” Gashumba said, questioning whether religious leaders always practise what they preach.

His latest remarks follow an earlier confrontation in which he challenged self-proclaimed apostles to demonstrate their alleged miraculous powers publicly. The comments attracted criticism from several religious figures, including Miracle Centre Cathedral proprietor Pastor Robert Kayanja.

Gashumba, however, appears determined to stand by his position, maintaining that he will wait to see what happens within the period he previously mentioned.

Beyond his criticism of pastors, Gashumba advised unmarried people against rushing into marriage because of societal pressure. He argued that people, including women in their 30s and 40s, should remain open to finding suitable partners rather than treating age as a barrier.

He also encouraged women to consider their social environments and living conditions, suggesting that spending their entire lives within the same surroundings could limit their opportunities to meet different people.

Gashumba further urged women to approach relationships and childbirth responsibly, cautioning against having children with multiple partners without considering the long-term consequences.

“Even at 40, a woman can still get married,” he said, emphasising that marriage should not be pursued simply to satisfy public expectations.

He also challenged perceptions about marriage stability, claiming that some people who acquired partners through bars had become stable, while others who acquired wealth through churches struggle.