Trend in Africa?

Burundi also tending to be 'purpose driven'? I lifted this from here.

PRESIDENT CLAIMS HONOUR FOR FIGHTING HOMOSEXUALITY




Last Updated: November 27, 2009



By Jerina Messie (BTM French Reporter)



BURUNDI – 27 November 2009: Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, has stirred controversy by stating that one of the reasons he received the Assisi Pax Prize, awarded each year to people who are promoting peace in the world, was because of his success in fighting homosexuality in the country.



Nkurunziza made this statement on 18 November in a radio and televised speech shortly after his return from Italy where the International Assisi Pax Association, a Catholic, peace promoting organisation, granted him the award.



“We received this prize because we have improved our Penal Code, in particular by saying no, to conditions that are against the values of the country such as people who have sex with same sex partners. We are proud to have fought those practices”, he said.



Outraged human rights defenders in that country said the president’s speech will further jeopardize living conditions of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.



“Clearly this statement will strengthen discrimination against our community in the media. The population and police forces will keep on insulting, arresting and extorting money from homosexuals”, Georges Kanuma, a Burundian human rights defender said.



According to Theophile Habonimana, another human rights defender in Burundi, Nkurunziza’s statement was “simply uncalled for.”



“This intervention is quite misplaced because the government has committed to international laws that protect human rights”, Habonimana said.



However these human rights defenders have sworn that neither the president nor the anti homosexuality law will stop them from fighting for the rights of LGBTI people in Burundi.



“I don’t think that the president can succeed in fighting homosexuality, he cannot defeat my willpower to fight for my rights and the rights of the LGBTI community in general”, Habonimana said.



Kanuma also insisted, “The president cannot succeed in fighting homosexuality and in any case no one can do it in the world. It amounts to condemning our brothers, sisters, neighbors and parents. As citizens who have a sexual orientation naturally different, we are determined to fight for our rights.”



In his unpopular statement Nkurunziza pointed out that the award was also a result of having abolished death penalty in Burundi.



Burundi officially passed the law criminalising homosexuality in April this year when the National Assembly went against the Senate’s rejection of the Bill.



Outlawing homosexuality was largely condemned by the international community and key donor countries.

Medical Science and Sexuality

Written 17 August 2009, and not posted. But I want to post it.. Why not?!

It is afternoon.

Have been doing some work. Reading, and also listening to music.

The sun is overcast. Clouds, grey skies. It is still. Not deathly so. The leaves on trees shiver, now and again. But it does emphasize the fact that it is still. Sunshine is weak, watery, and where I am, the shade is cool. Cold I would say, but I wouldn’t go that far.

Beautiful. Am alone, just enjoying myself. Listening to music. Capital fm. Seem to be into that type of music these days.

Music on the air. And in the distance, children at play. Busy little buggers. Play means noise, in quantity. And they are enjoying themselves.

Reading.

For some reason decided to delve into medical knowledge of homosexuality. Long story. Ok, short of it, the American Psychiatrist Association released something last week declaring that homosexual change treatment was a sham. That it just was not okay for a doctor to tell a patient that they will change their sexual orientation.

That was last week. Didn’t blog about it. I had set myself the task to read more about it. And, well, procrastinated, till now…!

Anyway, decided, if I am to go medical, then I will seek out the best. Not Wikipedia… Too lite. Emedicine, and the article on homosexuality. Language is hard, I must say (is true, doctors speak another dialect!), but it is simpler than when I first read the article. At least, I understood it better, this time.

When we are debating, matter of fact we fly off the handle too quickly. Logic is replaced by political correctness. Yes, I do it. Often. It is refreshing to read a thoroughly professional article that treats homosexuality like any other thing. No redness to the eyes, no spitting derision. You know, reading some of the Christian right articles on homosexuality, I get the feeling ‘homosexuality’, the word is used like a curse. 'Homosexual' so and so. The 'homosexual' did this and that. A damning label. And then, there is us, the out and proud gay. Gay Uganda… Of course that infuriates others. Someone has even tried to counter that with ExGayUganda, for god’s sake!

Back to the medical article. It is thoughtful. It is balanced, and it is well researched, and thorough. Sorry, I am not qualified to weigh the references. But I think they are solid. And it is empty of politicking. Well, I don’t think Ssempa would like the fact that doctors are warned not to promise patients the nivarna of changing their sexuality. And they are warned that it is a necessity to know, and beware of their own prejudices when dealing with gay patients. Gay human beings. But facts are facts… (except to politicians)

The APA advises that all sides have to note that some gay people will still want change. Don’t promise the impossible, they advise. But explore what is possible. Celibacy, changing churches, etc. Aim not for ‘political correctness’ of one type or another- (what is politically correct in Obama’s America is diametrically opposed to what is politically correct in Ssempa and Nsaba-Buturo’s Uganda), aim not for political correctness, but dealing with the individual in totality. Explore sexuality. Affirm the faith. Let the individual be comfortable with what they are, where they worship. Deal with the whole human being, not an isolated part of the whole.

Very thought provoking. Very thoughtful. Kind of makes me wish to study more of this, with less of my personal blinders. (of course they do have their own uses…!)

Have a great day!

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?

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!

Head On

Someone tackles the anti-Gay hysteria in Uganda. Hadnt seen this article, but very much worth the time...

Is homosexuality really un-African?

Guest Writers

Written by Akumu Patience

Sunday, 05 July 2009 16:57

Uganda has of late become a hot bed of homosexuality debate with the majority of us agreeing that same sex relationships are a perversion, an abomination, unheard-of and unacceptable among Africans.

