Gashumba and his adopted daughter Nabukeera
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Social commentator and businessman Frank Gashumba has finally spoken out about his absence at the recent traditional ceremony (kukyala) of his adopted daughter, Aisha Nabukeera.
The event raised questions among the public, with many wondering why Gashumba, who took Nabukeera under his care nearly two decades ago, was not part of such an important milestone.
Gashumba reminded Ugandans of how his bond with Nabukeera began way back in 2006, when she suffered severe burns allegedly inflicted by her stepmother. At the time, he stepped in to support her, providing education, shelter, and care as though she were his biological child.
However, he explained that attending her kukyala would have been culturally inappropriate. According to him, in Buganda tradition, it is the responsibility of a girl’s family—especially her paternal auntie and father—to handle such ceremonies.
By inviting him as a guest, Nabukeera would have been indirectly declaring that he no longer held a guardian’s role.
“In our culture, a girl introduces her partner through her auntie, who then informs the father. The father organizes the ceremony. For me to attend in any other capacity would mean I’m not her guardian but just another guest,” Gashumba clarified.
Father to bouncing baby
At the same time, Gashumba shared personal news about his new family life. He revealed that he and his wife, Malaika Mutoni, welcomed their baby on August 11. The child has already made one month. He noted that while many congratulated him after the recent announcement, the baby’s arrival was not new.
Gashumba also cautioned people against oversharing private matters on social media. He argued that online spaces are often toxic and unregulated, stressing that only those with “thick skin” can handle the criticism that comes with public exposure.
He pointed to President Museveni’s grandchildren as an example, noting how they were kept away from the spotlight until adulthood, showing that it is possible to protect family life from unnecessary public attention.
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