Gay Panic Defence?

That is, in the death; murder of David Kato Kisule.

Have just heard it on Capital FM. Apparently, the guy who was staying in David's place, the guy who was working for him has been arrested. At Mukono Police station at the moment.

And, from what I heard, he has confessed to the murder, reporting that Kato forced him into having sex, so he killed him.

True, false, I don't know?

I would really love to say that I am sure of that. Simple, I am a Ugandan. And, I live and work in Uganda. This became a very high profile case, as soon as the media stepped in and the police investigations were made for media.

So, what is the problem with that?

Well, very simple. The police had to make an arrest. And, they had to have a suitable motive. Cracking the case became a priority.

In Uganda, so help me the deities, we use 'enhanced interrogation techniques'. And, they are very helpful. And, I am not talking about simple water boarding. Simple.... well, it is.

This guy was condemned as soon as the police sent out the flier saying the death was due to 'aggravated robbery'. So, little suprise that he has been found, and, confensed immediately.

So, is he the killer?

I wish I could be sure. I want David's killer arrested. Is like a visceral need to find someone to blame,... in truth, to hang, by the balls, if I could be so crude. But, I am actually hesistant to condemn this guy, even with the confession. Because, simply put, the simple guy might confess to anything given the options, the circumstances.

And, yeah, in Uganda, putting the blame on the big bad homosexual works all the time. They are evil, they are bad, they are terrible. They deserve hanging.

So, I killed him because he attacked me, or he made advances. Homosexual advances. So, I hit him twice with a hammer.

I really, really wish I could have access to film of the event. Or was it recorded?

But, for now, I wait to see what happens. I am not sure the guy is guilty. I am not sure he killed David. I would be unwilling to visit on him the guilt without knowing the circumstances. I am a gay Ugandan. I am too used to the contempt, the casual references to violence that are stereotypically visited on our heads, just because we are gay. Or thought to be so.

Gay Panic Defense? I believe that is what it is called. And, in Uganda, we are so vilified, it can work. Terrible as it seems. That is a fact.

I don't even know the procedure. With a confession, does he have to go to court? Or do they give him a sentence? A confession is too neat an ending- to my liking. Will it be enough?

Too neat, for the police in Uganda.

Gay Panic Defence?

gug

Life goes on

Yes. It does.

But first, here is an account of what happened at the funeral of David Kato Kisuule. I have been castigated for not spelling his name right, so, there it is.
The account is from Afrogay, who was there. And, it is something. I was not there, so, for me I heard second hand most things from my partner. Afrogay was there. And here is his account.

But, I wanted to post laughing about what is happening in Uganda's courts.

Ssempa, and company. You remember that for almost the whole of the second quarter of last year, they were accusing Pastor Robert Kayanja of being gay, a homosexual, busy 'sodomising' innocents?

Well, they produced a witness of the same sordid details. And, it seems the witness turned on them. Or, was the witness already fake? I dont know. But, this soap opera is made in Uganda. Enjoy.

A prosecution witness yesterday told Buganda Road Court that pastors Solomon Male, Martin Sempa, Michael Kyazze, Robert Kayiira and two others promised him sh56m to accuse Pastor Robert Kayanja of sodomy. 

Robson Matovu, 29, a resident of Bweyogerere, a Kampala suburb, told the court that he framed Pastor Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre because he wanted the money. 

The other co-accused are State House employee Dorothy Kyomuhendo and local musician David Mukalazi. 

The hearing of the case began yesterday. Matovu was produced before court by state prosecutor Stephen Asaba. The court was presided over by Grade One Magistrate Patrick Wekesa. 

The accused are represented by Edward Akankwasa, Paul Rutisya, Kaggwa Sekabanja, and Isaac Walukagga. 

Matovu told the court that he was first contacted by Sempa, whom he met through David Ntwatwa. “Sempa told me that I would be given money if I said Kayanja sodomised me,” he said. 

Matovu said he was promised sh6m as part payment and the sh50m after a case was filed against Kayanja. Matovu said he was then introduced to Kyazze, who gave him sh160,000 with instructions to buy a mobile phone and use it for logistics. 

Matovu said he banked the money in his account at Crane Bank. He said he then met Male, who assured him that an affidavit pinning Kayanja would be obtained.

Matovu said a few days later, he was given a piece of paper, containing accusations against Kayanja. He said the contents in the affidavit were later recorded on video. The affidavit was tendered in as an exhibit by prosecution. 

