Uganda's President Museveni agrees to sign anti-gays Bill

A Ugandan street newspaper vendor holding a copy of The Rolling Stone newspaper, which has no relation to the US magazine, in Kampala on November 2, 2010. The newspaper on November 1 published the names and photos of 14 men it identified as gay. PHOTO | MARC HOFER | FILE AFP

KYANKWANZI

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni on Friday told National Resistance Movement (NRM) legislators at Kyankwanzi that he would assent to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed by Parliament in December last year. The Bill seeks to make same-sex punishable by life imprisonment upon conviction.

The President, who had earlier refused to assent to the Bill, changed his position after a group of 11 scientists from Ministry of Health and Makerere University, led by the director of planning and development at the ministry of Health, Dr Isaac Ezati (who represented Dr Ruth Achieng, the director general of health services), presented to him their findings on whether homosexual behaviour is genetic or not.

Presidential Advisor on Science Dr Richard Tushemereirwe told the president that homosexuality has serious public health consequences and should therefore not be tolerated.

A statement from the NRM Caucus Spokesperson Evelyn Anite reads: “The President made it clear that his work was done and that all he needed was for the scientists to sign the paper they presented since it would be a historical document forming basis for the signing of the Bill.”

Speaking after scientists presented their findings, the President, according to Information minister Rose Namayanja said if the scientists give him a signed copy of their presentation, he will do what he called “the historical job of signing the Bill” into law. (MAP:Countries that criminalise homosexuality)

NO FURTHER DEBATES

After the President made his promise to sign the Bill, sources said the members moved a motion blocking further debate on the controversial Bill and immediately gave him a standing ovation.

In a letter to Speaker Rebecca Kadaga dated December 28, 2013, President Museveni said it was the government’s job to “rescue” young people from being gay, and he accepted the premise that someone who lures a youth into “disgusting behaviour” should face life imprisonment.

However, initially he refused to sign the legislation on the basis that it was not properly passed in Parliament as there was no quorum. (READ: Uganda president blocks anti-gay bill)

Government has faced pressure from the donor community to shelve the legislation, which was supported by radical Christian pastors and legislators. UK Prime Minister David Cameron and US president Barack Obama threatened to isolate Uganda if the Bill was passed into law.

Reported by Yasiin Mugerwa (ymugerwa@ug.nationmedia.com). For the full story, go towww.monitor.co.ug