Fearless Gashumba Puts Uganda’s Miracle Men on the Spot: Pastors Hurl Insults While UGX 500 Million Sits Untouched

What the report says

Frank Gashumba, a Ugandan businessman and commentator, has drawn attention after publicly challenging pastors, prophets and apostles to prove their healing claims under strict, verifiable conditions. According to Watchdog Uganda, he offered UGX 500 million to any religious leader who could enter a hospital intensive care unit and heal a critically ill patient while doctors, families and cameras could witness the result.

The article says the challenge began at UGX 200 million before Gashumba increased it to UGX 500 million. He framed the offer as a test of whether public miracle claims can be demonstrated in places such as Mulago, Nsambya or Lubaga hospitals, rather than only in church services and testimonies. Watchdog Uganda reports that the dare has sparked debate across Uganda’s Pentecostal circles, with some supporters praising Gashumba for demanding evidence and others accusing him of mocking faith.

Several religious leaders responded publicly, including Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral and Bishop David Kiganda, who rejected the challenge and defended their ministries. The report says some pastors have also criticized Gashumba on radio and social media. So far, however, no one has accepted the offer or completed the test, and the money remains unclaimed.

The dispute matters because it touches on long-running questions in Uganda about faith healing, accountability and the influence of charismatic churches. The report presents Gashumba’s stance as part of a wider public frustration over unverifiable miracle claims and the use of money in religious settings.