President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his steadfastness in support of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that outlaws same-sex relationships in Uganda. Speaking at Kyankwanzi, he urged Ugandans to remain strong and resolute in their fight for what he terms “the right cause”, regardless of any adverse actions or intimidation.
Addressing a parliamentary committee on legal affairs, Museveni stated that homosexuality is a vice that requires serious handling and interrogation, adding that it is a psychological disorientation that should not be criminalized, “it’s like a sickness,” he said. The President also suggested that there were a few people who were whispered to be homosexual 200 years ago in places such as Buganda and Karagwe, but little is known because it was considered a purely private matter.
However, the Anti-homosexuality bill drew worldwide criticism and disapproval from several Western countries. Nevertheless, the President commended the bill and promised that he would establish its implementation to serve as a deterrent to future cases. He also said that real estate owners housing suspected homosexuals will be held accountable while employers must ensure their workforces do not contain homosexuals.
In March 2014, the Constitutional Court of Uganda annulled the bill, stating that there weren’t enough members of parliament present to vote on it. Despite legal appeals, the law is still not enforced to this day.
The President, in conclusion, advised individuals who find themselves disoriented psychologically to seek help. He said that if someone tries to recruit others into this disorientation, they would punish them by imprisonment. But, if someone goes further to rape children, they would be executed.
