Sheila Gashumba and Kayanja Jr. Exchange Barbs Over Father's Pastor Feud

A public spat has erupted between media personality Sheila Gashumba and Robert Kayanja Jr., son of Pastor Robert Kayanja. The dispute intensified after Kayanja Jr. criticized Gashumba’s influence on young people, leading her to remind him of his family’s past engagement with her for a promotional event.

This personal conflict stems from a broader controversy initiated by Sheila’s father, Frank Gashumba. He challenged pastors who claim miraculous healing abilities to prove their powers in regulated hospital settings, even offering 500 million Ugandan Shillings to those willing to accept. Gashumba stated his aim is to expose fake prophets exploiting vulnerable believers, emphasizing his criticism is not against Christianity itself.

However, Gashumba’s assertions, including claims that 97% of pastors are fraudulent, have drawn strong reactions. Pastor Robert Kayanja notably condemned the growing trend of disrespecting elders and leaders on social media, accusing Gashumba of attacking religious figures and the Catholic Church. He also contested Gashumba’s accounts of specific legal cases and referenced a past bomb incident at his church.

Kayanja Jr. then directly addressed Sheila, launching a personal attack and questioning her role as a positive influence. He described her as having a “low IQ” and accused her public persona of leading young girls into “debauchery” and causing depression.

Sheila Gashumba retorted by questioning the Kayanja family’s motives, recalling an invitation from Jessica Kayanja in December 2020 to promote their daughter Kristiana’s clothing line. She mentioned receiving 2 million Shillings for the promotion and praised Kristiana’s talent and humility. Gashumba questioned why they would seek her endorsement if her influence was so detrimental, accusing Kayanja Jr. of derailing the conversation from the original issue of miracle claims into a personal attack and advising him to manage his temper.

The wider debate has seen mixed reactions from religious leaders, with some supporting the call to expose fraud and others urging restraint.