Almost all of us think it’s an act that must be condemned by all right thinking members of society in the most vehement of terms. Our dear President, political leaders and religious guardians have all added their strong voices. The result is a resounding reverberation: “There is no homosexuality in Africa”.

This rhetoric we have learnt to accept without question, faithfully rallying behind those who want our brothers and sisters involved in same sex love to leave the continent.

Yet same sex relationships were once embraced and accepted within several African societies, some of them were sexual while others were non sexual, and others still were symbolic. Perhaps the real western decadence is the grave homophobia that has now come to be part and parcel of African societies.

Joseph M. Carrier and Steven O. Murray, in a research entitled “Boy wives and female husbands” highlight the fact that same sex marriages have been documented in more than thirty African populations, like among the Yoruba and Ibo of West Africa, the Lovedu, Zulu and Sotho of South Africa, the Kikuyu and Nandi of East Africa, the Nuer and Zande of Sudan and the Hausa of Nigeria.

There is also evidence that homosexuality existed in pre-colonial Uganda but was largely closeted. However, the society then was not as homophobic as it is today. Bride price was central to these same sex relationships.

Typically one of the women in the woman-woman relationship would pay bride price and become the sociological husband. The woman for whom bride price was paid would be her wife. In a man-man relationship, the older man would pay bride price for his usually teenage ‘bride’ who would become his boy-wife.

The parents of the boy-wife would treat the older man as their son-in-law. Unlike woman-woman relationships that were usually permanent, man-boy relationships would end when the younger boy became of age and married his own boy-wife.

Like usually happens when any sort of social bonds are formed, same sex relationships in Africa were sometimes abused. Between 1880 - 1923, a study of homosexual crime among African males revealed that homosexuality began too early and was too widespread in nature to be dismissed as a result of European sexual decadence.

Even then, many of the men were prosecuted for being in relationships they themselves described as passionate. There were also cases of male elders and men in authority taking advantage of other men in vulnerable positions.

Like is the case with so many other aspects, in regard to homosexuality, Africa got the worst of both worlds. We let go of our culture of tolerance and embraced the so called “sodomy” and “unnatural” offences and put them in our statute books where they have stayed to date.

Criminalisation of same sex relationships makes it very hard to intervene in cases where there is abuse, for example where one of the parties is not consenting or when minors are involved.

Allegations like those against Pastor Kayanja become not just an ordinary case of one individual violating another’s body and sexual integrity but rather a crisis. The real issue gets drowned in other would be irrelevant ones. We are more concerned with integrity and morality issues therein.

Investigation gets geared more towards punishing such immorality or salvaging the reputation of the accused, instead of addressing the gross abuse of human rights involved and achieving rational and legal justice for the victims and alleged perpetrators.

What is ironical is that these laws, criminalising all forms of same sex relationships, we cling so tightly on and quote with utmost relish and gusto were long replaced in the statute books of the countries from which we imported them.

Culture, morality and religion are all dynamic, relative and subjective notions carrying different meanings to different people at different times and places. Seems like it’s high time we look for another reason to intervene in other people’s private lives besides claiming that they are “uncultured”, “immoral” and “un-African”.

Or maybe if we feel so strongly about it, we should be the ones to leave the African continent for some safe haven where we shall not be confronted by “immoral” and “uncultured” people.

The author is a Law student at Makerere University.

veroak2001@yahoo.com

FUFA vs FIFA...2

Thought the news had not got to FUFA. But maybe it did...

Anyway, in a story 'Gay activists want Uganda banned' the New Vision spreads that story further. Last night, the FUFA weekly press conference was in the news. What seemed to have been newsworth seemed more about the fight against homosexuality in the beautiful game. Didnt see the question asked, nor the answer, unless this excerpt below is the answer.

My countrymates are way out homophobic. Dont think FIFA will be able to make them back down, but interesting to see how it plays out, ultimately.

FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa warned that they will not stop the drive against homo sexaulity. He called on the public to help in fighting the vice by volunteering information.

Mulindwa, who addressed the FUFA PostBank weekly press conference Mengo yesterday, said that his administration needed evidence to fight the habit infesting Ugandan soccer.

He denied allegations that he masterminded sodomy allegations against Ayieko for political and publicity reasons. “Why should I go for small fish (Ayieko)?” Mulindwa wondered.

Reflections

I am a private person.

Except on the blog, where I come and air all my thoughts to irritate people!

Well, I am a private person, with regards to my sexuality. Comes with the territory, I am gay in a country that is homophobic. I am very used to not talking about my sexuality. It is something that (I hope), only a select few know about. And I discuss it with a measured minority.

You can imagine my discomfort at the level of exposure that Ssempa and Co has given us this last few months.

On the radios, homosexuality, sodomy is always on the fm stations. In the news, the more sensational arrests. In the talk shows, people vie with each other to tell the most sensational ‘truths’. I have just had a peep at a Saturday teenagers show on WBS television. Ssempa is the chief guest. Homosexuality is the topic. Talk about an obsession.

It is fantastic how quickly the general public kind of grows weary of a topic. For Ssempa and co, it is a crusade. An obsession. So they are going on and on and on. We kuchus have shut them out. We have to hide better, select lovers more circumspectly, but otherwise, life goes on.

Of course we hope that what happens does not come home to us. There are many who are very willing to jump on the bandwagon and abuse us. And our community is saturated with awareness of our sexuality. But they are blind. They just do not see us. A ‘homo’, the kind that Ssempa and Co talk about, has horns, a tail wrapped behind dark black, light-eating robes, wicked eyes and eye teeth, ready to bite and suck blood and ‘recruit’.

