HIV, Gay Ugandans and Stigma

On the Spot; NTV tonight.

Major Rubaramira.

I have heard of the guy, and knew that he is a fearless HIV activist. And the papers have quoted him being gay friendly. But I have never seen him, or at least we don’t move in the same cycles. His are rarefied.

He is a veteran of the bush war. The one which brought the current president into power. But I think he did fall out with him, and then tied his star to that of Besigye, the opposition leader, who is also a veteran.

Rubaramira was on the NTV station. The topic; HIV, Gays and stigma.

The presenter was relatively unschooled. Maybe I just tend to know a lot about the gay topic! He didn’t know the correct questions to ask. He was weaving around the topic. And Rubaramira himself is a compelling individual. HIV positive, a veteran, fearless, and an HIV activist. He is in his 60s, and has lived with HIV for 25 years. He is a very well informed and opinionated individual.

So, the topic actually discussed ranged from the Major’s testimony of living with HIV, and how he did it, and how others can do that, and what the country was doing about HIV prevention at this particular moment.

Gay issues were discussed. But certainly as part of the issue.

Why now? Apparently, the Lancet article is making waves. People are asking questions. Being Ugandans, they are wondering. Are gays realy there? What to do about them? A moral question, so tighten the laws and force them out of Uganda? What about recruiting? What about sodomy in schools? etc, etc…! Those were the questions that the presenter asked of the Major. (Gosh, I cringed when the presenter aske what was the problem, these guys do not reproduce- like in have children!!!!! The major corrected him on that)

And the answers were concise, and easy. HIV is a disease. We have to understand that gay people exist in Uganda. Not burry our collective heads in the sand. And, the solution was not to make tougher laws, and not to stigmatise them.

One caller insisted it was a moral issue. Uganda is going to the dogs. Morality wise. And something has to be done. Subtext- stronger laws, and apply them. The Major refused such simplicity. Uganda is a Christian country? Surely? What about the Moslems?...!

And the often touted hate the sin and love the sinner. Christian hypocrisy. (My assesment. The major quoted Jesus and the woman caught in adultery)

I think the topic had broadened out too much, so, the guys in the studio wanted more fire. Decision, ring up Ssempa. Yes, the good Pastor. You know his opinion.. I documented it here. But, for some reason, he had not phoned in voluntarily. So, at the tail end of the program, he was put on line.

I listened to his question.

Ssempa is certifiably stupid. I have said that many times, but I must say it is such a prominent part of his personality that when you are dealing with him, you have to remember that despite the high sounding phraseology, the quasi-american gangster accent, that there is supreme emptiness in the words that he speaks. Truth. Fact.

Anyway, Ssempa reacted with a very personal attack on the Major. "That man." Those were his words. He attacked him personally, inspite of the wealth of knowledge the major had laid down before hand. Came off like they have had an ongoing quarrel. Ssempa is a better HIV activist than the Major. (Truth, I am stating what the man said, Ssempa.) That he has been an HIV activist for longer than the good Major. That the Abstinence, and being faithful which Ssempa champions has been working, and now the Major is advocating legalization of homosexuality…! And, that they have known of all this homosexual money being channeled into the country, and that Uganda will not take it. I waited for Ssempa to come out and frankly accuse the Major of taking homosexual money to champion the cause of gay HIV prevention. He didn’t come out to say it. But he certainly implied it. Wow! Well, the major should expect it. Anyone who opposes Ssempa is a homosexual, or is following the homosexual agenda.

Rebuttal, the Major didn’t have enough time. Ssempa flies all over the map, throwing out red herrings. And this was a major one. No, it was a lie, the Major had not advocated for legalizing homosexuality. And why was Ssempa accusing him of that?

I think it was to hide the fact that Ssempa was not answering the questions posed.

HIV is a big problem amongst gay men. Gay Ugandans. Statistics were quoted, but I am not sure the source. And increasing the stigma isn’t the way to go about prevention….

That is, unless you are Pastor Martin Ssempa.

gug

History in the Making

Yeah, there is a sense of history in the making.

Not in the OutGames ongoing in Copenhagen. The Gay Games. What an opportunity for meeting and discussing gay issues! Oh yes, and promoting the world wide homosexual agenda of course. It is interesting that, in countries which, once upon a time there was a persecution of gay people, now the opposite is shown. Gay sexuality is celebrated. How far we have come.

But the history in the making has been in Uganda.

Was talking to someone a couple of days back who was interested in my country’s infamous gay bashing. We have the reputation. Of gay bashing, worldwide. Seems as if we are re-known for Idi Amin in the ‘70s, HIV/AIDS in the 80’s and ‘90s, and gay bashing in the first decade of this century.

But, in this short time, quite a lot has happened.

There were no gay groups a scant few years ago. Ssempa was doing his gay bashing, but he learnt it in America, and came here and suddenly found that there was no bashing to do. Just wasn’t popular. So he decided to make it popular. The power of charisma.

I think I have blogged about people trying to ‘prove’ that there were some ‘gay ugandans’. Seems like that was years and years ago.

Now, Nsaba-Buturo, Ssempa and the government are so convinced that gay Ugandans exist and present a clear and present danger to the wellbeing of Ugandans that a new law is soon to be tabled in Parliament. The MPs seat Tue through Thursday, and it is usually so boring that one cannot follow it on the live streaming on TV, but certainly when Buturo tables the bill (might have done as I write), he will see to it that it hits the airwaves. He seems to crave that publicity!

History in the making.

Seems as if we are kind of reversing what history should be, in Uganda. But we are also making some fancy history. Be it gay history, or anti-gay history. And know what, I think I am a very unassuming person, (f**ck the red rug), but it is kind of funny to be in the middle of all this hullabaloo. Just because I am gay, wow!


gug

Fragile life

Life is fragile. Very. Especially in Africa.

