Ugandan pride and hubris; the Stupidities of the Anti-Homosexual Act 2023

 

When Andrew Mwenda in characteristic language called Ugandan’s obsession with my sexuality stupid, I was a bit miffed. His language is strong. No pulling punches.

But, the saga of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 is little more than a comedy of errors.

Museveni definitely didn’t want the problem. An own goal; when it first came up in 2012, and even now. Think what you want about the old man, he knows where the money comes from. An own goal, with the US getting into its usual politics circus in the 2024 cycle.

But, there is another pillar of power in Uganda. And Speaker Betty Among is feeling her grits.

The Churches were the instigators. The Pentecostals. And the Catholics with their beef with Pope Francis. And of course the Anglicans, as they are in a beef with the Anglican Communion, busy tearing it apart. My sexuality is the lever to push the Primate of Uganda, the Archbishop into prominence as a mighty schimite of the Anglican Communion.

Yeah. I really don’t mind who you sleep with tonight. I doubt YOU mind who i sleep with. Few Ugandans really mind…,

But, it is great politics. A group that is invisible within the country, unable to fight back. The chance to bead the US and EU and Britain, and of course plan for the election cycle 3 years from now.

I know, me and my sexuality are not that important.

Speaker Among, most likely against President Museveni’s wishes, woman-handled the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 through parliament, rushing it through as quickly as possible.

And, once it was passed, Museveni could only delay, and try to wrangle a few political points. I think he has lost his grip to the Speaker…, but, that is just my spidy sense tingling!

And now, the mighty Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 is the law of the country. Time to start counting the cost. Of course there is a cost.
What is so amazing is that I seem to understand the whys and ramifications better than Uganda’s politicians. They only see the nose near gains of popular support. They are actually trying to deny what is in the Act on the one hand, and on the other obfuscating…

Poor Ugandans.

But, it is no shame. One great lesson,  life-long. if you want to manipulate people, pick their prejudices.
Ugandans’ greatest prejudice seems to be homosexuality. They don’t think past the red rug of my sexuality, waved before their eyes.

Our prejudices bring out the stupid in us. For Ugandans, homosexuality is the ultimate red rag.

 

gug

Uganda Homosexuals Recruiting your Children

 

The many myths that Ugandans believe about Gay Ugandans.

‘We are coming for your children?’ Really?

Ugandans generally believe that gay Ugandans lust for other Ugandans’ children.
Stating it that baldly burns the sting. It is usually innuendo and nasty asides. We are ‘recruiting’. Recruiting who, and for what? Are we building up harems of young people? How can we afford it? Here is one influencer’s take, which was stated very boldly in the Monitor paper. 

“We have heard loads of evidence from young people, some of school-going age, sharing their experiences. The recruitment patterns are not very clear as these groups are highly organized, well-funded and connected to key people through whom they access their unsuspecting targets.”

Pure, undiluted nonsense. But this is what most Ugandans believe. The writer is a “commentator on peace, religion and society” in the Monitor.
From my experience, kuchu community in Uganda is so fractious and disorganised the only thing we can organise successfully is an orgy. ‘Too disorganised to organise an orgy in a brothel’. Crude, but spot on.

Where do they get this stuff?

Andrew Mwenda commented bluntly 

“If the problem is pedophilia (sex with underage kids or minors), which is what most Ugandans I listen to seem to insinuate, we have the law against defilement.”

It is insinuated, winked and nudged and hinted at. When kuchus who are out state bluntly that Ugandans are conflating (mixing) pedophilia with homosexuality, they say, oh no, no.
Paedophiles can be heterosexual or homosexual (of course). But, Ugandan group think is that all homosexuals are by definition paedophiles. And actively recruiting!

Ugandans understand the term ‘defilement’- sex with under-age girls.
Most would rubbish a statement that ‘All heterosexuals are paedophiles’. But, they entertain, indeed believe and promote that ‘All homosexuals are paedophiles’.

Here is the same Ugandan style rationalisation from no other than Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of the Archdiocese of Kampala, of the Catholic Church in Uganda. 

““I think when you are homosexual and you are enticing this young person, you do the act and using all the money you have and you make him sick, the poor person goes to the hospital because of what you have done, that is a crime then. It is child abuse.””

So, if it is child abuse, aren’t their laws against child abuse in Uganda? Why are you targeting (ahem, okay; supporting the targeting) of God’s Holy Homosexuals?
And underlining Mwenda’s point: the sleight of hand insinuation, the slippery slope argument ending in homosexuals on death row. Pope Francis’ point of the difference between ‘crime’ and ‘sin’ is even more stack. [In the same article, The Archbishop shamelessly tries to parse the Pontiffs statement. Amazing]

Dearest Ugandans, in as much as not all heterosexuals adults are ‘defilers’, to think that we homosexuals are all ‘defilers’ and coming for your children is a serious issue with your thinking.
Yes, your pastors and religious leaders seem bent on spreading that lie, but you should have the sense to understand that it is simply untrue.
No, we gay Ugandans are NOT coming for your children!

 

gug

Don’t blame yourself

(To all well wishers and supporters. And friends out there. This is a message to you.)

When this bill becomes law. Even as harsh as it is. Don't blame yourself

I am feeling low. So, there is no better time than this to write a maudlin, depressed article. ‘cause I am feeling low. Oh, you will learn the reason, from a post, if it is not yet up.

Opposition to the Bahati Bill has been fierce. Outside the country. Very, very fierce. More fierce than I would have expected. Beyond expectations, actually. We have managed to have the world aware of the bill. Put it out there in the conscience of the world.

My country has been condemned, internationally.

Nuremberg Laws and the Nazi Holocaust have been cited. History is a tough teacher. But, none of us ever learnt from it. We are all determined to repeat its mistakes. Including genocide.

I know, there are some who will claim that the fierce, horrified opposition from the rest of the world made this bill pass.

No. It didn’t. It will not pass because Ugandans have a knee jerk reaction to ‘political interferance’. It will not pass because Ugandans are having this need to appear very good. And, it will not pass because Ugandans have a highly developed sense of morality. If you think that is true, just check the Ugandan newspaper websites on the number of children that have died because of ritual child sacrifice in Uganda this year alone. At least 100, by the last count. We are as immoral as any other people on earth. But, we do hate our homosexuals. Passionately.

It will pass because our government wanted it to pass. It will pass because our President wanted this bill to become law.

And, it is going to pass, because our people believe in their right to persecute homosexuals.

That is the plain sense of it.

I know, told you I was feeling low. That is the time to write such sober truths. Today, in the Monitor in Uganda, the headline is ‘I oppose Uganda’s Gay Bill’. And the speaker? Obama. And, the Monitor weighs in at the international opposition that has been falling on Uganda’s ears. Closed ears, I must say.

In parliament, the opposition is united behind the government. In support of the bill. Maybe a few ‘odious’ clauses will be removed. Like the death penalty. Or, maybe not. But, opposition and government are happy to pit their political fortunes in defence of the bill.

Maybe, to maintain the semblance of no government involvement, Minister of Ethics and Integrity, the Hon. Nsaba Buturo is going to maintain a vestige of silence. He was not supposed to comment, before. Seems like he has forgotten that he did. And, of course, it was supposedly a ‘private member’s bill’. My foot.

So, the government, like the Church of Uganda, have no 'official position'. Well, hypocrisy of that magnitude doesnt pass here. Both the Anglican church of Uganda, and the Government of Uganda, strongly, unequivocally support the Anti-Homosexual Bill.

Both the Church of Uganda, and the Government of Uganda are lying. You can as well hang me for that. As for being gay, of course

The Monitor is coming out as a strong, and fierce advocate for us. Very, very suprising. Someone has shifted minds and hearts there. It might have been Val Kalende, who once did work there. I know, because, Monitor writers are also Ugandans. They also have similar prejudices to other Ugandans. We are all the same. Not angels, no. Of course, the more obvious reason is that the government has been trying to keep a lid on the story within the country. So, the Monitor, independent as ever, is up to tickling the government ever sensitive sides. They have also reported on the research institution which Uganda may not get, because of the bill. Remember the contrasting report yesterday.