That serves us very well. We are too human to approximate to the stereotypes.

But it kind of hurts, the things which people say about us. Recently I was chatting to a mother about her kid, and she detailed how she was ‘sodomy proofing’ him. I listened, and felt sad.

I wouldn’t like her child to fall prey to a paedophile, but the fact that I am gay… It was kind of weird to hear of what should have been done so that I never become homosexual!

Sad, true.

But this is a funny country. Beautiful, wonderful in its own right.

Kind of have to look at it from the point of view that the beauty is counterbalanced by ugliness. Though I would the beauty would stand out on its own.

I have been thinking of love, and the privilege of love.

I don’t believe in abstinence. Not at all. Seems stupid to restrict one’s happiness, and enjoyment on the basis of some future blessings. Being gay in Uganda kind of emphasizes that. I mean, it is such a fragile happiness to find a man that you love and be able to share life with him. The fears and dangers are very real. And the bubble of happiness is fragile. True, I can choose to deny myself. Many do.

But why should I?

Ok, you guessed it. I am in love.

And aint it just the bomb!

His Excellency

The President of Uganda-, he has spoken out about homosexuals in Uganda. So I do him the honour of having the quote on this blog.

It is not the first time he has spoken.

In 1999, he famously ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to look for us and arrest us. It was a quite popular pronouncement, except that it did not go down well with some of his Western friends. They told him that it did not square with their idea of human rights. And he had to walk back the pronouncement. Not in Uganda, where it was popular, but at a speech in South Africa, if I remember well.

With the recent gay bashing, he has not been very vocal. Nsaba-Buturo and others members of his cabinet have been doing the job. But he came out and spoke, urging lawyers…

Here are his words, as quoted in the New Vision.

The President further observed that African culture was under threat from Western influence. He advised lawyers to research on African jurisprudence, addressing issues that had been left out by the adopted Western legal systems.

“There are some Western things that we cannot accept, for example homosexuality,” he noted.

“Europeans are saying it is a right and we are saying it is a deviation. You don’t kill them, but you know it is abnormal. But the Europeans come and say it is an alternative way of life,” Museveni added.

Interesting take on the issue. No. He doesn’t want us killed.

It does seem like a concession, doesn’t it? I think I am a bad guy. I just don’t think I should be persecuted in anyway just because I am different. Why should my life be guided by someone else’s morality? Why should I live at the mercy of someone else, someone who admits they think me abnormal and unnatural?

Strange world. And of course, I do have to listen to what they say. Doesn’t mean that I will sit back and wait for them to decide what punishment suits me in my degraded state.

Heard this. At a conference about HIV, when some African activists were being asked about the persecution of gays in their countries, one government official was riled by all this emphasis on ‘rights’ for homosexuals. He stood up, and said, ‘They should be thankful. The law says we should stone them to death, but (in my country) we have not done that for years.’

Yeah, right.

Suicide to trust in the benevolence of one’s enemies. Should Ssempa or Nsaba-Buturo decide the best interests of gay people in Uganda?

 

gug

Comments:

Uhh, on an article that was in the Monitor newspaper a couple of weeks ago. The article was by Kevin O’connor.
The comments are interesting. To say the least! Typical of what others Ugandans seem to think of Gay Ugandans. Instructive in a way, but before you read, take care. If you are gay, or at all knowledgeable about sexuality, you may kind of boil…!
And, of course, Kevin’s status in Uganda is assailed with high narrow mindedness. Er, in Uganda, it is politically correct to gay bash. And, as long as you initially accuse someone of being a homosexual, you can add onto those accusations any other kind of despicableness…

gug


paul andrew said at 04/26/2009, 00:00
KEVIN,I UNDERSTAND YOUR ARGUMENT BUT IF YOU LISTEN WITH THE EAR OF A TYPICAL UGANDAN,GAYISM OR HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SHAMEFUL ACT WHICH CANNOT EVEN BE OPENLY EXPLAINED IN OUR EVERYDAY LUGANDA,THAT'S WHY WE CALL IT KISIYAGA OR KUVUGA OLUPANKA,ITS UNFORTUNATE FOR THE GAYS BUT IT WILL TAKE SO MANY YEARS FOR THEM TO BE ACCEPTED IN OUR CULTURE,NO OFFENCE,JUST TRYING TO VOICE WHAT ANY INDEGENOUS/MORALLY UNCORRUPTIBLE UGANDAN WOULD TELL YOU.

Richard Flynn said at 04/26/2009, 04:21
Well done Kevin. Thank you for pointing out the obvious. Good luck to Bernard, too, for doing the decent thing.

Jim Necas said at 04/26/2009, 05:11
Kevin O'Connor sounds confused and very bisexual. Coersing anybody especially vulnerable children into homosexuality is wrong and anybody found doing this should be dealt with strictly according to the law. It's even crazier to hear Kevin justifying these acts by terming them as mere experiments amng teenagers that eventually go away. Believe me, they never do! Kevin! Please come out of the closet! We weren't born yesterday!

Agnes said at 04/26/2009, 05:54
It's sad to hear a white man enjoying the Ugandan hospitality telling our young boys that homosexuality is part of growing up! I find this very disgusting and insulting. Why should we allow the likes of Kevin to corrupt the innocent minds of our young children with their homosexual tastes. For how long shall we continue undermining our values and allow such filthy people to freely infect our societies with trash! I think because of poverty and our curteous nature, we are taken advantage of by every scumbag that comes along.

Hussein said at 04/26/2009, 06:18
In Uganda and indeed many African countries, you find people who may have left their own countries due to tough laws against child abuse and are living in comfort while abusing poor and vulnerable children with impunity. It is high time we introduced tougher laws against paedophilia to protect our children. What theory has the writer based high on that homosexuality is part of the developmental process of young people? This is child abuse, pure and simple!

John said at 04/26/2009, 06:21
How can a normal human take pride in encouraging such acts between men or women of the same sex? Can any one tell me if he or she has ever come across male dogs making love to each other, and yet these are supposed to be inferior animals? This question of homosexuality should not be tolerated as pride! Go to European countries that claim to accept it as a way of life. How many males undergo annus operations daily just because the very openings can no longer hold? How many wear napkins as if they had become babies? How much do they spend in those cases?
Ugandans should not be proud to become homosexuals even if they are heavily paid to do it! You should not fall victim because some one proposed money to you.
Take care or you will live to regret your inhuman behavior!

godfrey said at 04/26/2009, 07:22
Homosexuals once got must be sentenced to death without any other punishment. That is if we are truly fighting homosexuality. Because, see ugandans population of females is almost doubling for men then why go for your fellow men? At same time we shall be encouraging prostitution, however it was there before. Thank you

lopingemma said at 04/26/2009, 14:29
I'm totally cross with you. These theories are so ridiculous and are supposed to curbed. Kevin how can you support such unnaturalness in Uganda. Don't you feel enraged when you hear criminal cases. It's too much.
Those who commit such murders of dignity must be punished much more severely.
I'm sorry, but I'm fed up of reading such news.
It hurts me as a Ugandan.

sumaya said at 04/27/2009, 05:19
Kevin, if you stopped to listen to yourself you would realize the folly of your argument. Natural and homosexual in the same sentence is quite the paradox...........do you notice that these guys require jellies and all sorts of artificial lubricants to enjoy their 'natural' act?And lets not get into how they can not reproduce and all the obvious unnatural things about this 'completely natural act'.Kevin give us a break!People like you do not deserve to live here.

barrie said at 04/29/2009, 04:21
thanks for saying what most people have actually ignored. if truth be told, that is the truth. Africans are found of sweeping everything under the rug all the time, homosexuality is real and is here to stay. you gay haters have a gay cousin, a gay uncle, a gay niece or nephew. so, stop pointing fingers.....LIVE AND LET OTHERS LIVE.WORLD PEACE..... richard flynn, please get in contact with me on kaelink@hotmail.com and we talk more.

papa emma said at 04/30/2009, 04:27
I have been a fun of your article recently but you have made matters worse im waried that you might be one of sponsors of these deadly disease in Uganda how can you say that, teenagers should experience and they will change, you are lucky to have changed otherwise wakaze ke, but dont use our freedom of speech to cause chaos
get saved

emma said at 04/30/2009, 15:34
I fully don't approve this support.
Gays can't reproduce it is so unnatural.
I agree that good wiling homos should seek healing.
This is my last comment.
I'll never return to this irrelevant discussions.
Those who support this unnaturalness, should be aware that they wouldn't have been born if one of their parents were a gay.
You may call me homophobic , arrogant, but I don't support those people who rape young boys, even toddlers, posing that its their right to be homo.
And Damn those people who recruit university students into such things.
These criminals should be punished, they might spread this disease in Uganda.
Ugandan should follow their own ancient prestigious glory!!
Nothing should jeopardize it, any noxious thing should be annihlated!!
This is the fact, and hail Uganda the Pearl of Africa.
I hope you become great in the near future.. or in the remote, I have patience in you.
Next time , no comment.

John Sampa said at 05/01/2009, 05:15
You know, we have laws in this country and a dignified culture. Never should we allow guys like Kevin to set the pace for us. Reminds me of the Danish diplomat a few years ago who wasted time here advocating for his gays with his donor cash until he was reminded by a Monitor editorial that "we take exception b'se he can address more serious things with his cash." Come on Kevin, do serious stuff while in Uganda and leave our honour, pride and culture for us to revel in. Or else back off this beautiful land you freely enjoy!

Richard Flynn said at 05/02/2009, 03:08
Sad to see so many ignorant people writing here. Ignoring the more emotive comments, which don't deserve a reply, I think the rest only serve to underline the deep need for decent education around the subject of sexual orientation. And its place in Uganda's history, as well as its present.

And let's not confuse pedophilia with homosexuality. Heterosexuals abuse children sexually, far more often than gay people, remember. There are already laws to deal with that.

If homosexuality is natural, then why are they recruiting?

Some people are actually totally convinced and believe in the recruitment thing. To me the allegations seem so laughable and pitiful that I even hesistate to put them here. But some people sincerely and totally believe in these things.

If homosexuality is natural, then why are they recruiting?

KAROORO OKURUT

I would like to put in a thought or two in reaction to Kevin O’Connor’s article in Sunday Monitor of April 26, 2008 titled: “Some truths about homosexuality”.

In that article Kevin makes a lot of sweeping statements, most of which he did not back up with any authoritative evidence and which cannot in any way stand the test of scientific research and verified hypothesis.

Kevin claims that 10 to 20 per cent of humans are born homosexual. He also claims that homosexual tendencies are normal and harmless in kids and they will simply outgrow them and become normal heterosexuals. He criticises those who bash gays, alleging homophobia on one hand and hypocrisy on the other.

I would like to take him on, on these submissions.

First, if such a high percentage of people are born homosexuals, how come there is a huge deliberate effort by some of our “friends” in the western world to recruit young people into homosexuality?

There is abundant evidence that these “friends” send plenty of money and gifts to clubs here so as to suck the young unsuspecting youth into homosexuality.