Not the crazy riots in Nigeria, or Kenya last year, the current famine in Eastern Africa… Seems as if the continent is catching fire. In a way. Why is the news never good?

Because life, as beautiful as it is, is never simple, or easy. And no where is this more true than on this beautiful, tough continent.

Pensive mood has been stirred by a tragic story. Friend of mine… Cyber friend. Met sometime ago, years. Orokie, the painter.

I insist on calling him that. He is an artist. Gay and proud. Studied in Africa. Went off to complete studies in Europe. We met in cyberworld, built up a friendship. Virtual, real and unreal.
We were in contact for some time, then he dropped out of cyber. Couldn’t contact him for some time, then he popped back onto the net. He had a terrible story to tell.

After studying, he had taken off time to come home. And that journey turned into a life time nightmare. His story is here.

It is tough. Very tough.

Life is so fragile that it is pleasure to know that we are still living… The appreciation of how fragile and beautiful it is will make every drop of life worth savouring. Orokie is a young man that has been maimed and cruelly crippled in the bloom of his youth. An artist who is going blind, eyesight lost, that vision and perception of his world now turned in. Hopefully, with the resiliency of a human being, he will find someway to bless us with his gift.

Life is that unpredictable. And that beautiful.

Friend Orokie, my thoughts are with you on your journey back home, and may you still find joy in life as you did before.


gug

Two Styles of Christianity

UPDATE 01 Aug 09

Seems the words of Ronan didnt please anyone.... So the controversy continues to seeth. See here

Beleaguered Is The Peacemaker

The archbishop of Canterbury's latest move to prevent a schism in the worldwide Anglican Communion leaves both sides unhappy

Uh, the words are not mine, but those of the Archbishop of Canterbury…. Course, he is talking about the Anglican communion and gay Anglicans. This is a very interesting story. From beginning through its evolution, it has been interesting.

I don’t count myself an Anglican. Just an interested other…

A ‘two track’ Church, or ‘two styles of being Anglican’, one gay bashing, the other including gay human beings in the highest of church offices. Amazing thing, this Church. But I liked this best. Archbishop Williams insisted that the issue should not be debated “in apocalyptic terms of schism and excommunication but plainly as what they are — two styles of being Anglican.”

Nuances. Shades of meaning.

Ok, English is not my mother tongue. Learnt it as a second language, use it most, granted, but I am no expert. But my interpretation is in the apocalyptic terms. Black is white, and not black but white…
Maybe you should read the article yourself. Here it is.

Shh, wonder what a person like Ssempa would think of this heretical view of the Church of Christ? Funny, I dont realy wonder what Christ himself would think of it. Kind of sure I know, but Ssempa?


Have a lovely evening. It is golden here.


gug

Long Awaited...

Apparently, coming, at long last, this week...!

Anti-gay Bill comes to Parliament

By Raymond Baguma

THE Government will next week table the anti-pornography and anti- homosexuality draft laws before Parliament, ethics minister Dr. James Nsaba Buturo has said.

Buturo told journalists at the Media Centre on Friday: “The bills are ready and I will present them before Parliament next week. We are excited about it and our opponents, too, are excited.”

Once passed into law, the bills will radically address pornographic and homosexual practices and boost the Government’s efforts to rid the country of immorality, he remarked.

Buturo said: “This is a response to what we consider dangerous to our society. We have been anxious for this.”

He, however, declined to reveal the penalties against the offenders.

Buturo said there was foreign pressure against the anti-gay legislation, but the Government was ready to resist it.

“We have told our foreign friends to mind their own business. Ugandans have their values and principles,” he said.

Recently, Buturo said that once the two bills are passed into law, it will be an offence to publish and distribute literature on homosexuality.

He also said it would become impossible for homosexuals to address press conferences and attract people to support their cause.

Responding to reports that sex workers at the ongoing National agricultural Show in Jinja want stalls to attract clients, Buturo said: “They do not deserve space, they need assistance.”

Published on: Saturday, 25th July, 2009

Sodomy War

Crusade. War on Sodomy. Kicking homosexuality out of Uganda.

This article was back in June, history, with regards to today’s quickly moving events. But I like the illustration of the Church’s priorities… This is how God’s Holy Warriors, the Anti-gay Crusaders do battle against the vice in Uganda. The US has its anti-gay church of holy warriors. The guy is called Phelps? The one who was denied entry into Britain. (Which reminds me, why don’t we request that dear Ssempa is not allowed that sceptred isle? He may not find it funny!). Ssempa is our Phelps. And the holy associates are Steven Langa, Solomon Male, Michael Kyazze. God bless them.

Tongue in cheek. Hope your Sunday is a good one. Enjoy it. And don’t you bash any homosexuals!

ANTIGAY TRIO DECLARES WAR ON HOMOSEXUALS
By Mask Admin

UGANDA – 05 June 2009: The fight against gay church leaders is on in Uganda, led by top anti-gay Pastors Martin Sempa, Solomon Male and Michael Kyazze.

According to media reports these Pastors say they have received about 150 complaints from alleged sodomy victims who claim to have been abused by a number of church leaders.

While Uganda’s gay community is skeptical about the validity of this claim, the anti-gay religious group says it won’t reveal the names of victims because they are protecting them from the police who had earlier terrorised and intimidated young boys who accused Pastor Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre for sodomising them.

Sempa also revealed to a Ugandan tabloid that more Pastors have been accused of sodomy and will soon be shamed.

“The sodomy storm has forced many victims to come out but we don’t trust these cops”, Sempa told the tabloid.

Kyazze said “we are not going to keep quiet until those sinners are exposed. We have a big picture and when our confidence in our [police] force grows, we are going to break the news.”

Meanwhile the anti gay trio allegedly held a prayer outside Uganda’s Central Police Station as Kyazze testified to reports that Pastor Kayanja had been abusing young boys.

