Ugandan businessman and political commentator Frank Gashumba has thrown down a provocative challenge to pastors and apostles who claim to possess supernatural powers, demanding that they prove their alleged spiritual abilities by resurrecting the dead.
In a dramatic statement that has reignited debate about religious accountability in Uganda, Gashumba declared that he was ready to walk naked in public if any self-proclaimed miracle worker could bring his late father back to life.
Gashumba made the explosive remarks during an appearance on Radio 4’s Entugga, hosted by Adam Kungu, where he questioned the credibility of religious leaders who frequently advertise their ability to perform extraordinary miracles.
The outspoken businessman appeared to challenge the growing culture of miracle claims, questioning why pastors who allegedly heal incurable diseases, deliver people from difficult situations and perform supernatural wonders cannot demonstrate their powers through what would arguably be the ultimate miracle — raising a dead person.
His challenge puts religious personalities who publicly market extraordinary spiritual abilities under fresh scrutiny, particularly those who have attracted large audiences through televised testimonies, social media promotions and massive church gatherings.
But Gashumba’s anger was not limited to pastors’ alleged supernatural claims. He also accused some religious leaders of allegedly financing bloggers and social media influencers to attack him online whenever he questions their conduct.
He warned that he would not sit back and watch what he described as coordinated attempts to silence or discredit him, threatening to expose churches he believes are exploiting believers and contributing negatively to society.
According to Gashumba, some religious establishments have allegedly turned criticism into a battle, using influential online personalities to fight individuals who dare question their operations.
His latest outburst adds another chapter to his increasingly confrontational exchanges with sections of Uganda’s religious community, as disagreements over the conduct, influence and accountability of self-proclaimed men of God continue attracting public attention.
The remarks are likely to trigger sharply divided reactions. While some Ugandans may interpret his challenge as a demand for religious leaders to substantiate their public claims, others could view his choice of words as unnecessarily provocative and disrespectful towards religious beliefs.
Nevertheless, Gashumba has placed an uncomfortable question at the centre of the debate: if pastors publicly claim to command supernatural powers, should they be willing to demonstrate those abilities when challenged?
For now, his nakedness promise remains a provocative dare rather than an actual undertaking, with no pastor identified in the information provided as having accepted the challenge.
The businessman has also made it clear that his criticism is not ending with the resurrection challenge, warning that churches he accuses of misleading their followers could become the subject of further public exposure.