I was personally involved in the counselling of some young boys who had been recruited. They told a long, harrowing tale of the recruitment exercise they went through. They were provided with nail polish and would paint only one fingernail as a sign of membership to the club!

The recruitment that is being carried out is so worrying; it’s like they are mobilising for a political party or army!

Kevin, evidence abounds all around pointing to this recruitment mania. I invite you to come with me and I show you living examples of this.

One cannot have hatred for these young recruits – oh no. What one feels is impotent pity and one can only feel deep hatred and revulsion for the recruitment officers.

The young men are innocent; it is those that are hiring them into it that are beastly.

Kevin, I am sure you have not seen some of the young men who have been ruthlessly sodomised.

I have seen some of them with bottoms oozing with pus, having been afraid to go for help because their tormentors had assured them that one word would get them killed.

So they suffer silently; their bottoms rotting away and the poor fellows beginning to walk like ducks, until some good Samaritan intervenes. This is not fiction.

There are also incidents reported in some institutions of higher learning where some homosexual lecturers sexually harass their students. When the students object the punishment is an outright fail – you say no to sodomy and you forget about getting a degree or diploma.

If the homosexuals could restrict their practice to consenting adults, then maybe society would not be so angry; for that is not as bad as pouncing on young innocent fellows and destroying their lives.

Kevin also alleges that teenage homosexual tendencies are normal and harmless; just give the kids time and they will simply outgrow those tendencies and become normal heterosexuals.

This is a sad and misleading falsehood.

As I mentioned above, I have been shown young boys whose anuses have been literally torn to pieces after being sodomised. These were not born homosexual.

They have been used by the dubious fellows going around recruiting these innocent kids. If they were born homosexual, how come the God of Heaven did not make them adoptive to the sexual act so that there would be no damage? And contrary to Kevin’s claims, there are no “harmless” gay tendencies that the kids will outgrow in due course.

Most of them never get out of the habit once they are initiated into it. The trend has been that in a school for example, those who were initiated into homosexuality in their first year, after they go on to Senior Two, simply wait to mete out the same treatment to the next batch of Senior One kids, in vengeance of some kind.

When the kids come in Senior One, - innocent and new in the school and not in a position to argue or understand what is going on, or even resist it – the bigger boys sodomise them. And the cycle continues.

One growing danger is that young men and women from well-to-do families are now peddling homosexuality in a romanticised way saying it is “cool” to be homosexual. Parents of such children are bleeding.

This country must wake up and sensitise the youth against this practice. We do not need to witch-hunt homosexuals. What we need to do urgently is to stop this recruitment that is going on; we must prevent the homosexuals in their quest to build an army or brigade, starting with the schools.

 

makaoku2@yahoo.com

 

And my comments?

• Friends in the western world, will you please send me some money for recruitment? See, I am a cash strapped homosexual here. Should not have a problem ‘recruiting’. It will solve my money problems and further the homosexual agenda. So, anyone there to send me some money for the cause?
• But, if you send the money, please remember to back off the ‘accountability’. I have to warn you that I am a home grown homosexual. And I was not recruited. I studied in schools here, and live and work here. But I have just gotten to know of this ‘recruitment’ activity this year… The recruitment mania. But please send the money!
• Another caveat. I have told you am a home grown homosexual. Ugandan. Born, not err, recruited. According to the best medical opinion, one cannot change one’s sexual orientation. Oh, I know. I tried to change from homosexual to hetero. I failed. Shouldn’t have tried of course. But seems it is the hetero to homo which works. So, I will try that…!
• And another thing. Logically, most of the population in the west should be gay. They must have been aggressively recruited, by the aggressive homo activists, the homosexual agenda pushers. Or, do they work only in Africa? In Uganda?
• Bottoms oozing pus… See, I am a homo. And, though I am a bit careful telling the world what I do in bed with my partner of years, (it is punishable by life imprisonment), I have to confess that we have not had any bottom oozing pus phenomenon. (Maybe we do it the wrong way…! Or maybe not often enough?) I  bet a doctor would have them treated for an STD? That is what I think, but then, see, I am a homosexual. So, whatever I say must be wrong.
• Sex for grades, aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh! Happens so frequently, according to popular myths amongst the heteros. I mean, go to campus, see how the girls dress to kill. According to Karooro Okurut, it is forced when it is homosexual, huh? No longer consensual!
• Sex in schools- Sigh, why was I never recruited? Seems some guys have all the fun…! I think, Karooro, that according to Ugandan teaching, no sex should happen in school. No hetero sex. And no homo sex. That both occur is a matter of fact. Why you set aside the hetero and tell so many lies on the homo is beyond me… But that particular myth of us targeting children seems to be your strongest ‘recruitment’ persuader.

 

But sincerely, why are some people so ready to believe serious myths like this? Why do seemingly well intentioned people believe myths and are so resistant to use a little bit of logic to burst them? Come on Ugandans, homosexuality is not so ‘new’ or so ‘un-researched’ that you have to believe all that nonsense!

The myths are a serious problem. According to the writer above, the anti-gay blink when it is us adult homosexuals having consensual sex. But because of the ‘recruitment’ and the ‘homosexual agenda’, they are very willing to persecute us.

Ugh!

 

gug

MP to introduce bill against homosexuality

Thursday, 30th April, 2009   

 

Parliament has adopted a motion granting Ndorwa west MP David Bahati leave of parliament to enable him introduce a private members bill against homosexuality in the country.

 

Presenting his request to parliament, Bahati noted that Uganda needs a comprehensive law to fight homosexuality.

 

Bahati says that the laws in the country do not adequately address the issue.

 

He also appealed to the religious leaders to continue the fight against homosexuality in the country

And the report from UGPulse

Parliament for bill against homosexuality

First published: 20090430 11:44:51 AM EST

 

Following increased pressure from anti gay activists in the country, the Parliament has agreed to allow Ndorwa west MP David Bahati to present a private members bill against homosexuality in Uganda.

A group of activists led by the Stephen Langa of the Family Life Network last week presented a petition to Parliament calling for more stringent laws against homosexuality.

Parliament today granted a motion by Bahati requesting for leave of parliament to enable him introduce a private members bill against homosexuality in the country.

 

Bahati convinced his fellow MPs that the current laws in Uganda do not adequately address the issue of homosexuality. He said Uganda needs a comprehensive law to fight homosexuality which is reported to be on the increase in the country.

 

Bahati while commending efforts by religious leaders in fighting homosexuality said it is important that their efforts are complimented by a more stringent law regime against homosexuality, which he described as immoral and unnatural.

While the debate in Uganda has been focusing on whether homosexuality is a learned or natural behavior as claimed by those against and pro respectively, a High Court judgment in December 2008 ruled that all Ugandans whether homosexuals or not are guaranteed the same human rights by the country’s constitution.

 

Some truths about homosexuality

It has taken some time, but Kevin O'Connor has weighed in. In his usual abrassive style. Doesnt like Ssempa, does he...!

At last a newspaper article has been written by a Ugandan which discusses homosexuality in a sensible way. In “When Christians condemn God’s children during the Easter season” (Saturday Monitor April 11 2009), Bernard Tabaire draws attention to the unchristian behaviour of nasty gay-haters such as Stephen Langa of the Family Life Network and Pastor Martin Ssempa of the Makerere Community Church.

 

Christianity and homosexuality

As regards homosexuality, to this list of Satan’s sinners, can be added Dr James Nsaba Buturo, Minister of (supposedly) Ethics and Integrity, who recently labelled homosexuals as, “abnormal, unhealthy and unnatural.”

To the Langas, Ssempas and Buturos of this world, we must ask two questions:

Where is your “treat your neighbour as yourself”? Where is your recognition of the undisputable truth that, the world over, somewhere between one in 10 and one in 20 human beings are born genetically homosexual?

I ask these questions not as a homosexual myself, but as a heterosexual. Yes, I like the ladies, and whether you are a black, brown, yellow or a white female, the more beautiful you are, the more sexually attracted to you I will be. And not only that, I have a particular heterosexual taste in women i.e. I especially like tall, slim ladies!

 

School gayness - normal

The only time I have ever felt sexual feelings towards other males was as a teenager. Most human beings start developing sexual desires when they are too young to have access to the opposite sex. So there is often some sexual experimentation with friends of the same sex. This is a normal and natural part of adolescence and a standard part of heterosexuality. So much of the noise about gay and lesbian behaviour in Ugandan schools is nonsense. Most of these youngsters are just experimenting, and will become heterosexuals as soon as they grow older and their society allows them sexual access to the opposite sex.

 

A gay Kabaka

However, real adult homosexuals have existed all over Africa throughout history. For example, there has been at least one homosexual Kabaka. According to no less an authority than Pastor Martin Ssempa (The New Vision, June 3 2005, Page 8), in the 1880s, Kabaka Mwanga “was a deviant homosexual who used his demigod status to appease his voracious appetite for sodomy”. Put in more simple English, Kabaka Mwanga had anal sex with his page boys.

 

Neighbourliness

In today’s Uganda, a percentage of the Ugandans who are nasty gay-haters, and make the most outspoken attacks against homosexuals, are homosexuals themselves. In order to repress and disguise their own natural homosexual inclinations, they feel it important to be seen in public criticising and insulting homosexuals.

When the truth comes out about such people, let us hope they receive more “treat your neighbour as yourself” behaviour from heterosexuals than they themselves were earlier able to give to homosexuals.

Interview in New Vision

Damn, had missed this interview

Uganda: The Education Ministry is Against Homosexuality

Aggrey Kibenge11 April 2009

Kampala — Following the recent revelation by a self-confessed homosexual, George 'Georgina' Oundo, that schools were the primary recruitment grounds for gay activists, Sunday Vision's Moses Mugalu had an interview with Aggrey Kibenge, the Ministry of Sports and Education's Principal Assistant Secretary and Public Relations Officer. Below are excerpts.

Has the ministry received any reports about the problem of homosexuality in schools?

Yes. The very first report was about a year-and-half ago. It was in the form of an email from a parent outside this country, I think based in the US, who claimed that there had been attempts to sodomise her child, a student at St. Mary's College Kisubi.

She said her efforts to talk to the school administration on this matter had been rebuffed by the school administration, claiming such a thing could not happen in a school like Kisubi.

The parent accused the school covering up the problem, because they have a reputation to protect. I forwarded the complaint to the commissioner responsible for secondary education and asked him to investigate and get back to me. The commissioner reported back that the school administration had denied condoning, or even being aware of the practice, since no case had been brought to their attention.

The commissioner then instituted an independent investigation, which also found nothing to support the allegations. As a ministry, this is the only case we've handled so far. The ministry is against the promotion of sodomy, as some people call it, or homosexuality and lesbianism in schools.

What do you think is influencing students into getting involved in this practice?

I know that young people of school-going age - the adolescents - are at a formative stage where they are keen to try out new things. They are inquisitive about what is happening in the world around them.

Since the world is now one global village, it is possible that they are exposed to cultures and values which are alien to our own culture here in Uganda.

What is the ministry doing to fight the spread of homosexuality in schools?