They are also planning to organize an anti-homo crusade at Lugogo that will take 40 days of fasting and prayer.

“We are going to wear black clothes to show our grief for the nation. We will pray to God to heal the nation of child sacrifice and homosexuality”, Sempa said.


Amen??????


gug

Saturday

Beautiful day, Saturday.

Morning was overcast. Since the rain drizzle the other day, has been kind of mild. The dust still is, lifting with the dull wind, touching the leaves, though it is less now. Bright, beautiful sun, golden, the tree shadows soft, inviting.

Suddenly realized that there is less fascination with my sexuality in the news these days.

But, fact is, seems as if there are more kuchus out there. We are hanging out, openly… At least as openly as we dare. Seems as if the awareness in the media has not hurt us. Yesterday, out, Friday evening. Crowd good, music mediocre, beer flowing.

Lover mine was feeling randy, touching me up till I had to caution him. Damn, we are in Uganda! Kampala, and though I expect Nsaba Buturo is asleep at such an (ahem) ungodly hour, I don’t want to be lynched. Quite a crowd, and many gay…! Ha!

Lover mine was blowing kisses at me. One guy, chatting up a lady, managed to catch him at it. Saw him.

I was horrified when I realized. Immediately started acting the ‘straight’ unknowing dude. Hell, you know the drill.

The guy laughed.

Yes, he just laughed. Passing us as he goes to the loos, he manages to greet us. Like he knew us. Didn’t even seem to comment to the girl about the weirdos hanging out next to them. I was surprised. Asked my lover, he confessed didn’t know him…

And, on way out, lover mine returned the favour. Wished him a good night.

Funny country.

Good news out there. Saw this story.

Lesbian couple celebrate 70th anniversary

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • July 21, 2009 - 17:05

The couple will celebrate 70 years together

A lesbian couple in Florida are celebrating their 70th anniversary together.

Caroline Leto, 96, and Venera Magazzu, 97, from Dania Beach, will celebrate the landmark anniversary on August 17th.

In an interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, they told how they had to keep their relationship secret for years.

"You just couldn't tell everyone we were lovers," said Leto. "You tell people we're friends, and some thought we were sisters."

The couple met in 1939 at a party and moved in together in New York a year later, telling only close family and and a handful of friends about their relationship.

They registered as domestic partners in New York in 1996 and subsequently moved to Florida, where they felt able to become involved in the gay and lesbian community.

A party is being planned by local gay group Etz Chaim on the date of their anniversary.

Only comment from me is Wow!!!!!!

Reminder. Must send it to my lover. Kind of sob story stuff that he realy likes. Am the one more likely not to find it terribly significant, but man! That is a real wild ride. 70 years, gosh! And 1939 in New York! Ok, maybe not very different from Kampala 2009 now, but hell! Wow. The superlatives, exclamations can never suffice!

And this one is for my friend WildeY. Vatican heaps praise on Oscar Wilde.. who it once condemned as immoral

Hey, dude, seems as if you are not writing, what’s up with you?

Housing? No right for Homosexuals

Gambia: Action Alert - Condemn Attacks on the Right to Housing

Picked this from IGLHRC

President Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh of the Gambia has called on citizens of this West African nation to deny housing to "homosexuals," making LGBT people targets for discrimination and violence yet again. IGLHRC believes that his statements violate the rights to freedom from discrimination, to adequate housing, to dignity, and to security.

Denial of Housing to LGBT People in the Gambia

On May 23, 2009, President Jammeh urged party members of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), who represent the majority in the country's National Assembly, not to rent or allow homosexuals to stay in their compounds. The statement was made at a monument commemorating the 1994 coup that brought Jammeh, a former lieutenant in the Gambian army, into power.

Last year, President Jammeh publicly denounced homosexuality and gave LGBT people in Gambia an ultimatum to leave the country by stating that he would "cut of the head" of anyone believed to be homosexual discovered in Gambia. He also warned Gambian hotel owners not to rent rooms to homosexuals.

The right to adequate housing is guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and articulated in the Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, the rights to dignity and security, components of the right to adequate housing, are guaranteed under the Gambian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. States may not permit forced evictions and must ensure nondiscrimination in access to adequate housing for all of its citizens.

Ahhhh!

Same old, same old. See, we gay people are considered pariahs, non people. So those who are gay feel happy that they can in self righteousness deny us simple things which other 'people' have a right to.

In Uganda, if you are a known homosexual, dont be suprised if no landlord will have you... Or again, you may find one who is ok. And doesnt mind.

But this shouldnt worry you. Our world is one of thorns and rose flowers. One thing that those who dont like us are gifted with is the gift of prejudice. We cannot be human beings, we cannot be normal, so because we are normal, we hide right under their noses...!

It is a beautiful day. The country is in a drought state. People in the east and north are literally dying of hunger. Bad deal there. Our institutions have been ravaged by lots of bad governance. Course, we are a moral people so we have to continue pouring much energy in the pursuit of sin and immorality and homosexuality.

But last night, it rained. Drizzled, more or less. Dampened the ubiquitous dust. And the air is cool, nice and still. Overcast. A relief from the bright sun and heat of most of the days of this week. Possibly the rains are near. Have to keep praying hard. That it rains, that less people suffer from the hunger. I hear seed is being eaten, so we might be getting into a cycle of hunger. Or we shall wake up and do something about food security!

But it is a beautiful day, I am alive, and know it....

gug

I know what your heart is

Before, my mind was a storm
tumultuous, of tortured emotions
they tore through me, swinging, no campus-
they choked me up, swung me from tears
wild laughter, swinging colours, and back.

Then we talked-

It was cool, high on a terrace
soft darkness of night, cut by the noise of
electric lights and cars, occasional train
We sat alone, together and probed
the depth of my wounds, pain.

It was painful, frank; the anesthetic alcohol,
It was opening, free; I saw deep into you,
you probed into me, we
communicated.

Now life, though tumultuous, is settled
a calm, not terrible, but steady-
the strength of a rock, solid, certain
for I know what your heart is, and you know mine.



©GayUganda 23 Jul 09

HIV and Gay Africans

This is getting some play in the world media and blogosphere. True.

Closet Case: How Intolerance Fuels Africa's AIDS Crisis

Needs to be emphasized that the homophobes are actually driving the lack of HIV services for gay Africans. Back, about two years back, I quoted Ssempa here.

In Uganda, Martin Ssempa is known as an HIV campaigner, fierce, advocating for 'Abstinence' Want to know what dear, loving Martin Ssempa talks about HIV prevention for Gay Ugandans? And he is a very influential man, with the ear of the First Lady, another Abstinence and Anti-Condom campaigner. He has gone to Capitol Hill in the US to claim that his programmes are to be accredited for the fall in Uganda's HIV rates. Back in the days of Bush...

This is what dear, loving, Martin Ssempa said. A man who says he loves gay human beings. Is a Pastor who witchunts gay pastors to cleanse the church, and makes inter-religious alliances to 'Kick homosexuality out of Uganda'

When we demonstrated in 2007 at the Implementers meeting, we were asking for an HIV prevention programme. This is what was reported about Ssempa's reaction to that.

Indeed, he wanted to sue the UNAIDS for not treating us like the criminals we are. Surely!

And some more quotes from dear Dr Ssempa

Anti-gay activist Martin Ssempa said Uganda needs to send a clear message to homosexuals that they are engaging in a suicidal and un-natural risk that fuels HIV and other infections such as hepatitis.

“These people are just looking at ways of legitimising their practice, which is illegal and deviant in our society,” said Pastor Ssempa. “Our previous experience showed us that bringing homosexuals into campaigns against HIV only gives them a chance to propagate their illegal and unnatural acts.”

Dont need to write more, do I? Of course I love the guy. He is a gift that gives, and continues giving...!

gug

Interesting...

UGANDA TALKS EXCLUSIVE: FUFA deceiving FIFA over anti-gay campaign?

TUESDAY, 21 JULY 2009 13:29 JOE POWELL

Uganda Talks can today exclusively reveal the lengths to which the Ugandan Football Federation (FUFA) is going to avoid censor from world football governing body FIFA. FIFA wrote to FUFA at the beginning of July demanding an explanation for the latter’s anti-gay campaign, an offence for which Uganda could have been suspended from international football.

Our sources at FIFA headquarters in Zurich have now informed us that FUFA have replied to the letter. FIFA told us the following:

“FIFA has received a letter from FUFA which clarified a number of issues related to recent media reports in Uganda. FUFA confirmed that the national team Coach has not been forced to sign any document, and FUFA also confirmed that there is no code of conduct for the Coaches Association where any reference to homosexuality is made.

FUFA also confirmed that they are not investigating, discriminating or subordinating any Coach, and that FUFA respects FIFA's Statutes.

Following this correspondence, FIFA responded by reminding FUFA of article 3 of the FIFA Statutes which condemns any kind of discrimination on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reason, a principle which is shared by FIFA's Member Associations.”

Football followers in Uganda will know, however, that FUFA has indefinitely suspended coach Charles ‘Mbuzi’ Ayieko over sodomy allegations. They will also know that the Coaches Association are planning to amend their code of conduct to include an anti-homosexuality clause. Finally FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa is quoted by the New Vision on 3 May 2009 as saying:

“It is not natural. Let’s fight those beasts. They are killing talent. If someone comes out to testify against such people we shall ban them from football.”

The situation raises some serious questions. Could it be that FIFA are reluctant to investigate the issue for fear of upsetting member countries in the Middle East? Or have FUFA managed to cover up their anti-gay campaign to preserve Uganda’s participation in international football?

Price we Pay

To be fair, the community has to pay it with us. So, who's to blame. Seems as if we can start tossing around the blame too.

BBC NEWS

Alarming Africa male gay HIV rate

HIV rates among gay men in some African countries are 10 times higher than among the general male population, says research in medical journal the Lancet.

The report said prejudice towards gay people was leading to isolation and harassment, which in turn led to risky sexual practices among gay communities.

But the risks are not limited to gay men, as many of the infected also have female sexual partners.

The report called for greater education and resources in the fight against HIV.

The Oxford University researchers found that the prevalence of HIV/Aids among gay men in sub-Saharan African has been "driven by cultural, religious and political unwillingness to accept [gay men] as equal members of society".

Lead researcher Adrian Smith told the BBC there was "profound stigma and social hostility at every level of society concerning either same-sex behaviours amongst men, or homosexuality".

"This has the consequence that this group becomes extremely hard to reach," he said.

Mr Smith said that gay male sex had always been acknowledged as being particularly dangerous in terms of contracting HIV/Aids.

But gay men were also more likely to be involved in other high-risk behaviours, including sex work, having multiple partners and being in contact with intravenous drug use, he said.

Education crucial

George Kanuma, a gay rights activist in Burundi, told the BBC many men "hide their sexual orientation" to get married and have children, but continue to have sex with men.

"Most of them know that you can contract HIV/Aids or any infection when you are making sex with women, but not when you are having sex with another man," he said.

Mr Smith said there was "a desperate need for delivering a basic package of prevention for HIV", including ensuring supplies of condoms.

"There is also a need to sensitise, educate and train those involved in HIV, the interface with men who have sex with men, to educate those involved in care and prevention activities," he said.

The United Nations Aids agency estimates that 33 million people in the world have HIV, of whom two-thirds live in sub-Saharan Africa.

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/8158469.stm

Published: 2009/07/20 01:05:31 GMT

© BBC MMIX

The two Churches

Forgive my bad poetry.

It was ‘inspired’ by this article. I have always known of the Episcopal Church’s position on gay people.

I heard when Gene Robinson was made a Bishop, and of course, the brouhaha in the Anglican Communion which followed that. I didn’t know that the ‘Episcopal’ Church was part of the Anglican Communion, but I was adequately schooled by the rise of Akinola, and of course my country mate Orombi.

I was ‘born’ into the Church of Uganda, and once upon a time flirted with the Pentecostals. Before I came to my ‘current persuasion’. Maybe it is fair to say I have no faith, at the moment, but I continue to be very interested in matters of faith. My lover is a staunch Catholic. At least he was, till my lack of faith, (and homophobic pronouncements from the Holy See), shook him. I have many kuchu friends who believe deeply. Strongly. I support them. My lack of faith is a personal conviction. Why should I force it onto others? One can say an atheist is a believer. Of course it is true, though the atheist’s faith is the belief in the lack of a god. But that is digressing.
I was reasonably schooled in the Christian faith, and still love the teachings of Jesus. About love, practical love. And other things.

Anyway, in the same Church, or, as they call it, Body of Christ, one part, calling themselves conservatives have come out with a virulent, tough position with regards to people of my sexuality. They affirm that it is not natural, not normal, not scriptural. They have been militant, to the point of threatening to tear apart the Communion of the body, to usher in a new Reformation, because of differences in issues about my sexuality.

Orombi of the Church of Uganda is a particular leader in that. Martin Ssempa is another leader. He is rabid, in comparison to Orombi. Martin has instituted a gay witch-hunt within the Church, and within the country, using his considerable charisma and political acumen. He has been very successful recently, though his obsession with homosexuality pre-dates this years’ events. He is currently forging alliances with Moslems, other Christian groups, to fight homosexuality within the country. Stated aim is to ‘Kick Homosexuality out of Uganda’. Lofty ideal indeed.

Contrast this with what is happening in America.

I am quite aware of the fact that homosexuals were persecuted in America, and Europe. I am aware of the Nazi concentration camps, the Stonewall riots in ’69. What most Ugandans (and Africans) believe is that it has always been ok for homosexuals in the west. So they term it a ‘Western evil’.

Fast forward to now, in the US, a country where homosexuals were zapped with electricity in an effort to reboot our sexuality and make us heterosexuals, where they were hunted because of being security risks, part of the body of Christ is coming out and saying, enough is enough.

They acknowledged that, we are human beings. They acknowledged that we are natural, normal.

It is thrilling to understand that they accept that we are as fully Children of God as they are, despite the apparent ‘scriptural’ contradictions, which the conservatives bible-bash us with. The evolution of this thought has taken time, but it has come quietly, consistently, and strongly. With a certain grim inevitability.

When Gene Robinson was elected Bishop, the rest of the Anglican communion went mad. They couldn’t believe what had happened with their American brothers. From what I read, the Americans were taken aback. They didn’t expect that this kind of thing would happen. They were forced to go slow, in their acknowledgement of us as members of the body of Christ, despite our differences.

The conservatives have nearly split the church. Matter of fact, seems they went all the way but. They leaned back, at the last moment. These are momentous times. Funny that I have been following that friction on this very blog.

The ‘progressives’, despite the fact that they had been told to go slow for the sake of the whole communion, held on, for long enough. But they have taken the next step. Bravely, succinctly, knowing the problems. They are adamant in what they believe.

They believe that us homosexuals are also children of God.

What a challenge! What a testimony!

The part I liked best in this article is why they have taken the extraordinary step, in spite, and despite the opposition from their brethren. To quote, “they felt compelled to act because of their pastoral responsibility to gay couples who were increasingly coming forward to ask the church to bless their unions. Many also said they saw it as a simple matter of granting equal rights to gay men and lesbians.”

Once they took the step to accept us into the body of Christ, they saw the logical extension of that. We are as human as they are. Not second class citizens or believers. So, when we ask for what the rest of the children of God are receiving, what logic is their in denying us the blessings of God?

A related article with an interesting analysis is here.

Hey, you wondering what they did? Here it is "the church voted to open the door to ordaining openly gay bishops. And on Thursday the bishops voted to start the process of developing rites for blessing same-sex marriages, and to give the green light to bishops who are already doing so.

Hallelujah!

gayuganda

Tell me Again

You don’t hate me?

Ok, tell me, again

for I am slow, to understand

weak of mind, quicker to flame,

and anger-

tell me again

Why I prison deserve;

for loving him, the man I love.

[He is beautiful, he loves me,

holds me in his arms,

and makes love to me;

he holds me at night,

chases the terrors away,

kisses, touches, holds, loves

and he’s all for me]

tell me again-

Why you spit at me?

Ok, you’s a big man,

known, honoured,

you have all, that I lack-

a woman to love,

children, money, social standing

I see you on TV, radio

hear your voice, your laugh

in my head, nightmares

as you threaten prison,

tell me again, how much you love me?

Tell me of your love, please-

you know so little, and much;

and say too much-

you deny me family;

clan, tribe, country-

tell me again, how much you love me?

I am bad, corrupt, evil, a devil

to taint and steal children-

corrupt and tempt youths;

to preach about on Sunday,

and cast away, out of church-

tell me again, how much you love me?

I do not deserve,

a place at your god’s table-

he is your god, I am a sinner;

and you his priest, to preach his love

Strange love that you preach;

love stilled in hate,

loud in spit, low in touch,

tell me again how I love to hate,

and you love to love

tell me again… please?

©GayUganda 16 July 2009

For Laughs

OBSERVER LOCKER ROOM: Is sodomy real in Ugandan football?

Sports

Written by OUR STAFF

Wednesday, 15 July 2009 18:14

Homosexuality talk has dominated the past few weeks in Ugandan football and the ever vibrant locker-room hasn’t been spared;

Vianney: Eh! This homosexuality talk has even got to the FUFA President. He sounded a warning to those involved.

James Tumusiime: But surely, instead of concentrating on sorting our more pertinent problems, we are discussing Homosexuality.

Echwalu: I really can’t say much on the subject because I’m not sure it exists in Ugandan football.

Ssemuwemba: The only guy that I have seen being pinned so far is Charles Ayiekoh. But he looked innocent to me.

Kiggundu: How did you find out when you didn’t sleep in the same room with him?

Vianney: But seriously, Ayiekoh actually insinuated that he was being tarnished by some football people that don’t like him.

Kiggundu: Don’t be fooled by a guy who is trying to show innocence. Investigate the guy and be sure. For now, he’s guilty until proven innocent to me.

Jeff: You enjoy pinning guys Edris but how do you say that the guy is gay when you have no proof?

Vianney: For me my concern is that gay incidents have been talked about in Villa but no official has ever been brought to book.

Lumu: That’s the problem with you jokers…you only stop at ‘someone.’ Why not mention him?

Vianney: Eh, are you ready to defend it in court?

Lumu: Then just shut up and save us from your rumours

Vianney: Anyway…I hope FUFA and Police produce evidence on Ayiekoh to prove his guilt or innocence. Otherwise, no one from FUFA has tackled the Villa talk since.

Zziwa: Well, the issue has always been the lack of evidence.

Ssemujju: There is no way we can let such an immoral act thrive in Uganda. No way. Thank God it’s not at Express but at Villa.

James Tumusiime: What people do in their private lives is their business. Homosexuality isn’t a concern to me.

Sebugwawo: I agree. What an adult decides to do, is his business provided it doesn’t hurt me directly.

Vianney: Just imagine if it was your relative being sodomized. Wouldn’t it matter still?

Sebugwawo: But Vianney, none of them is forced.

Vianney: Maybe not; but they’re manipulated. I hear in Villa, a player who didn’t give in wouldn’t get football boots.

Jeff: Is that true?

Vianney: So I heard. I guess a commission of inquiry ought to be appointed to get info from victims and remove perpetrators.

Sebugwawo: All that is crap. The fact remains no victim has ever come out in the open.

Vianney: Eh, I’m, getting worried about you Bugos…I just hope I’m wrong in my thinking about your sexuality.

Sebugwawo: Haha…why don’t you get me a woman and I prove you wrong?

Vianney: Man…I’ve got married and cannot risk

Orombi's fight

Episcopal leaders vote to lift ban on gay bishops

The church may move to sanction blessings for same-sex couples as well, further alienating conservative parishes.

By Duke Helfand

July 15, 2009

The Episcopal Church, casting aside warnings about further alienating conservatives within its ranks, on Tuesday lifted a de facto ban on the ordination of gay bishops and is continuing to weigh a measure that would sanction blessings for same-sex couples.

Bishops, clergy and lay leaders voted overwhelmingly at the denomination's General Convention in Anaheim to open "any ordained ministry" to gays and lesbians.

The liberalized policy represents a reversal from guidelines adopted by the church at its last convention in 2006 that effectively prohibited the consecration of bishops whose "manner of life" would strain relations with the 77-million member Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the communion.

The new approach is likely to deepen theological fissures that led some traditionalist Episcopal congregations and dioceses last month to form a rival church. And it is almost certain to trigger a backlash among conservative Anglican leaders who have urged the U.S. church to refrain from relaxing ordination and marriage standards.

But progressives in the 2.1-million member denomination said the move toward inclusion reflects the reality of a church that is home to many partnered gays and lesbians who belong to parishes that encourage their involvement and already bless their unions.

"Being an Episcopalian means you can disagree and still worship together," said the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles. "We're going to leave the door open for all those who disagree with us to find a place here and peace here."

Tensions have been mounting since 2003, when a partnered gay priest, V. Gene Robinson, was consecrated as bishop of New Hampshire. Several conservative Anglican leaders, especially in Africa, cut ties to the U.S. church after his election.

The spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, had expressed apprehension during a brief visit to the conference last week about decisions "that could push us further apart."

On Tuesday, an elated Robinson celebrated the lopsided vote in the church's two legislative bodies -- the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies, composed of clergy and laity.

"I'm simply delighted at the possibility that another diocese will recognize the gifts of a gay or lesbian clergy person," he said. "I long for the day when someone who shares my experience as an openly gay bishop joins me in the House of Bishops. It has been lonely."

But a bishop who left the church last year predicted that the decisions made in Anaheim would increase strains with disaffected conservatives.

"Clearly the activists have done a good job promoting their agenda," said the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns, a founding bishop of the newly formed Anglican Church in North America, which hopes to gain recognition from the Anglican Communion as a rival province to the Episcopal Church.

"The generosity shown by the rest of the communion has been astonishing and has been thrown back in their face," Minns said. "There will have to be a renegotiation of how the Episcopal Church fits into the family."

The measure to consecrate gay bishops won the support of more than two-thirds of the denomination's two legislative houses. The church's presiding bishop, the Most. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, also supported it.

The resolution seeks to reassure Anglican leaders about the U.S. church's loyalty, saying that the convention reaffirms its "abiding commitment" and financial support for the communion.

But the measure also affirms that "God has called" gays and lesbians in partnered relationships to "any ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church," adding that the call "is a mystery which the church attempts to discern for all people."

Church leaders said the new policy does not repeal the 3-year-old moratorium but instead calls for Episcopal officials to abide by church canons, which prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Debate on a separate measure concerning blessings for same-sex unions is expected today in the House of Bishops, which postponed a vote Tuesday after members asked for more time to discuss the issue.