Matovu also told the court that Male assured him of protection from top government officials. 

He said Mukalazi introduced him to Kyomuhendo, whom he later met at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala, and at Nomo Gallery in Nakasero. 

Matovu said he reported the matter to the Police, using the sh160,000 and the affidavit as proof. He added that when the pastors learnt about his visit to the Police, they threatened to harm him. 

But asked by Akankwasa, to specify the date and year when he met Male to sign the affidavit, Matovu said he could not remember. He also said he could not remember the pastors’ phone numbers. 

Akankwasa also discredited Matovu for “having a selective memory” when he told court that he could not remember his account number. 

Hey, I also do not remember my account number. I need to.... Buturo said that I am to receive, was it 25 Million USD.... but, damn, I have to check for it on a paper whenever I need to write it down. Damn!

I love the soap opera. These might, super moralists, accused of trying to suborn justice! Shame, dear holy Pastors! Shame, shame, shame, from shameless gayuganda!

And, I do love this. Because, this witness was Ssempa's witness at the beginning. It was on the basis of this witness, and others, that Ssempa was accusing Kayanja. So, if they discredit this witness (and the others), then anti-gay pastors have to acknowledge that they did accuse Kayanja, a fellow born again pastor, using witnesses who they themselves discredit.....

Oh, the convolutions of the charade of born again christianity in Uganda!

------
Now, I cannot end this without quoting from the 'new look monitor'. Such articles would never, ever see the light of day before. Not in Uganda. But, here is a commentary in the Daily Monitor, which, though written by a non-Ugandan, would never, ever have found its way into the Monitor of old. But, it is there today! Here is an excerpt.

But whoever is responsible and whatever their motive, we know the fear felt by many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in Uganda and elsewhere who continue to face widespread prejudice and the constant threat of homophobic violence. Kato’s death robs them of a brave and eloquent advocate.

If Kato’s murder stimulates discussion about the violence and discrimination facing people because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity, then his death will not have been completely in vain. That discussion must inevitably address the question of decriminalising homosexuality. Criminal sanctions for homosexuality remain on the statute books in more than 70 countries, including Uganda.

Such laws are an anachronism, in most cases a hangover from the old days of colonial rule. They are inherently discriminatory and constitute a violation of the human rights of those whose conduct they seek to sanction. States often justify the existence of these laws with reference to popular opinion.

Yet popular opinion alone can never justify depriving certain people of their rights. People are entitled to disapprove of homosexuality. They are entitled to express their disapproval. But they are not entitled to harm or inflict violence on their fellow human beings, nor to use the criminal law to have them arrested, imprisoned, even in some cases executed, simply because they disapprove of them.

Decriminalising homosexuality is an essential first step towards establishing genuine equality before the law. But real, lasting progress cannot be achieved by changing laws alone. We must change minds as well. Like racism and misogyny, homophobia is prejudice born of ignorance. And like other forms of prejudice, the most effective long-term response is information and education.

I welcome the dialogue. As evidenced by the deafening silence from the government owned New Vision, the silence is the one that promotes the homophobia. Oh, forgive me. It is not real silence from the New Vision. They report selectively. What concerns them are the accusations of the Pastors. Uganda's pastor wars. The fact that the weapon the pastors chose to use against each other is the flames of homophobia, that is besides the point. At least to the new vision.

Of course, to me, it IS the point.

Anyway, hope your day is good.

gug

War, of Words.

Wanted to say, Christian Compassion... but, it is up to you to tell me whether it is.

At David's funeral, the Anglican priest who was officiating decided that it was a fitting time to let loose a diatribe against homoseuxuals. He knew lots of us were there. He knew that the man who had been murdered, whose body he had been called to pray for was a self-confessed gay man. And he let loose his diatribe. Christian compassion indeed. The locals did cheer him on.

We were unhappy. We snatched the mic from him, and the police led him away. Where we that unhappy? Well, words have effects. The locals refused to bury David. So, we went ahead and buried him ourselves. We could not countenance such Christian compassion.

Sorry, Christians. Now, to show that I am sorry.

You did hear about the pussy footing of the Archbishop of Cantebury when the Anti-Homosexuality Bill was introduced in the parliament of Uganda, and the Church of Uganda, Anglican, came out in support of this bill?

Well, something happened. David Kato was a nominal anglican. I am given to believe that his dad (now deceased) was a Reverend in the Church. (Which explains the anglican priest at his burial....!) But, Bishop Ssenyonjo was there to correct the hate that was spewed out of the official representative of the church....

Yes, Bishop Ssenyonjo. He kind of represents the other side of the Christian equation. There are those who believe, for show. And those who really believe in the ideals of their religion.

I was talking about the Archbishop of Cantebury.

At about the time of the burial of David Kato, some of the Anglican primates (archbishops) were meeting in Ireland. Archbishop Orombi of Uganda gave it a miss. He cannot sit on the same table as his fellow Primate from the US church. Something to do with the question of homosexuality.....

Bishop Orombi was one of seven Anglican Church leaders who boycotted the Anglican Primates Meeting in Dublin which concluded yesterday, because Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the US Episcopal Church, was attending it.

Anyway, he was not there. Parsing words is for politicians and primates, not me.

The Archbishop of Cantebury came out with a statement. I think, enough is enough in some ways. Even his brother from Uganda needed to be 'reined in', maybe a little, despite the parsing of words!

Here are some of the observations in the Irish Times

He continued that Mr Kato had been “named in this rotten, disgraceful Ugandan publication” – the Rolling Stone newspaper in Kampala – in which “effectively, his murder had been called for.”

It illustrated, he said, that “words have results . . . certainly a lesson all need to learn”.

At the same press conference, in Dublin’s Emmaus Centre, Bishop Bernard Ntahoturi, primate of the Episcopal Church of Burundi, said he deplored “the killing of David as I deplore the killing of any other human being.”

Speaking at Christ Church Cathedral yesterday morning Bishop Jefferts Schori said the primate of Uganda faced “significant challenges”.

She prayed for him and for the soul of David Kato, whose death was a reminder of “the need to treat all human beings with dignity”.

Asked whether precipitous action by the US Episcopal Church had plunged the worldwide Anglican Communion into unnecessary crisis, she said the same-sex issue has been under consideration by the US church “for nearly 50 years”.

Meanwhile a service in Trinity College Dublin was told yesterday that “any church that preaches intolerance is contributing to the very real and deadly consequences of homophobia”.

Canon Giles Goddard, of Inclusive Church England, recalled that David Kato “was bludgeoned to death in his home in Uganda . . . At his funeral, the officiant – who was an Anglican lay reader – ranted against homosexuality.

“And at the end of the service the villagers refused to bury his coffin”.

Anglicans, he stated, “need to find a way out of the absurd stalemate we are in over human sexuality”.

He continued that “here we are in Ireland, close to a living example of what’s possible in extremely complicated issues with flexibility and care.

“I do not believe that something similar isn’t possible within the Anglican Communion. It’s time to find that way.”

55 other archbishops were not to be outdone. Amongst the things they came out with at the end of their meeting, was this statement on David's death.

THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

A statement on the murder of David Kato by the Primates of the Anglican Communion

following their Primates’ Meeting in Dublin, Ireland, between 24th and 30th January,

2011.

We would like to express our support for the statement of The Archbishop of Canterbury in

response to the horrific murder of David Kato in Mukono, Uganda.

We join him in saying that no one should have to live in fear because of the bigotry of others.

We reiterate that ‘the victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections

happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us’ (Primates Meeting

2005).

We reaffirm that ‘any demonising of homosexual persons, or their ill treatment, is totally

against Christian charity and basic principles of pastoral care’ (The Windsor Report).

We call on all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual

orientation and condemn irrational fear of gay people (1998 Lambeth Conference).

Yes, it did go that far. And, they were spitting fire.

The church in Uganda may cozen with hatred, preach it, and throw us out. But, the parent church had something else to say about this.

Now, to this 'Church basher', I am in a dilemma.

Should I continue bashing the church? Clearly, these primates people are Orombi's equal. Did I mention that the Bishop of Mukono is supposed to have come out supporting the homophobic preacher at Kato's funeral? And condemning Bishop Ssenyonjo for daring to show some love to us sinners?

Guess I owe some people an apology.

Or, do I?

I will always remain yours truly,

gug

Dialogue?

Do we dare believe that? Or is it just a war of words?

It has happening on two identifiable fronts. OK, on three. But, the first is almost negligble. With barely any investigation, the government is convinced that the death of David Kato was due to 'aggravated robbery'. Should I bias this further?

That Kato was staying with a known thief, who knowing that David was soon leaving the country, decided to rob him of the few things he had.... (leaving quite a few others...), and kill him in the bargain.

Now, that is the kind of insult to logic that I do not countenance at all. But, the government of Uganda being what they are, they are going to stick to that line. For a very long time.

I dismiss it as illogical, and leave the more unkind words in my mind.

But, death has this visceral shock effect. Suddenly, Ugandans are discussing homosexuality, and not with the vapid hate mongering of the other days. Of course, the Ssempas are there. And, they are talking as they do, often. But, other Ugandans are coming out and speaking, like they have never done before.

First, this Monitor Editorial.

It is on the airwaves, the fm stations again. And, do not be mistaken, most of what I hear is the old homophobic things. But, there is a difference. It is less hate laced. And, those who are not homophobic are coming out and challenging the blind hatred.

Then there is this article from the Observer. Clearly sensitive, and friendly. These are the kind of articles, gay friendly, that would not be published like so, in Uganda. Ugandans are more used to the likes of the Red Rug and others like that, painting gay people like they are the worst colour possible, demons, with horns, and tails hidden somewhere.

Of course it helps a lot when there is Uganda's peers are pointing out, insistently, that we Ugandans are in the wrong. We are not insular. And, though many Ugandans may believe it is okay to kill gay ugandans, they are shocked that the rest of the world holds them in contempt. As less than 'civilised'. It is funny, I have always commented on our immense vanity. I never knew it could fall into my hands like this, as a weapon to use. Like this BBC report. And, yes, BBC is watched, by mainly those who have cable television in Uganda. The elite, the moneyed classes.

And, before you ask, growing up as a gay Ugandan, enduring the abuse and disapprobation, I have become very much less vain than the ordinary Ugandan.....

Maybe I should say that it is the 'elite', the opinion leaders who matter. And, they are quite vain of the good 'repute' of the country..... lol....!

Here is how the Christian, MP and rising star in the ruling party, mover of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill David Bahati mourns David Kato. There are some things which have clearly not changed.... and, that is the utter Christian compassion of David Bahati. Here is the quote.

David Bahati told journalists in Kampala today that though Kato's death is unfortunate, it should open Ugandans' eyes to the illegality of homosexuality.

Bahati described Kato as a humbled soul long and hard to see the future of children destroyed and marriages broken up by illegal acts.

He says though his death may have had nothing to do with his acts, it has everything to do with the financial resources set to these individuals by donors, which could have attracted the attention of the assailants.

The MP says the Police should not only investigate Kato's death, but also dismantle the illegal networks, particularly financial, which are being used to facilitate gay activities in Uganda, especially in schools. In Uganda most people feel like vomiting when they come across gay practitioners or activists.

Most interesting, and most fitting is the fact that actually, buried somewhere in all that venom is the compassion, mourning the death of David Kato. Surely, surely, Bahati is devastated. Crocodile tears . Much like Giles Muhame.... He is being his usual lovely self. Will not link to him, because, truly, Giles is an outstanding example of his pastor Martin 'eat da poo poo' Ssempa's classic teaching in Christian compassion.

Am sorry Christians. I know, the people above do not represent all of you.....

To atone for my cruel humour, I will try to examine real Christian compassion in the next post. Of course......

But, let me end this one with some interesting quotes from a Reuter's story. Kind of captures the ambivalent mood in the country at the moment.

In one sense, whether or not homophobia motivated David's killer is unimportant. A global spotlight has shone on the country in a way it rarely does and many Ugandans are unhappy with what it highlights.

------

Alan Kasujja, host of a breakfast radio show in Kampala, used his broadcast on Friday to urge Uganda to turn its back on homophobia and focus on other issues.

"I have tons of friends who are gay," Kasujja told Reuters. "These are people who I have gone to school with, who I have worked with. They are our brothers and sisters, our children.

"So am I supposed to join ill-informed, undereducated people who advocate for them to be ostracised? Sorry, I cannot be part of that," he said.

Alan says his listeners were divided over whether David was a victim of hate, or robbery. Though many listeners expressed reservations about homosexuality, they said that Uganda should not be known for violence.

Some texted the show, however, telling him to stop promoting "deviants", a reflection of a culture of hate that many say has been encouraged by the Christian right in the east African nation -- often funded by Christian groups in the United States.

Kampala's Red Pepper newspaper headlined its story on the murder: "Self-confessed bum driller murdered", accusing Kato of "luring" men into gay sex.

------

Two gay Ugandan men, poring over the newspapers on Friday morning, smiled ruefully when they saw the Red Pepper story and shrugged their shoulders.

"This is what we have to deal with day-to-day," said one, who did not want to be named. "But I listened to the radio this morning and I read Twitter yesterday and I felt some hope. Maybe this is so awful, it can change things."

The two friends finish their tea and push through the swinging doors of the cafe and out into the blistering heat.

One pauses and turns his head back.

"Do you promise you won't use my name?" he asks. "I know David didn't mind. But David ... David was... I don't know." He shakes his head sadly. "I don't know."

Just to remind you, the kind of broadcast that Alan Kasujja was allowed to do got a radio DJ (Gaetano) suspended a few years ago. And, if the anti-Homosexuality bill ever becomes law in Uganda, such a discussion will be completely illegal. Something that David Bahati is very anxious to have.

But, at least there is dialogue....!

gug

The Struggle Continues....2

So, in the aftermath of our coming out in defiance, what is happening?

Too many of us were exposed. We had on the t-shirts. We were identifiable. No more hiding for many. For that, in most cases, we deal with it in a case to case basis. Yes, David actually reported that he was feeling insecure.... but....!

Oh well.

Ultimately, we all have to take into our own hands our security. Some are more exposed than others. Most of the activists are known now. So, maybe there is nothing to do about hiding those.... and of course, the risk from anonymous violence is there.

[Was this what killed David? The police seems convinced that it was a 'robbery'.....Gosh, if I say I do not believe that, will I be excused? Maybe I am too close to everything. But, I will wait the results of their investigation. As long as it doesnt take for granted my logic.

But, this is Uganda. The probability of a face saving 'investigation', made for TV, the parading of a suspect as the murderer, and quietly closing the case, that is a real possibility. Who will put pressure on them? I simply have never, ever felt that I have to bribe the police to investigate. Stop laughing. That is what happens in Uganda. And, I just feel like they just get 'results' that will convince me.... as long as I can accept them.]

Anyway, we shall cross that bridge when we get to it. If we ever do.

People outside Uganda ask me what they can do to help....

The situation in Uganda, we can only change with what we have. That depends on us. Engaging the populace, making them see that we were no different.

That is something which David had achieved at his village. All seemed to know that he was gay. Few seemed to really mind. And, at the wake, they saw us, knew us, and didnt seem to be really bothered. Pity that he had to be buried at another place. We would have had less hostility shown to us. And, it was hostile. The homophobic preacher was cheered on by the locals. And, when the mic was taken away, they refused to bury David. In our culture, that is the most extreme insult that they could have visited on us.

And, the locals did it.

No. We must not think that we have an easy road ahead.

For friends outside Uganda- we cannot, and will not ask you to risk your lives for us. Even for those inside the country, we do not.

But, we remind you that, the lessons of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, the lessons of the death of David Kato are quiet clear. You have a lot of clout here. It is through public opinion of Uganda in your country. It is in your country that you move the politicians to move the leaders in Uganda. And, it is not only political. It is also religious, and cultural.

It is funny, but, for this I rely on the simple psych of the Ugandan society at the moment.

What seems to matter, to the government, to the people, is the reputation. And, if Uganda is in anyway sensitive to its reputation in the family of nations, it is vulnerable. Our country people, our government will treat us gay ugandans like shit. But, they will not do that when you ask your leaders to ask them what justification they have to do that.

Because, Ugandans are vain. And, that vanity is susceptible to the ridicule that they are acting less than 'civilised'

Ha.

that is a laugh.

But, now you know how you are important to us, as gay Ugandans.

The struggle inside the country for the hearts and minds of our countrymen and women continues. We shall wage it. I believe we have matured to the point that we can do that, on our own behalf. And, if this editorial in the independent Monitor is to be believed, some people are ready. Some. Not all.

But, we simply must remain alive to do that. And, that is where you come in, if you are not a Ugandan, but want to help, in anyway. You can influence your leaders, in Church, Mosque, or your government. They will influence leaders in my country, Uganda. And, that will be of immense help to me.....!

