Frank Gashumba

Frank Gashumba
Gashumba in 2025
Born	Frank Malingumu Gashumba (1974-12-03) December 3, 1974 (age 51) Villa Maria, Masaka District, Uganda
Citizenship	Ugandan
Education	Nkumba University
Occupations	Businessman, activist, motivational speaker
Years active	2000s–present
Spouse	Patience Mutoni Malaika
Children	2

Frank Malingumu Gashumba (born 3 December 1974) is a Ugandan businessman, motivational speaker, political commentator, and activist. He serves as chairman of the Mali Group of Companies and is the founder of Sisimuka Uganda, an initiative promoting social development. Gashumba is known for his advocacy work on behalf of the Banyarwanda community in Uganda through the Council for Abavandimwe and holds the position of Vice Chairman for the Central Region of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). An outspoken public figure, he has attracted both support for his advocacy efforts and scrutiny for his commentary on political and social issues. ^[1]

Early life and education

Gashumba was born on 3 December 1974 in Villa Maria, Masaka District, Uganda, to Anthony 'Antonio' Kasumba and Cissy Mukarubayiza, both of Rwandan origin. His father was a landowner in Buganda and a businessman. ^[1] He attended schools in Masaka before graduating from Nkumba University with a degree in Business Administration. ^[1]

Career

Business

Gashumba chairs the Mali Group of Companies, which has interests in agriculture, skills services, and tourism. He began his business activities in the late 1990s with ventures including Mali Mixed Farm. ^[1]

Activism and advocacy

Gashumba has been a prominent advocate for Ugandans of Rwandan descent, known as the Banyarwanda. He co-founded the Council for Abavandimwe, an organisation representing the interests of the Banyarwanda community in Uganda and abroad. Through this platform, he has campaigned for citizenship rights and recognition, contributing to executive interventions that addressed discrimination in national documentation processes. ^{[2] [3]}

He has organised cultural events such as the Abavandimwe Carnival, which promotes unity within the community and has featured performances by Ugandan artists including Eddy Kenzo, Cindy Sanyu, Jose Chameleon, Sheebah, Ray G, and Omega 256. ^[3]

Gashumba founded Sisimuka Uganda (National Action for Awakening Uganda), an initiative focused on promoting mindset change, empowerment, and social development. ^[1]

As Vice Chairman for the Central Region of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Gashumba has engaged in political mobilisation and frequently addressed issues affecting the Banyarwanda community, positioning himself as a voice for marginalised groups. ^[4]

Media and public engagement

As a motivational speaker and social commentator, Gashumba has appeared in media discussions on Ugandan politics and social issues. He has participated in public forums and hosted interviews covering topics related to the Banyarwanda community and national politics. ^[1]

Legal issues and public scrutiny

Throughout his career, Gashumba has faced legal challenges which he has attributed to his outspoken public commentary.

In October 2017, he was arrested by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) on charges including impersonation, forgery, conspiracy to commit a felony, and unlawful possession of narcotic drugs. The charges stemmed from allegations that he and an associate posed as Ministry of Defence officials in connection with a deal involving military trucks. ^[5] Gashumba denied the accusations, asserting they were politically motivated. After two years of legal proceedings during which the prosecution failed to produce witnesses, Buganda Road Court dismissed all charges in November 2019. ^[6]

Separately, in 2011 and again in January 2021, Gashumba was implicated in fraud allegations related to a deal for fire tenders involving a Turkish company. He was arrested alongside others in the 2021 case but maintained his innocence. These cases did not result in convictions, and Gashumba subsequently continued his business and advocacy work. ^[7]

Gashumba's political commentary has also drawn scrutiny, with some critics questioning shifts in his positions over time. He has responded to such criticism by emphasising his commitment to community empowerment and national unity. ^[4]

Personal life

Gashumba is the father of media personality Sheilah Gashumba. He has been involved in philanthropic activities, including providing support for education and livelihood to burn victim Aisha Nabukeera. ^{[1] [8]} In May 2025, he held a traditional ceremony (gusaba) with partner Patience Mutoni Malaika. ^[1]

References

1. "Frank M. Gashumba: The business enigma". Daily Monitor . January 3, 2021.
2. "Banyarwanda face statelessness". Nile Post. December 21, 2024.
3. "Justice Came: Frank Gashumba Rallies Abavandimwe". Watchdog Uganda. September 5, 2025.
4. "PLU's Disciplinary Committee Summons Frank Gashumba". ChimpReports. May 28, 2024.
5. "Frank Gashumba allegedly 'found with' Marijuana, cocaine, fake passports". Nile Post. October 31, 2017.
6. "Court Dismisses Fraud Charges Against Gashumba". ChimpReports. November 7, 2019.
7. "Gashumba arrested in another fraud case". Daily Monitor . January 24, 2021.
8. "Aisha Nabukeera: Survivor To Thriver". Zuba Network. June 12, 2019.