Uganda: Eight Denounce Homosexuality

Moses Mulondo

25 March 2009

Kampala — EIGHT more men yesterday confessed involvement in
homosexuality and gay activities, which they said they had abandoned.
Speaking to journalists at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala, the
youthful men described homosexuality as abnormal and anti-Christian,
and declared war against it.

The tough-talking men were accompanied by George Oundo, who earlier in
the week denounced homosexuality and confessed recruiting school
children into the practice.

“We have been involved in recruiting homosexuals, spreading the gospel of homosexuality, and we know the operations of homosexuals,” said 27-year-old Emma Matovu, who took to homosexuality 13 years ago. “We shall do all it takes to eliminate the practice in Uganda.”

Matovu, who said he abandoned the practice two weeks ago, asserted:
“Homosexuality is dangerous and dehumanising but is growing fast in
Uganda.”

He urged the Government and all concerned citizens to “wake up now
before this abnormal practice is made to appear normal as the case has
been in the West”.

Another former homosexual, Charles Asiimwe, said the practice had
spread to government offices, churches, schools and hotels. “Many
business moguls are involved,” Asiimwe said.

Oundo said the eight men would fight the vice because they were
victims with a tormenting experience.

“We shall expose those who refuse to abandon the practice and we shall
not be intimidated because we are protected by Jesus,” he asserted.
“We know their operations, including a restaurant in the city centre
where homosexuals wait for clients from nearby hotels.”

He urged his former partners to abandon the practice, saying Uganda
should become a role model in fighting the “barbarism”.

He called on Juliet Mukasa, the head of the Sexual Minorities in
Uganda (SMUG), Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo, a gay rights activist and
headmaster Kisule (other name withheld) to abandon the practice.

SMUG brings together lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and
intersex activists in Uganda.

Addressing the press conference, Family Life Network chief Stephen
Langa read a statement from parents and concerned citizens, urging the
Government to establish a probe to assess the prevalence of
homosexuality in Uganda.

“We want a confidential platform to be provided for abused children to
speak out without being stigmatised,” the parents suggested.

Langa said his group would move around the country convincing parents
to sign a petition to be handed to the President and Parliament on
April 7. He said the petition will demand urgent steps to be taken
against homosexuality in Uganda.