The Independence, Andrew Mwenda's magazine weighs in with 'Dont kill in God's Name' It has been on sale for a few days. Is online now.

Elsewhere, Uganda's Muslim minority is being blamed for the Death Penalty Provision in the law. There is nothing as embarassing as a lie written. I must say I dont understand America's cultural wars. Why tell lies in the name of god? Forgive me, I am unread, an African, a disbeliever, or unbeliever. But why espouse some values and then so blatantly lie about them?

This is the editors note, from Anglicans United that I am writing about.

[Ed. Note:  It is imperative to remember that Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi and the Ugandan House of Bishops has condemned the inclusion of the death penalty in this bill.  That inclusion is the work of the Islamic majority in Uganda and the Anglicans have disassociated themselves from it.  Cheryl M. Wetzel]

 My strength, and weakness in this debate, on which my freedom and life depends, is the fact that I can almost not lie. Why lie, when facts are stronger, are researcherble, are more moving than barefaced lies? Damn, I can even look myself in the face and say when I am lying.

I mean, Uganda is majority Christian. There is no majority moslem here. And, the people who wrote the bill would be horrified to be told they are moslems. They are very, very proud Christians.

And, I am sure that Orombi supports this bill. Fully. Totally.

He will not go out like Pastor Ssempa and offer his very vocal support. And, I bet he sat back and tried to read it when condemnation was coming in left right and centre, and Cantebury wondered out aloud how an Anglican could support such legislation.

There is that website called Virtue online. It is amazing. The virtues that they are supposed to promote are Christianity. Call me an old fashioned guy, but lying to me is not very Christian. Especially, in the case like Uganda where these lies are having the horrible consequences of the Bahati Bill.

Someone asked me to keep putting up the text of the bill.

Far as I know, the text, as published in the Uganda Gazette, (gazetted, I believe is the word), the text does not change. Even in committee. The committe makes recommendations and these are voted on in the session of parliament. I think that is the law. I admit, I am no lawyer. And, at the moment I am too much in a funk to care...!

So, the text of the bill is like so. It has not been ammended. It is still like so. The recommendations of the committees will be voted on in the 2nd and 3rd reading. Oh, it will pass. Dont kid yourself. Dont chide yourself. That bill will become law in Uganda.

The current posturing leaves me little hope but that.

The next post on Defence of Uganda explains why the bill will pass. Despite the International outcry... And, here is more reason why. The article on 'defence of Uganda' predicts that the bill will pass unanimously. Frankly, I have no reason to disbelieve that. Here is why. Even those who want to talk, fear being labelled gay.

But gay Ugandans won't be the only people down there. Erias Lukwago, a first-term lawmaker, says he doesn't like the bill but can't afford to disagree with it in parliament.

"I'm telling you I cannot. I fear the reaction of society to be associated with gays — highly stigmatized, ostracized. Even for this interview alone it might be perceived that the gay community is paying me," he says.

Until the political climate changes in Uganda, Lukwago says he is keeping his mouth shut.

Hey, have I infected you across cyber with my bad mood? Very depressing, isnt it? Now, I must go out and read a poem. To cheer myself up.

Cheer up. The bill will pass. Dont blame yourself. We shall still fight.

So, have a great day. You should. We are still alive.

gug

Happenings.

Want to know the mood in the country? Kind of funny...!

First, you remember Andrew Mwenda's article last month, aptly titled, Bahati dont usurp God's power. It generated lots of interest. Still is, far as I can see. I blogged about it here. Wow, that was eons ago. Now, The Hon. Bahati has written a defence, which Andrew kindly publishes in the Independent magazine. The comments are starting to flow in, here. It is a reiteration of the things that have been said over and over again- Uganda is under attack, the Homosexual International, Uganda is leading the world, recruiting gays, etc, etc.

Bahati believes, I dont know how much, in what he says. He doesnt seem like a stupid man.... Guy has an ACCA or equivalent, and is an MBA, unless I am mistaken. But, his reasoning leaves a lot to be desired. And, he is still convinced that he loves poor gayuganda. I really wish he hated me. Maybe I wouldnt then have to bandy words with the guy!