As part of the ministry's contribution in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we've discussed with students vices like drugs abuse, masturbation, homosexuality and others, which can pre-dispose them to HIV/AIDS.

I have received a number of delegations from different human rights groups - claiming that, by coming out explicitly to fight these tendencies, we're infringing on the rights of some young people, even some teachers. I always tell them, "we as a ministry have no apologies over that because our firm belief is that this is a pervasion of values."

 

Can you name some of these groups?

 

I can't recall their names offhand, but some have even published reports criticising our approach. You have heard about the Presidential Initiative on AIDS Strategy for Communication to Youths (PIACY) programme; it's our main vehicle for reaching out to children in schools on matters concerning HIV/AIDS and to promote a safe lifestyle. Through this programme, we've been emphatic on what we consider a perversion of our values and homosexuality is clearly one of those things that we wouldn't want to promote in schools.

But we also know that there are strong lobbies world over trying to promote some of these tendencies. Some of them consider our talking about it and discouraging students from getting involved as a direct attack on them and an infringement on the rights of individuals.

Recently a self-confessed homosexual George 'Georgina' Oundo admitted to recruiting school children into the practice. What is the ministry's reaction to that revelation?

Of course, it's shocking that somebody is coming out to confess that for all this time he's been enticing young people to join the gay movement. And, as you can see, this is a very systematic group with a lot of inducements that have been put out to the young people to join the movement, and he even tells his own story of how he was attracted into movement.

As a ministry, we are not moving out or doing much more than we had already started because, as part of our ongoing programmes, we built the component of life skills into our programmes within the schools - the PIACY programme especially. It's through this programme that we interact with the young people and teachers in schools to discuss what may be considered risky behaviour and good moral values to the young people.

We are working in partnership with various stakeholders, like religious groups, to promote positive behaviour and good moral values among young people.

We have already come up with an acceptable package that incorporates religious, cultural and ethical values.

 

Oundo's revelation is shocking, but maybe it will inspire us to continue with what we're doing in schools. It adds a new dimension to the outreach programme that we started as a ministry in terms of what to look out for, and what to warn teachers and the young people about.

Q: There are allegations that the problem is mainly prevalent in Catholic-founded schools. Is that true?

A: I wouldn't say so, much as I've told you that the one single case that has been officially registered with us is from Kisubi, a Catholic-founded school. I wouldn't use that as a basis to generalise that the problem is predominantly in Catholic Church-founded schools.

I know that if such a problem exists, it would be more prevalent in boarding than in day schools.

Q: Why?

A: Because in boarding schools young people are confined in an environment for a very long time. Under such circumstances, a vice like homosexuality or lesbianism can very easily find fertile ground. Day schools don't offer the same opportunity, since after school, students return to their respective homes. So where would they do it from, on the way, or at home? I think the problem is largely within boarding schools and not schools associated with a particular faith.

 

Q: The other allegation is that homosexuality is more rampart in single sex schools...

 

A: Possibly. You know as young people grow up, there are various ways of expressing oneself in that form. And even when these relationships may not grow into sexual relationships, there are ways in which young people in mixed schools interact and as a result that excess energy has a way of being let off, which may not be the case within single-sex schools.

 

Q: Some parents are concerned that some school heads are not doing their work; leaving students on their own. Then there's the issue of dormitories being congested. Do you think those two factors might be contributing to the spread of homosexuality in schools?

A: They would, if the school administrations fail to fulfil their responsibilities. As a ministry, we expect the school administration to put in place a leadership system to guide and supervise all the operations within a school. They consist of administration, the head teacher, teaching staff and non-teaching staff.

 

All these are part of the team around these young people to guide their growth and development. Should there be any laxity on the part of any of them certainly the intensity of some of these weaknesses that are being raised will increase. But, to me, it's a shared responsibility so parents shouldn't leave it to the schools because I believe that bad influence exists a lot more outside the school.

 

Q: Has the ministry come across the so-called 'children toolkits' which Oundo claims are circulated into schools by the gay and lesbians coalition?

 

A: No, but I've read and was recently contacted by a journalist about a publication put out by UNICEF into schools. They were allegations that the UNICEF publication had materials promoting that kind of vice and I told him as a ministry we didn't have any idea about that publication.

 

Q: There are allegations that homosexuality movements are putting a lot of money into such ventures to promote the vice. Does the ministry monitor sources of funding for private schools?

 

A: Our monitoring is at the level of registering schools. Before any school is granted a licence to operate, there are certain conditions that must be met. One of them is to provide information on the source of funding and even details about the school bank account to establish whether the proprietor has the capacity to run it.

 

Of course, none of them would, I assume or presume, willingly surrender information that "we're being financed by this group or the other". So the opportunity is very slim for the ministry to establish the funding sources apart from the information that's availed to us.

 

Q: Should we blame poor remuneration of teachers, especially those under UPE and USE, for the spread of the vice in schools? To make ends meet, many teachers start other businesses on the side or part-time with several other schools, leading to a lapse in supervision and opening a window of opportunity for those promoting gay activities.

 

A: I think from time immemorial the remuneration of teachers has always been a point of concern, for not only the teaching profession but also even us the ministry. Historically, teachers have been poorly paid in relation to other public officers (civil servants). And I know that the Executive has explained that it's a question of what the economy can support at a given point in time.

 

Demonstration

Yesterday was the demonstration. Against homosexuality.

Started from Makerere University. Bombo Road, through the main part of the city. To Parliament.

No. I was not there. Just watched bits and pieces of it on TV.