The measure would allow bishops to "provide generous pastoral response" to gay and lesbian couples, but it would not require those who object to deliver the blessings. Several bishops and lay leaders said they expected a compromise that would permit blessings.

The Rev. Susan Russell, president of Integrity USA, a group that represents gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the church, said the Anaheim convention would send a message to the global communion that the church is "committed to both honesty and unity."

But Russell acknowledged the potential for continued conflict.

"There are absolutely challenges," she said. "There is no attempting to skirt the fact that what we are doing is stepping beyond where many in the communion would prefer we go."

The Issues With Homosexuality

Moses Banturaki13 July 2009

At first there was a man on TV saying he had seen the light and repented, and soon after told of a recruiting drive in schools.

Then there were a couple of high profile pastors and some boys counter accusing each other.

Most recently, a football coach was almost lynched by boys who he had 'touched' inappropriately. Soon it was a subject of every public discussion. Apparently it is present in our 'unspoilt' society and maybe for much longer than we care to admit. But should we really be collectively stressed by homosexuality?

Malaria kills six children a day you know. So where are our priorities?

To put it in perspective, a football coach bedding a 23-year-old player of the same sex is not a story about how our society is coming to an end. It is a story of two consenting adults, period. The only way we can judge this relationship as wrong is for us to stand on some moral high ground and therefore expose ourselves to questions about our own morality. Before we all get carried away then let us remember that there is poor remuneration, poor management and under funding to contend with in football. So can we all please just calm down.

On a personal level though I think homosexuality is improper and I am neither homophobic nor a religious zealot. I just happen to believe that everything beneath and beyond the stars is purposefully designed by God and anyone who is familiar with the Human sexual anatomy (which is most of you) will appreciate that this preference between members of the same sex is a contradiction of the Creator's original intention.

However it is not up to me to decide what others should do. And neither should you, no matter how much you would rather have homosexuals dressed up in fluorescent bibs for easier identification and victimisation.

But just because I think we were all created with free will, does not mean it makes me comfortable when someone attempts to influence my children's choices.

If I must respect the right of people to bed whoever they fancy then they must respect my right to disagree with their orientation campaigns.

For all I care people can fancy goats, just don't recruit my children into it, because I just don't see this as a shining example of goodness. So if you don't mind allow me to educate my own children, thank you.

So for me the issue is not that gay people are invading our society or being discriminated against. It is that we should always guard against one man's freedom inconveniencing another's.

So when some homosexuals start recruiting in our schools and churches like they are an army marching on to war I have cause for concern. As a guardian of my children I am obliged to ensure that they don't take direction from a stranger in a fake suit and an accent to match, most especially if he/she is promising the good life in exchange for sexual orientation. Go ahead and call me a gay 'basher', but until my children are of age I shall remain responsible for the lifestyle choices they make - and those choices shall not include homosexuality, sorry.

Can we therefore close this matter? The homosexuality in our football clubs is a matter of choice between two consenting adults. What we should really worry about is this literature and money going around convincing our 12-year-olds on what moral choices to make.

Let everyone who doesn't fancy the influence of these perverts (gay or straight) stand up and say no!

Elsewhere in Africa

Have to remind myself that it is not only Uganda.

Not a great thought for a very beautiful morning. And it is a very beautiful morning.

Yesterday, Sunday, it rained. Drizzled, actually. It has been a very dry spell for the last few months and the dust is everywhere. Dry, dusty, windy. And cold at night.

The drizzle dampened the air, removed much of the excess dust, and tied it down to earth. So the morning is realy fresh and lovely. Sun is as golden as ever. Yesterday we went out man watching. Strictly eye candy stuff.

Got across this story from Senegal. It is not nice, at all! But there, it happened. It seems to be significantly different from a similar one earlier in the year.

SHOCK AS GAY MAN IS EXHUMED FROM A “STRAIGHT ONLY” CEMETERY

Last Updated: July 7, 2009

By Jerina Chendze Messie (BTM French Reporter)

SENEGAL – 07 July 2009: The Senegalese gay community was shocked beyond words as the body of a gay man was exhumed from the local cemetery of Thiès, 70 km East of Dakar, dragged in the streets before being dropped in the courtyard of his family home by an angry mob who vowed that they will not have a gay man buried in their graveyard.

The corpse of Madièye Diallo, a gay man whose sexual orientation was well known in the area was, according to sources, exhumed for the second time by alleged homophobic community members who asked his family to bury him elsewhere.

Diallo’s friend who chose to remain anonymous said Diallo was an active member in the local branch of And Legeey, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) organisation well known in the country and that he was in charge of organising events and meetings.

He added that the family does not want to say where they eventually buried Diallo for fear of more harassment.

The friend further explained that Diallo was an icon of gay people in Senegal after his photograph was largely disseminated by the media following an alleged gay marriage, which received huge media coverage.

Fearing for his life, he left the country and sought refuge in Mali.

He eventually came back, living between the two countries until he got sick and died.

“I spoke to his family and now they just want things to calm down before deciding what to do” the said.

Meanwhile four gay men have been arrested in Touba, 194 km East of Dakar, during the first week of June.

Just after their arrest, one of the most prominent religious leaders was heard on a local radio station saying that they [religious authorities] will do their own justice.

While no one knows the exact details of the men's arrests, a source known to Behind the Mask said people don’t want to get involved because they fear the power of religious leaders in that predominantly Muslim area.

And, this one is from Cameroon. Truly not only in Uganda

FREE EWANE! – GAY RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

Last Updated: July 3, 2009

By Jerina Chendze Messie (BTM French Reporter)

CAMEROON – 03 July 2009: A gay rights group in Cameroon is calling on the justice department to immediately drop charges against and release Yves Noe Ewane, arrested in May this year, allegedly for being gay.