Anyway, remember that Andrew Mwenda's article would be banned under the new law. For 'promotion of homosexuality.' Of course, this blog is sinful, and it is being funded by the western homosexuals to be used for recruiting the poor savage Ugandans.

Remember the Pastor Wars? Eons and eons ago. There were 5 pastors, who accused one pastor of being a homosexual.
The accused is Pastor Robert Kayanja, brother to Archbishop Sentamu, of York, second in the Church of England. Soap opera, this one. One of the accusers is Pastor Martin Ssempa, the great friend of Rick Warren.

Anyway, Kayanja dealt the others a numbing blow. And overturned their accusations. And, instead had them before court for trying to tarnish his character. They allegedly hired the boys who accused Kayanja of Sodomy. Dont want to go over that again. Just check out the summary, the Pastor Wars, here.

Well, seems as if the saga continues. Here is an update in the New Vision.

Five pastors to be probed over Kayanja sodomy claims

Tuesday, 1st December, 2009          

FIVE pastors who accused evangelist Robert Kayanja of engaging in homosexual acts are to be probed over tarnishing his image.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in October instructed detectives to investigate Kayanja’s accusers, Solomon Male, Michael Kyazze, Bob Kayiira, Martin Ssempa and Felix Ssemujju. The DPP’s letter was copied to the office of the President.

Kayanja, who heads the Rubaga Miracle Centre, was yesterday scheduled to record another statement at the CID headoffice in Kibuli, Kampala. However, he had not gone to Kibuli by press time, sources told The New Vision. Kayanja insists that the allegations were a ploy to damage his reputation.

Kyazze and Kayiira recently appeared in court over charges of trespassing at Rubaga Miracle Centre where they had reportedly gone to pick footage of the alleged deeds.

The born-again fraternity was earlier rocked by allegations that Kayanja sodomised six boys years ago.

However, the alleged victims later claimed they had been given money to make the allegations.

That is kind of a distraction.

Have to remember, that part of the push behind this bill is power play between the Pastors in the country. Kayanja is a big fish they wanted to pull down. They failed. Now, they are in hot water. So, why not make a law which will ensnare him. Matter of fact, if this bill had been law, Kayanja would be behind bars. Contemplating the death penalty. I am writing facts.

-----

Some allies are becoming intemperate, and moving out of 'diplomatic' gear. See, this bill is not about Uganda only. That is why it has managed to capture the attention of almost the whole world. A judicial genocide of gay Ugandans is being solemnly, democratically contemplated in a small backward nation on our globe. And, other gay citizens of the world find diplo-speech a bit to nuanced.

So, they can hit out, and hard. Imagine these Euro MPs. They were seated at the table, with guys who are preparing to carry out a genocide of those like them. They approached the subject, guys claimed sovereignity. And some tempers flew off the handle.

I guess by now, being politicians and diplomats, they may have already regretted this press release. For me, I have it, so I publish it...!

Media release from the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT rights

1 December 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Africa Caribbean Pacific-EU Assembly: the European Union speaks up against the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill"

The infamous Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 was vehemently discussed yesterday in Luanda, Angola, during the 18th session of the ACP (African-Caribbean-Pacific)/EU (European Union) Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

In his opening speech to the plenary, Louis Michel, former Development Commissioner and Co-President of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, denounced the draft law as attacking human rights, and called for the separation of religion from politics and mutual respect.

During the discussion with the European Commission, and despite some ACP delegates insisting that they could do "what they wanted" in their own countries, Development Commissioner Karel De Gucht recalled that they had obligations under the Cotonou Agreement, as well as under International Conventions. Following a negative response from an Ugandan delegate, this was echoed by other Members present, including Michael Cashman MEP, Co-president of the European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT Rights and Member of the European Parliament Development Committee.

"It is quite clear that this issue of state-sponsored homophobia has been building up for years, and now it is finally out of the bag. We should have faced this down years ago, but now we can ensure that such homophobia is never endorsed by our silence", said Michael Cashman.

