Ugandan businessman and social commentator Frank Gashumba has sparked outrage on social media after making a bold and controversial statement about Makerere University graduates. In a viral post, Gashumba claimed that if someone has a degree from Makerere but still uses public taxis, they are poor and not working hard enough.
He didn’t stop there. Gashumba went on to ask how a university graduate can sit in a taxi with 14 people who never finished high school. He added that education is supposed to change your life, and if someone is still eating one type of food, they need to work harder.
These comments did not sit well with many Ugandans. Social media platforms were filled with angry responses, with people accusing Gashumba of being arrogant and disconnected from the real struggles of young people in Uganda. One user said, “This is not motivation. It’s mockery.” Another added, “Using public transport doesn’t make you poor – being judgmental does.”
Many shared their personal experiences to prove that success isn’t about what car you drive. Some said they attend big business meetings and still use taxis to get home. Others reminded Gashumba that Uganda’s economy is tough, and even graduates from the best universities face unemployment, low salaries, and few job opportunities.
A graduate from Makerere expressed frustration, saying it was unfair for Gashumba to suggest that poverty is always a personal failure. “The system is broken. We are doing our best,” they said.
While a few people believe Gashumba was trying to encourage young people to aim higher, the majority agree that his message came out in a harsh and disrespectful way. They argue that real success should be measured by impact, hard work, and values – not by whether someone owns a car or not.
The debate is still going strong online, with many Ugandans reflecting on what success truly means and calling for more understanding and respect for those working hard in difficult conditions.