And, on behalf of all gay people, kuchus in Uganda, thanks!

gug

The Struggle Continues.

'La Lutta Continua'. I believe it is Che Guavara. The Cuban revolutionary.

The gay movement here has come to kind of own that. I don't think most even know who said it..... like me of course. But, it is something to hang on. Especially when we are faced by setbacks.

Yesterday was the funeral for David Kato.

And, it was the culmination of the mourning for me. No, I was not there in body. But, certainly I was there in mind. And, my partner was there. He filled me in, early today in the morning. Quiet, away from the hype and adrenalin of the happenings.

Today, for me has been a day of quiet reflection. Morning, I slept in. Late morning, did some chores, trying to shake off the hangover.

And, later, after a siesta, was glued to the TV, watching the uprising in Egypt. Very interesting stuff.

But, it has also been time for reflection for me.

Yes, yesterday there was lots of adrenaline flowing. After the days of mourning, the funeral and aftermath were a real, major climax to everything.

We challenged everything in our society that stands between us and being accepted for what we are. Gay activists in Uganda are quarrelsome and militant. Many in the mould of David Kato. And, it was very much in evidence at the funeral.

I cannot understate how historical what happened was.

I cannot understate the huge role that our friends outside the country played. In putting the death, the brutal murder before the Ugandan government. The outpouring of love and togetherness. And, it was fantastic.

But, I have to remember one very important thing.

We stood up, reached out, and broke the mould of what is expected of us as Gay Ugandans. We actually came out.

And, I cannot downplay what happened at the funeral.

First, there was the reading of all sorts of speeches, condolence messages and things like that. From dignitories far and wide. It was emotional. It was embracing. It was warm.

But then came the rejection. The rejection in the face of what we are. In the face of what David Kato was.

The preacher. From the Church of Uganda, Anglican. With his message of 'repent'. [I did say I want no preaching at my funeral?... Just wanted to emphasize it.]

David was no church goer. I didnt even know that his dad was a Reverand in the church. But, when I knew him, he was no church goer. Though, well, I should remember that the group he led was faith based. Integrity.

But, it is very, very hard to be gay, Ugandan, and faithful to the 'faiths' as we see them.

Of course, our reaction was predictable. And, taking the mic out of the guy's hands was the least that we could have done. He desecrated David Kato's funeral. And, he was throwing mud in our grief, simply because he felt, he believed that we should 'repent'. Served him right, the embarassment.

But, I guess he will not see it like that.

The locals refused to bury David. So, we went ahead and did the honours.

And, it was all faithfully taped and on the evening news, here. NTV.

Big deal? Of course.

The rejection. Our reaction. And the fact that the world saw... but also Ugandans saw what happened.

It is a homophobic country. We exposed ourselves. And, we put our finger in the eye of traditionalism and 'conservatism', and did our thing.

Is it significant?

You bet you it is....!

[to be continued]

gug

David Kato Kisule: The funeral. And Beyond

I have gone through lots of emails.
Friends, acquitances, well wishers. The world over is in sympathy with gay Ugandans on the death of David Kato Kisule.
Is an emotional time for me. Actually, am not trusting myself to talk. At least the words I write are kind of filtered. And, of course there is the backspace on the keyboard. Can delete and erase and edit words. But, not as when they come out of the mouth.
Maybe my biggest fear is that I am so emotional that I may cry!!!!
Ahem, ahem. Internal joke, that. Not very fit to be shared further than me. But it is good enough to make me laugh.

I was not at the funeral. [maybe I fear crowds…..!]. But, I was there in the spirit. With the crowd, the mourners. And, I was there last night. Spent the whole night there. At last saw the elder twin, Wasswa. Was kind of a morbid curiosity. According to tradition, it is taboo to talk about a twin dying. So, another word is used. I believe the reason is that they are supposed to be connected. So, one does not die while the other lives. But, I did see David Kato’s elder brother.

There is lots of press on him. Yes, David would be happy.
Why do I feel sad at that?
Because he is not around to share the happiness.
But, there are still battles to fight. That is matter of fact. For example, even at the funeral, a preacher decided that the chance of a captive audience was too much. Here is what the BBC reports.

There was a moment of drama when a pastor preaching at the outside service told homosexuals to repent, our correspondent reports.


The man warned that they would face the fate of residents in Sodom and Gomorrah, the biblical cities destroyed by God.


