Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni in Nairobi, Kenya, February 11, 2020. JOHN MUCHUCHA/AP
“Homosexuals are a deviation from the norm,” Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said in an address to the nation on Thursday (March 16). “What for? Is it congenital or acquired? We need to answer these questions,” added the head of state, who is calling for an inquiry into homosexuality as parliamentarians in this conservative East African country prepare to vote on an anti-gay law. This is where we need medical advice, we really need to discuss this,” he continued.
The bill – which was referred to a parliamentary committee in early March – proposes severe penalties for people engaging in homosexual relationships, sparking opposition from human rights organizations. In Uganda, governed by Mr Museveni since 1986, homosexuality is already illegal.
The text provides for up to 10 years in prison for anyone engaging in homosexual activity or claiming to be LGBTQ. It is due to be debated in Parliament next week, with a vote possibly as early as Tuesday 21 March.
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Dark international forces accused of promoting homosexuality
It comes at a time when there are many conspiracy theories on social media on the subject, accusing dark international forces of promoting homosexuality in Uganda. “Western countries should stop wasting humanity’s time trying to impose their practices on others,” Museveni said during his speech, which was boycotted by all but one opposition MP.
“Europeans and other groups marry cousins and close relatives. Marrying into your own clan is taboo here. Should we penalize them if they marry relatives? It’s not our job. »
Uganda has strict legislation against homosexuality – a legacy of colonial laws – but since the country’s independence in 1962 there has been no prosecution for consensual homosexual acts.
In 2014 a Ugandan court blocked a bill sanctioned by MPs and signed by President Museveni punishing same-sex relationships with life imprisonment. This text had sparked an outcry beyond Uganda’s borders as some rich countries suspended aid after it was tabled in Parliament.
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