Uganda’s gays in desperate situation

Uganda’s gays in desperate situation

In August 2006 Uganda’s tabloid newspaper, Red Pepper, published a list of 45 alleged gay men stating their aim was to demonstrate how rapidly this terrible vice known as sodomy is eating away at our society.
The following month, 13 lesbians were named in an attempt to rid our motherland of the deadly vice [lesbianism], we are committed to exposing all the lesbos [sic] in the city.
Kampala-raised John (name substituted) believes the paper is responding to the general paranoia in Uganda surrounding homosexuality.
There is a fear of homosexuality. The newspaper is playing a name and shame game. Ugandans are scared because gay people exist in Uganda and believe the problem is getting worse, he said. They know the Government and the law are on the newspaper’s side.
These laws include the Penal Code of 1950, which states any person who commits an offence against the order of nature is liable to life imprisonment.
Same-sex marriage was outlawed in 2005 through a constitutional amendment stating that marriage is lawful only if entered into between a man and a woman.

In recent years, gay activists have attempted to force change and strive for a more tolerant society. As the activists have become more vocal, the opposition has intensified.
In August 2007, the activist group Sexual Minorities of Uganda launched a campaign entitled Let us Live in Peace. A SMUG spokesperson said at the time, the goal of the campaign is to reach out to all Ugandans so that people realise we are not something imported from the West. We are the homosexual and transgender children of God. All we ask is that we be allowed to live in peace.
Anti-gay groups responded a week later by holding a rally in a sports stadium. Pastor Martin Sempa of the Interfaith Rainbow Coalition Against Homosexuality told the BBC, We are telling them that Africans find homosexuality reprehensible.
Three months later in November 2007, gay activists and bishops engaged in a heated impromptu debate before an international audience at a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala. Following the clash, Bishop Niringiye said, It’s not about silencing them. But we should put in place legislation that does not allow the practice to be promoted.
The conference made 119 recommendations, including one referring to issues concerning minority rights, such as the rights of gay people. Ethics Minister James Bututo responded, Homosexuality has no room in this country.
It’s not open for discussion. That’s how bad it is. With legal and political backing, they can do anything, John said.
John believes African culture essentially defies acceptance. The African culture is all about extended families: mums, dads, kids, grandparents. Homosexuality doesn’t fit into that.
The male persona overcompensates for masculinity. For example, a man wouldn’t go into the kitchen because that’s the woman’s territory. People believe by being gay you’re betraying other men, you’re a disgrace to the male model.
John cannot foresee a solution in the short to medium term.
It’s a desperate situation. How can you take such a risk? I prefer to keep quiet and leave. I expect things to get a lot worse before they get better, he said.

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9 responses to “Uganda’s gays in desperate situation”

  1. I am gay, And I am Ugandan…

    Aisha, I am one of the ones that you persecute so blithely. I hope you have learnt some manners from those who have commented on your hate filled message.

    Of course, you can say it means nothing, because they are homosexuals and sinners. And, they are not Africans. And… hell. You shame me, Aisha.

  2. Am with Aisha, currently in Uganda innocent citizens are being brutalised at the hands of this autocrats leader Museven, now for over 23 years! But to the west his a moderate and not a dictator whe liberated Ugandans from Idi Amin yet that’s false! Now yhe west is calling on for sanctions against Uganda not because of the power abuse by M7 but simply because he is against GAY?? That culture in our motherland won’t survive. Promote peace & democracy in Africa but not Culture please

  3. Aisha like many stereotyped Africans are quick to blame homosexuality on the Westerners and yet the faiths they practice were brought unto them by the same westerner!

    Andrew Potts’ and Rev Smith’ country men have every right to speak for the voiceless African gaymen and women.

    [email protected]

  4. Hi members, this man is really sick and it looks as if he hardly has senses.
    First and foremost, the place which God choose to be used in the sexual activities is known and its perfect with all the qualities one may desire. BUt here comes a man who fully knows what comes out of the anus and goes on to support people who use anal sex. THe dirt with all the bactria that can cause each and every disease you can think of, its muscles have never been created to expand during any sexual intercouse, the lack of comfort after being used to the part hence some people ending up padding. And above all the act or this immoral behaviour led to God destroying a whole reign. Isn’t this man aware of this because I think its in all religions of the world.
    Any since his name is being publised under such immorality I think one time he may wake and appreciate what God put right.

  5. Well Aisha you are wrong like many around the world who use the bible to condemn homosexuality. If you read your bible truthfully and with open eyes you will find that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for the sin of inhospitality and for not caring for widows and the dissadvantaged. The bible also tells us that we are all created in the image of God and therefore we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

    Rev Greg Smith

    Metropolitan Community Church
    Phnom Penh Cambodia

  6. So Aisha, Westerners are at fault when they fail to intervene in Africa when people like you are being persecuted as in Rwanda, but when it’s the Africans you don’t like that are being persecuted (your gay African brothers and sisters) we should keep out of it?

    “your evil cultures”- thank you for reminding us all that having white skin is not a prerequisite for being a racist.

    You should spend more time watching these animals- particularly lions, and preferably by yourself. But not in a zoo.

  7. Watch your filthy words. Have you ever been invited to stay in Uganda, why dont you leave Africans alone? By the time of genocide in Rwanda you never came out you guys because there was nothing profitable for you Western Countries, but with propagating your evil cultures, you fight tooth and nail.Whats the matter with you people, most of us ask ourselves, what were you made of?
    I have never seen animals; cows, goats, pigs, lions etc, going anal knowledge-but imagine a Man who was given Wisdom by God.
    Leave Ugandans and Africans alone and stay with your cultures. If you guys say that homosextuality was not imported from Western, whay do you pump millions of money, if you think what you are doing is right?
    Homosexuals are not and will never be children of God. What did God do to Sodomah and Gomorrah if they were His children?