He was interrupted, accused of preaching hate, taken away and someone else took over the proceedings, our reporter says.

Well, the family, the LGBT family took matters into their own hands. We buried our loved one. We buried David. And, to hell with the preachers, and all those who hate us. Here is what the Reuters reporter saw.

Scuffles broke out between locals and friends of a murdered Ugandan gay activist at his funeral on Friday after the pastor conducting the service berated gay people and villagers refused to bury the coffin.
----
"The world has gone crazy," the pastor told the congregation through a microphone.
"People are turning away from the scriptures. They should turn back, they should abandon what they are doing. You cannot start admiring a fellow man."
Gay activists, wearing T-shirts featuring Kato's face with sleeves coloured with the gay pride flag, then stormed the pulpit and grabbed the microphone.
"It is ungodly," the pastor shouted, before being blocked from sight.
"ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE US"
An unidentified female activist then began to shout from the pulpit.
"Who are you to judge others?" she shouted. "We have not come to fight. You are not the judge of us. As long as he's gone to God his creator, who are we to judge Kato?"
Locals intervened on the side of the pastor and scuffles broke out before he was taken away to Kato's father's house to calm the situation.
Villagers then refused to bury the body at which point a group of Kato's friends, most of whom were gay, carried his coffin to the grave and buried it themselves.

If anyone ever preaches at MY funeral, I promise to stand up and correct the proceedings…..! LOL!

I have noticed a curious reaction. Many activists are coming out, more, and more emboldened. [sigh. My partner is becoming bolder than I am. Needs a serious talking too…. I cannot remain the voice of reason in this family.]

But, others have fine tuned the old reflexes. They are burrowing deeper. Fearful, closing the closet right round them.
Why?
Well, to remind you, it is a Homophobic country. And scenes like these reported by the BBC are just not the norm. It has taken the death of one of us, David Kato, to make this happen.

He (reporter) says hundreds of people - friends, family, colleagues and diplomats - crowded outside Mr Kato's family home in the village of Nakawala in Mukono district, 40km (about 25 miles) from Kampala.


Many members of the lesbian and gay community wore T-shirts with Mr Kato's portrait on the front and the words "La luta continua [the struggle continues]" printed on the back.

I am talking about a mass demonstration of people that they were gay. And proud.

!!!
Yes, Uganda is changing.

But, the changes are not very deep.
A Ugandan was killed. Was deprived of the very most basic of human rights. Life.

That doesn’t matter whether it was a gay man, or another person. It was a human being deprived of life.

The reasons don’t matter.
But, what was the reaction of the Police? The murder was actually reported, and police driven to investigate by the gay community. Otherwise, nothing was being done. I am stating a matter of fact.

Then, in typical Ugandan style, (Bless my country), when the international outcry was mounting, and demands on the government to do something, that is when the police mounted some investigations.

I was at David’s place last night, this morning. And, the police had just done a crime scene investigation, the one which was reported about, (and, I believe, for publicity’s sake.). I am told it was reported on NTV news last evening. Curious.

I was impressed at the way that rumours are swilling about the death. I mean, from the populace, from the people around, someone has already been judged guilty. The motives have been ascertained. Seems as if it is a fait accompli.
I commented that I would not trust the police report. That was very harsh, and true. Because, there simply was no way that they could get an other than gambled account of what truly happened if they never made an investigation. That was before the media driven investigation.

What surprised me, and made me hope that something will come up from the investigation, was the fact that David Kisule had set up cameras and an alarm system in his half finished house.
Shows you our level of paranoia. I mean, I do know that David was more paranoid than I am. But, I didn’t know that he had set up cameras in a house that he had not finished. It is a shell, I saw it. And, he thought an alarm system was one of the most important things to install. Fact. Most Ugandans do not have them in their houses. We simply dont.
From those records, we shall possibly know what happened.
And, maybe we shall not be distracted by the rumours that people like the Rolling Pebble editor publish. Yes, I do understand his motivation. He put up the picture of a person, and asked people to ‘Hang them’. Now that that person is dead, the good Christian has to find a reason to justify the death, brutal and callous as that is.
Anyway, I do hope I get to know what transpired, what led to the death of David Kato Kisule. I really hope I do.
Because I am a human being. And, I don’t expect him to be an angel (He would really laugh at that. David was no angel. And never wanted to be!)

But, I would like to see justice visited on his killer.



gug