Ewane was charged under sections 74 for criminal intention, 346 for gross indecency and 347 for homosexual conduct under the Cameroonian Penal Code, following a complaint filed against him by the mother of a supposed minor who accused Ewane of having sexual relations with his son.

Summoned to appear in court on 21 June the plaintiff and his mother did not pitch and the medical examination failed to prove that the boy was sodomised as alleged by his mother.

Alice Nkom, president of Association pour la Defense des Homosexuels (ADEFHO), an organisation that defends the rights of homosexuals in Cameroon, who is also representing Ewane says that the judge has everything he needs to close the drop the charges since “it appears that there is no witness or plaintiff.

In the absence of complainants, Ewane argued his innocence saying he had never had sexual relations with the boy.

Sebastien Mandeng, vice president of ADEFHO says Ewane is just a victim of stigmatisation since he was arrested last year for homosexual conduct and remanded in custody for six months at Douala New Bell Prison before being released.

“He has never been tried nor convicted and the case was dismissed for lack of evidence. He is a very sociable man who likes to entertain people at home but every time he is seen with somebody there are allegations of homosexuality. Just because he was accused once and although he was cleared, his neighbors still stigmatize him”, he said.

Ewane was sent to Douala New Bell Prison on the 19 May 2009 after being kept on police custody for three weeks at Douala Bonanjo Police Station. If found guilty, he will face a prison sentence of six months to five years and/or a fine of $50 to $500.

Out of your Sight

Out of your sight
I fret and fritter
unsure, discomfited;
uncomfortable-

Do you love me?

Maybe you do, am I sure?

Uncertainty, sure companion to all lovers
stalks and follows me.

With you, the waters calm,
turbulence of spirit irons out;
all fear is removed.
The sight of you, your eyes, your gaze
the touch of you-
all that’s the miracle that
pulls me with love to you.

©gug 02 July 09

Masaka Case

The facts. A 22 year old man had a group of students from whom he used to buy sex. He would pay them, and they would fork out services.

Sounds familiar?

Would, but for the fact that he was buying from guys. Boys, young men.

So, one breaks the silence, and outs the man. And the other boys. He writes a letter, of sorts. Gets to the parents, who storm the 22 year olds house, trying to lynch him. Police intervention, and he is arrested.

He doesn’t deny the allegation. (Poor man) He is taped on television, complaining that in fact the boys used to take his money and run, not deliver the requested services. A sort of confession.

His world has come apart.

And by the way, he is a poor man, because with the gay hysteria that has gripped the country, he is very liable to be sentenced to death. The charge on the statute books is ‘aggravated defilement’, and the punishment is death. Capital punishment. If he is lucky, life imprisonment, though I am not sure whether that option is given in the law.

Defilement is a common problem. Only when it occurs in respect to a boy is death the punishment on the law books. I think that is what happened in Mukono. A 17 year old was sentenced to life imprisonment, I believe it was in April of this year.

----

The unadorned facts stand out, clear. Maybe, and maybe not. They send a chill down my spine.
We are under siege. It is very easy to brush it aside, to go on and live as we have lived down the years. Was difficult before. The chances of being outed, or victimized, of being lynched are much higher. The tar brush has been thorough. We are Black. Tar Black.

The stories that I come across tend to be the ones which grab my attention. For example, the Masaka case is on the news on NTV, a local channel. Today’s evening news. And if I hadn’t had the chance to be at the tv at that particular moment, I wouldn’t have known anything about it. Too many stories, these days, about the evil of homosexuality, people arrested, accused, etc, etc. Only what catches my fancy makes it here. Or what makes it into the media, of course.

----


So, why do I blog such things?

Someone once abused me, that instead of writing about ‘developmental’ issues, I always write these disgusting stories. Different point of view, maybe. To me my sexuality is something to be celebrated. To most of my country mates, it is something to be hidden. A shame, not to be publicly aired.

I write because I think I am a human being, and no one will take that away from me.
Soon, if Nsaba-Buturo has his way, writing this blog from Uganda will be illegal. But of course I will continue writing. Because the mere stroke of a pen will not take away my life. Will take the hangman’s noose, or something as physical, don’t you think? And we Ugandans are very adept at ignoring extraneous laws. Comes with the territory.

Forget the misery above. Concentrate on some of the most important things which such news kind of masks.

I am alive. I am well. I eat and drink as necessary. At least for now. Some of my country mates to the east are dying of hunger. Fact.

And I am in love.

Funny thing is, love, being in love is maybe one of the strongest motivators. I am in love, and puny as that is, I will not have anyone think me less worth of my beloved’s attention. I will love and hide, as I must, but I will not hide from myself that I love. Life is too short, too sweet.

Yes, I am in love, and isn’t it beautiful!


gug

Homosexual students to be expelled from school

First published: 20090709 8:23:40 AM EST

By Richards Wasswa, Ultimate Media

The District Education Officer of Kawempe Division, Haji Kibedi Nkutu has urged all parents in Uganda to spare some time and caution their own children on issues of homosexuality which of recent have become a big concern in Uganda.

Kebedi says that it has come to his understanding that there are some organized groups of people who are behind promoting acts of homosexuality in Ugandan and that their prime target are young people who are in school.

He says that these notorious groups are owned and dominated by foreigners who have a lot of money that they use to seduce young people to join acts homosexuality and lesbianism.

Kebedi says that he will not sit and wait to see the young who are the future of the nation get swallowed up by homosexuality and lesbianism, but will ensure whichever student identified as homo is chased out of school of school.

However, pro gay rights activities who say homosexuality is a natural occurrence and not taught to a person have in the recent past expressed concern that such indiscriminate deionization of homosexuals might force many gay students to abandon school or make many children to be suspended from school for being suspected to be gay.

Efforts to get the official position of the government on the matter were not successful by press time. Homosexuality is illegal according to Uganda's laws.