We wish to emphasize that whereas the promotion of homosexuality is criminalized under the Penal Code, there is no violence against the LGBT community in Uganda – contrary to some claims made loosely by proponents of this movement.
On Thursday 4 August, a group of LGBT members assembled at Venom Pub, Kabalagala, for a meeting without police clearance. Uganda Police was subsequently alerted and the assembly was disbanded and the participants cautioned. No one was hurt or injured during the exercise.
The Penal Code Act of 1950(Chapter 120) (as amended)
Section 145. Unnatural offences. States that; “Any person who” –
(a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature;
(b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or
(c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.”
Section 146. Attempt to commit unnatural offences states that;
“Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences specified in Section 145 commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.”
Section 148 – on indecent practices states that-
“Any person who, whether in public or in private, commits any act of gross indecency with another person who procures another person to commit any act of gross indecency with him or her or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any person with himself or herself or with another person, whether in public or in private, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.”
In our society, our African values and cultures consider sexual activity to be private and personal, and it is not conducted in public. Certainly, neither is homosexuality.
It is for this reason that the promotion of ‘gay’ activities is unwelcome.
In addition, we have noted that the promotions being held are aimed at mobilizing people to join this LGBT movement, which interestingly goes against the argument that gays are “born” that way. We are aware that there are inducements, including money, being offered to young people to promote the practice.
The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (as amended) under Article 31(2a), reads: On Rights of the family,
“Marriage between persons of the same sex is prohibited.”
As a country we need to strengthen the defense of our cultural values and our belief systems in order to;
- “Protect the traditional family units from emerging internal and external threats.”
- ” Uphold that same sex attraction is not an innate and immutable characteristic.”
- “Protect the cherished cultural, legal, religious, and traditional family values of the people of Uganda against the attempts of sexual rights activists seeking to impose their values of sexual promiscuity.”
- “Protect the children and youths of Uganda who are made vulnerable to sexual abuse and deviation as a result of cultural changes, uncensored information technologies, parentless child developmental settings and increasing attempts by homosexuals to raise children in homosexual relationships through adoption, foster care, or otherwise.”
- Promote the National Ethical ValuesPolicy, which was approved, endorsed by Cabinet and launched by His Excellency, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 8th October 2013. This policy provides for ten values that Ugandans cherish and which is basis for our National aspirations.
Conclusion:
Government will not condone the promotion of the illegal activities of the LGBT movement. Through the Uganda Police Force, Government worked to ensure that the criminal and illegal activities of the Gay community were halted and we will continue to suppress them.
The organizers of the Gay Parade which had been planned for Saturday 6th August 2016 are advised to stop their activities immediately. The public is called upon to refrain from joining and participating in Gay activities.
The law is clear that the promotion of LGBT Movement activities is criminal in nature and intent, and offensive to the laws of the Republic of Uganda.
I therefore, call upon all stakeholders, Ministries, Departments, Local Governments and other agencies of Government, Faith Based Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and the Media fraternity to join Government to curb the escalating levels of immorality by upholding and integrating the National Ethical values of Uganda into their daily life and work.
A program to rehabilitate members of the LGBT Community, with the ultimate aim of giving them a chance to lead normal lives again has been developed.
Government remains committed to ensuring that Ugandans live to their cherished values and principles.
I thank you.
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.
Rev. Fr. Simon Lokodo (MP)
Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity