Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said Frank Gashumba will apologise to Christians across Uganda following his recent remarks targeting born-again Christians and pastors he described as fake.
“Gashumba will apologize to Christians in the country. PLU has no problem with pastors in Uganda,” Muhoozi posted.
Muhoozi, who also chairs the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), cautioned against dismissing religious leaders based on their perceived status, using the birth of Jesus Christ to illustrate his point.
“On the issue of pastors, I urge caution. Almighty God chose for His son, Jesus Christ, to be born in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem. Not in a palace in Jerusalem. So, let us not despise messengers who seem small,” he added.
However, Muhoozi also cited the Bible to emphasise the importance of examining the conduct of religious leaders rather than accepting their claims without scrutiny.
“However, Christ also guided us in Matthew 7:16 that… ‘Ye shall know them by their fruits’,” he said.
The remarks follow Gashumba’s criticism of some born-again pastors, whom he accused of misleading their followers.
His comments have drawn attention to the broader debate over religious accountability, the conduct of church leaders and the influence of faith-based institutions in Uganda.
Muhoozi’s statement appears to distinguish between respecting pastors as religious leaders and scrutinising their conduct, while making clear that PLU does not have a problem with Uganda’s pastors as a group.
His reference to Matthew 7:16, a biblical passage about recognising people by their actions and results, also highlights the question of accountability within religious institutions.
The exchange comes amid continuing public debate over allegations of exploitation by some religious leaders and the responsibilities of churches towards their congregations.
Muhoozi said Gashumba would apologise to Christians, although his statement did not specify when the apology would be made or whether any discussions had taken place between the two men.
Gashumba’s response to Muhoozi’s demand was not included in the statements cited.