"Things are changing, it will take some more time, but this clock is never going to be turned back. We are all equal in this world and it is high time LGBT people are granted their full human rights, wherever they live", he continued

The proposed legislation includes provisions to punish those alleged to be lesbian, gay or bisexual with life imprisonment and, in some cases, the death penalty; any parent or teacher failing to report their LGBT children or pupils to the authorities with a fine equivalent to $2,650 or three years’ imprisonment; and landowners providing shelter to LGBT people with seven years’ imprisonment. The legislation would apply to Ugandan citizens both inside and outside of the country.

ENDS

Representatives of European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT Rights:

Co -Presidents: Ulrike Lunacek MEP (Greens/EFA) and Michael Cashman MEP (S&D)

Vice-President: Sophie In't Veld MEP (ALDE)

Vice-President: Raül Romeva i Rueda MEP (Greens/EFA)

Vice-President: Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP (EPP-ED)

For further information from the Intergroup, please contact Bruno Selun, Secretary to the Intergroup via bruno.selun@europarl.europa.eu, or on +32 (0) 228 37 759.

What should gug add to that?

gug

Andrew Mwenda

Hey, just wondering, just wondering, did Premier Radio station lose Ssempa or, did they just cut him off? The guy was really going on and on and on with his conspiracy theory of how HIV is spread by homosexuals...! Wow, I listen to it again, and I....!

I am glad that Ssempa agreed to that radio interview. We get so few times to catch him in full flare that, well, it was good of him. I am serious. The interview is on this blog again, and, it is fantastic. Beware, dont you hit out at your screen in frustration. He has that effect on me...!

Anyway, back to Andrew Mwenda.
I noted that his article demanded a post of its own. True. And here it is.

First, on Andrew himself. He is a medium sized Ugandan, (means short!), dark skinned. And makes up for the lack of height with the courage of a lion. Serious. This guy does not weigh his words. Not when he is in personal conversation, (his is a loud voice), and worse when he is in a public place... Well, I do know the gentleman.
But, what most impresses me is the fact that this guy will tackle the lion in his den. To date he is in court for some charges of Sedition. Remember this cartoon? Well, it was him in the dock, for 'sedition'.

And, he is still there. He is challenging that law in Constitution court. Maybe he will win. I think Museveni himself is kind of tired of twarting this biteme. It seems to come buzzing up all the time. How he survives the wrath of the state, I dont know.

Anyway, Andrew takes on the Bahati bill, and does logical reasoning a favor. Bombastic, typical Ugandan... That is what I am. But he makes me feel good that I am a Ugandan, while Ssempa makes me feel like running to hide! He is that embarrassing.

(That is from the Independent. Nice bit!)

First he tackles the Christian hypocrisy that is driving most of our gay bashers in the country. Nice one there!

"a friend told me recently: “I think all homos must be killed. My strong Christian values prohibit me from tolerating this evil.”" adding, for good measure, "My friend takes pride in “laying” girls. When I asked him why his Christian faith does not stop him from fornication, he went silent."

And, he makes the point that "The state should not be used to enforce God’s will. Nor should Martin Sempa and Nsaba Buturo constitute themselves into a religious police to enforce it."
I say, Amen to that!

I do love his examples. Clear and to the point. Here is another, following on the above state vs faith thing, "It would therefore be dangerous for the state to visit people’s bedrooms every night to ensure that sex is enjoyed only through the legislated style. For example, should the government investigate whether Bahati performs oral sex or whether Buturo masturbates?"
Gives me some shivers (funny imagery), sinner me!

The article is great, I must say.

But, no less informative are the comments. They are worth reading through, but for some you have to have a strong stomach.
Mwenda is called a homo. Well, any homo lover is by definition a homo!!!!! In Uganda, that is. (Maybe that is why Ssempa fights so hard to identify as a homo hater)

No. I guess I dont recommend the comments. Not all of them... There is little worship at the shrine of logic for most.... So, go ahead and dont read them.

For me, Bravo Mwenda, Bravo, you have done it again, swimming against the tide, but this time, defending homosexuals, you may have bitten off more than what even you can chew! Gay Ugandans are more hated in Uganda than the govt excesses!

But Bravo!

gug