Ugandan media personality and political commentator Frank Gashumba has come under intense public scrutiny following news of his relationship with 26-year-old Malaika Mutoni.
At 49, Gashumba’s engagement to someone nearly half his age has ignited widespread debate on social media, drawing both criticism and curiosity.
Responding to the backlash, Gashumba did not hold back. In a candid statement, he defended his decision and took aim at his detractors.
“Should I have married Nandujja or Namirembe Bitamazire?” he asked pointedly, referencing two prominent older Ugandan women to make a rhetorical jab at those questioning the age gap.
He was quick to address accusations of impropriety. “Is she underage?” he asked, dismissing concerns about morality or legality.
He went on to criticize the motivations behind the backlash, suggesting many of his critics are simply “failures” or envious.
“Most people attacking Malaika are bitter. I could have dated women from Kololo, Bugolobi, or Munyonyo, but I found love in Sembabule. That means something precious things are hidden beneath,” he said.
Despite the online uproar, Gashumba stood firm in his decision, claiming he’s unfazed by the noise. “Social media doesn’t move me. I know I made the right choice,” he asserted.
Offering cultural context, Gashumba explained that according to Banyarwanda tradition, his family approached Malaika’s with a formal dowry request.
“They asked for 12 cows and Shs 6 million. I fulfilled all the requirements,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of their commitment.
He also revealed that the relationship is not new; the couple has attended numerous events together but kept their romance out of the spotlight.
“I prefer my partner to stay private. She’s not built for social media battles—I am,” Gashumba noted, drawing comparisons to the wives of public figures like First Lady Janet Museveni and former IGP Kale Kayihura, who maintain a low public profile.
“You only know her because of the media coverage, but beyond this, she will remain behind the scenes,” he concluded.
