Media personality Sheilah Gashumba has publicly congratulated her father, Frank Gashumba, on his engagement to Patience Mutoni Malaika but made it clear she will not refer to her stepmother as “mum.”
Frank Gashumba formally introduced Malaika to family and friends during a traditional Gusaba ceremony held yesterday. Following the celebration, Sheilah took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to share a heartfelt message.
“Congratulations my father Mr. Frank Gashumba on your engagement and Gusaba. You looked soo happy yesterday. Wishing you the absolute best, happiness and love in your new journey with Malaika,” she wrote.
Her message, while warm, sparked online buzz due to her deliberate use of Malaika’s name instead of addressing her with a maternal title.
When journalist Simon Kaggwa Njala questioned her choice, Sheilah responded candidly: “Unfortunately I can’t, I will only call the woman who gave birth to me ‘mum’ so everyone must calm down. Wama congratulations beautiful Malaika!! I need two siblings.”
The exchange has drawn mixed reactions online, with some supporting her stance and others debating the dynamics of blended families and titles.
