Frank Gashumba: My father is among top 10 land owners in Buganda

Businessman Frank Gashumba has claimed that his late father, Gashumba Snr., was among the top 10 landowners in Buganda. Speaking on Megatron Media, the outspoken social commentator sought to counter allegations that Rwandans have gained significant advantages under President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership.

Gashumba highlighted that his father’s wealth was established long before Museveni took power. "I started crawling when my dad already owned three cars. He would drive me to nursery school in an Audi, and he also had two lorries," Gashumba recalled. "My father was wealthy... He owned three coffee milling machines and, during a good season, harvested 4,000 bags of coffee. Every fortnight, he filled a lorry with matooke [green bananas]. This was all during Amin's regime. So, when people say Rwandans have benefited from this government, it's nonsense."

Addressing speculation that he is a beneficiary of the current government, Gashumba dismissed these claims. He noted that while he has security escorts assigned by the government, it is purely for safety reasons. According to him, these escorts can be costly to facilitate, and he would willingly dispense with them if given the choice.

"Tell me what I’ve gained from this regime," he challenged. "My father was so affluent that he traveled to seven different countries, including a trip to Rome. He obtained his first passport in 1974 and his driving permit in 1969. So, don't make assumptions about us. My father ranks among the top 10 landowners in Buganda."

Gashumba further emphasised that his father acquired his wealth and land holdings before the current regime, trading with prominent wealthy individuals like Donati Kananura. He insisted that whatever perceived benefits he enjoys are due to connections made with a few influential friends, not from any preferential treatment by President Museveni.