By BigEyeUg Team
Social media in Uganda has been abuzz with heated discussions over media personality and political commentator Frank Gashumba’s recent engagement to a 26-year-old woman, identified as Malaika Mutoni.
The 49-year-old has faced backlash from some netizens who accuse him of courting someone significantly younger. In a fiery response, Gashumba has not only defended his choice but also criticized the tone and nature of the online commentary.
“Did you want me to marry Nandujja or Namirembe Bitamazire?” Gashumba rhetorically asked, referencing two much older women, both respected figures in Ugandan society, in a direct clapback at those questioning his decision.
Addressing claims of inappropriateness, he clarified, “Is she underage?” He then suggested that many of his critics are simply bitter or unsuccessful. “Most people attacking Malaika are failures,” he said, before highlighting that while he could have chosen from women in Kampala’s affluent neighborhoods such as Kyanja, Bugolobi, Kololo, and Munyonyo, he instead found love in Sembabule. “Do you know what that means? It means precious things are hidden under,” he said.
Gashumba also dismissed the social media uproar, asserting that he’s confident in his decision. “I’m not moved by social media noise. I know I made the best choice,” he affirmed.
Explaining the cultural context, he pointed out that according to Banyarwanda tradition, the man’s family formally approaches the woman’s family. “They asked for 12 cows and Shs 6 million cash. I met the criteria,” he stated, reinforcing that their relationship was serious and respectful of tradition.
Gashumba further revealed that he and Malaika have been together for a while and have attended many events as a couple, though most people didn’t notice. He expressed a preference for keeping his partner away from the limelight.
“I prefer my wife to be lowkey. She can’t handle social media bullies—I can,” he said, drawing comparisons with public figures like First Lady Janet Museveni and former police chief Kale Kayihura, whose spouses remain largely out of the public eye.
“You got to know her because of the news, but beyond that, she will keep a low profile,” he concluded.