Makerere is the seat of anti-gay activistim in Uganda. For the moment, I guess. And why is that? Martin Ssempa (PhD)… it is his current, official seat of office. We were recently invited for a discussion about sexual orientation there, and people were enthusiastic. Till someone reminded us of what happened at the Medical School in 2008. A similar discussion was arranged. Gay activists were invited.

It was a farce.

The Quaran and the Bible were the texts of reference. It was no discussion, but a very rowdy town hall. The gay activists ran out. Literally, in fear of their lives.

Can a debate be held in this atmosphere?

Not a debate.

Don’t know how many people were at the demo. I think it was less than 100. Clever camera angles to get a good view of the numbers, but it just didn’t seem to be that many… But I am biased. So, maybe they were more.

And cars, vehicles with postures of every imaginable abuse of us homosexuals- to kind of exhibit the demonstrators anti-stand. Ssempa was interviewed, carrying a banner, waving it and dancing in the street. A demonstration against homosexuality. And he spat.

[What is it with Ssempa and spitting? I have seen the suited gentleman spitting when he talks about homosexuality on talk shows… A personal emphasis on how bad we are???? He spits. Looks comical, but interesting. His mind take on it all]

What was the objective of the demonstration?

Not sure. To show the world that Uganda rejects homosexuality? To put it on the political front seat? To deliver some thousands of signatures to parliament demanding that a new, tougher law against homosexuality is passed by that august house.

A tougher law. That seems to be the anti-gay agenda for 2009. A tougher law.

The current law, criminalization of the sexual act, one can get up to life time imprisonment. It does not criminalize being gay. It does not criminalize working for homosexuals. Those facts irk Nsaba Buturo enough for him to do something about it. Once he said Uganda should outlaw being gay. (Not being homosexual. But gayism…! Being out and proud.)

The anti-gay activists are unhappy that current laws are not strong enough. They are too weak. Too few prosecutions are made. Too little time is spent on this moral problem, which is taking over Uganda. Remember the guys in Mbale? The ones who were arrested over Easter

Well, the political situation didn’t allow what should have been a routine release. They are still in prison. On remand…

 

PS, still playing my usual role of victim. That is what my detractors accuse me of. Will not stop me documenting what is happening.

 

gug

And, here is the Monitor article on the demonstration

Homosexuality threat to Ugandans- activists

MERCY NALUGO

 

Parliament

 

Activists against homosexuality in Uganda stormed parliament on Tuesday protesting against the practice and demanded a probe into the practice in the country.

The activists who were holding banners denouncing the activity were led by the Family Life Network in conjunction with religious leaders.

The groups led by the Executive Director of Family Life Network, Mr Stephen Langa while handing over their petition to the Deputy Speaker,Ms Rebecca Kadaga said the Parliamentary select committee should also assess the extent of the damage homosexuality has caused to children and Ugandans.

“The serious threat that homosexuality poses to the stability and survival of the family and the social fabric of the nation has come to light in the recent past. This threat is real and has the potential to destabilize the country socially, politically and health wise,” Mr Langa said.

The petitioners said that former agents of homosexuality have told them how they use coercion and manipulation to recruit unsuspecting innocent children and students into homosexuality and lesbianism.

“These groups have a clear and long term strategy to influence every sector of society to impose their deviant values on the whole society,” reads the petition in part.

Mr Langa said the homosexuals under the group Sexual Minorities Uganda spend huge sums of money to recruit University students and those in secondary schools into homosexuality. They did not give details.

 

“It has been appalling and disgusting to witness the audacity of homosexual and lesbian groups and activists operating freely in the country with total disregard and disrespect of our law which up to now criminalises homosexuality,” reads the petition. 

The petitioners demanded that the government amends the Constitution to openly prohibit homosexuality, bisexuality, trans sexuality and other related practices.

“Parliament should also put in place measures that would ensure that no organization or person teaches things that would fall in the arena of family and sexuality without the approval of the ministry of Education,’’ she said.

Ms Kadaga said she would allow a motion to be moved on the floor of Parliament next week on the matter.

The petitioners moved around town with posters denouncing homosexuality.

Those that participated in the demonstration included university students, representatives from Church of Uganda, the catholic church, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, traders and born again pastors; Martin Ssempa and David Kiganda.

And, From UGPulse, the same story...

Civil society petitions Parliament over homosexuality vice

First published: 20090423 9:33:06 AM EST

 

   Ultimate Media

 

Members of civil society organizations (CSOs) have today petitioned Parliament, calling for a select committee to investigate the impact of homosexuality in Uganda and to pass stern laws to punish people involved in acts of homosexuality.

 

The petition, signed by over 50,000 Ugandans, was presented to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, by the Executive Director of Family Life Network, Stephen Langa.

Langa, who was accompanied by Pastor Martin Ssempa, Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Musisi and other civil society members, notes that homosexuals have continued to roam the country freely promoting the vice yet homosexuality is illegal according to the Constitution and the Penal; Code Act.

He says that the homosexuals have penetrated into schools and distributed reading tools that promote the vice, citing United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which was recently put in the spotlight for distributing a book that promotes homosexuality without approval from the Ministry of Education.

Langa revealed that the CSOs have submitted a protest letter to UNICEF expressing disappointment in their actions and have called upon them to apologize to Ugandans and also retrieve the books that were distributed to schools in about 30 districts.

Deputy Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, commended the organizations for their solidarity against homosexuality, adding that Parliament will look into current legislation to ensure that they are strengthened to penalize acts of homosexuality.

Kadaga promised to push for the amendment of Article 31 of the Constitution which prohibits homosexual marriages. Langa had earlier noted that the article prohibits gay marriages but not the actions.