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UGANDA – 06 September 2010: This is according to Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, who made the statement at the opening of the National Youth Convention at the Makerere University on 9 August, suggesting that homosexuality, is an abomination and that people turn to homosexuality because of money.
“In God’s word, homosexuality attracts a curse, but now people are engaging in it and saying they are created that way. It is for money. The devil is stoking fires to destroy our nation and those taking advantage are doing so because our people are poor,” she said, reports www.allafrica.com.
With the government seemingly mum on homosexuality since the introduction of the draconian Anti Homosexuality Bill, Frank Mugisha founder of Icebreak Uganda notes that there seems to be division with regards to homosexuality.
“Some MPs have noted that, they do not have a problem with homosexuality but have a problem with homosexual acts and the promotion or recruiting people to homosexuality. There also exists a possibility of the bill coming back with a lesser punishment.”
Following the cabinet recommendations early this year, which suggested that the Bill had “technical defects in form and content”, the bill was not enacted and the, the committee found that only “Clause 13″ which talks about the promotion of homosexuality, had some merit.
“There has not been much talk about the antigay bill, and there appears to be division from the members of parliament. There is no clear stance on the bill, suggesting that the bill might be passed or not.”
Following the tabling of the bill Mugisha notes that this has forced people to remain underground and those who are out to consider going back into hiding as levels of hate have increased.
“In terms of advocacy, we are working closely other human rights organisations, but on the grass root level the situation has worsened.
He aslo said “people are being harassed and beaten up, and there has been an increase in arbitrary arrest, and also there has been hostility and an increase in discrimination from the community members and also children who have come out, have been chased away from schools and even from their homes.”
The bill, if passed, calls for the death penalty in certain circumstances including, having same-sex relations while being HIV positive and engaging in gay sex with a minor.
This entry was posted on Monday, September 6th, 2010 at 3:08 pm and is filed under Uganda. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Could anyone, perhaps a foreign government, to suggest a meeting between this lady and the Ugandan ngo´s on lgbti rights to be heard?
Homosexuality like many other forms of living do also depend on a fruitful life. May be in also putting money conditions upfront homosexuals are realistic and want to afford life. A poor homosexual suffers BUT MORE than a poor heterosexual. Let us wish both the same conditions.
Harm Reduction-based social services as opposed to Anti-Homosexuality Bill-2009 at a quick glance
Background:
Same sex orientation and attraction subjects in Uganda are received in three ways; with animosity, as deviation and ridicule. This is because there are no adequate signs or images that are socially or culturally available and fall outside of readily available symbols of hegemonic discourses. There are more demeaning or negative mechanisms faced by same sex oriented as opposed to their desires, actions and subjectivity. There is need to erase and neutralise the negative or demeaning mechanisms. In their place there is need to place harm reduction mechanisms and systems (services):
HARM REDUCTION SERVICES:
a) Allow a series of coordinated efforts to review and synthesize emerging evidence for lack of understanding of sexuality, normativity and relations in humanity for Policy and Programme Implementers (e.g. Public hearing sessions, implications of Bill, involve house-holds in dialogue on sexuality, involve Police, security organs and understand involvement and disengagement).
b) Allow a series of coordinated efforts to review and synthesize emerging evidence for needs by same sex community in form of minimum packages; Constitutional freedom due to human nature; Legal issues where there is expectation of dignity while in custody or a life free of torture; reduction in incidences of impunity; provide full health services; provide opportunities for productivity and; provide opportunities for education.
c) Devise mechanisms for reporting abuses from torture, beating, expulsion, eviction and verbal abuse to a reporting/citizen conduct services center.
d) Establish a reporting mechanism which can be referred to at a given period in time. Understand the effects of Anti-Homosexual Bill to relationship of biological, medical and social variables as they affect patterns of diseases. This will throw better light to the conflicts about medicine, sexuality, disease, legal, social and financial implications.
OPPORTUNITIES/LIMITATIONS:
It promotes good conduct in communities, though it calls for quality documentation.
HOMOSEXUALS ARE HUMAN BEINGS LIKE YOU AND ME AND DESERVE DIGNITY
INTRODUCTION:
Sexual minorities, homosexuals, gays, bum-shafters, sodomites…….. these are some of the names by which people who engage in same sex relations are known by. If one showed a v-sign in some European countries, it would be similar to showing a middle finger sign by Americans. Two men greeting each other by hugging in some countries would be construed differently from say, among some African countries where it is a form of salutation. All these are ways showing how people relate. Relations among different sexes, different genders, or same sexes and same gender are on many different planes. Criminalising homosexuality will stifle how people of same sex relate. It will stifle initiative and natural spontaneity among humans. People will be careful with their handshakes. People will interprete any form of same sex relations as homosexuality. This will in turn be basis for suspicion of people of same sex living in same quarters; enjoyment of their lives will be tampered with. There are self-help organisations seeking to set an agenda for service provision and hopes to improve on the status of Sexual Minorities. Sexual Minorities are faced with insecurity and this impacts on decision-making, healthy practices, economic and social development.
Without providing an environment within which Sexual Minorities enjoy respect, self esteem, fundamental rights, and where their violation is sanctioned, Sexual Minorities cannot realize their economic and social development.
One of the most important fundamental rights is the principle of non-discrimination, through which every individual enjoys the fundamental rights and freedoms set out in the various international instruments without regard to gender, professions and belief.
DEMYSTIFYING HOMOSEXUALITY:
Under Ugandan Law, minorities have been considered (Article 36 of the Constitution of Uganda). In this same constitution all persons should not be discriminated against and are equal before the law (Article 21, clause 1, 2, 3). Any one has the right to associate (Article 29). However, the disconnect arises when; statistical majority is basis of conformity and right; when it is thought that all homosexuals are immoral, not law abiding citizens and all they do is engage in sexual intercourse and therefore formal marriage for them is denied (Article 31, clause 2a); when homosexuals are de-humanised and called all sorts of names; when no reference of need of a family setting is made setting grounds for cases like detention with intent for sex assumed (Article 31); when there is assumption made that homosexuality is related to paedophile setting grounds for conspiracy to defile (Section 129 Penal code, 2007). Homosexuality is illegal and is penalised by Criminal Law (Section 145 Penal Code, 1906). This exposes sexual minorities to risk of violent repression. In Uganda, there are different forces that impact differently on this kind of activity ranging from; perception that sexual minorities “need rehabilitation”, attribution of homosexuality as a culpable offence, outright state mistrust for activities concerning same sex issues and arbitrary arrests. This is what organisations friendly to same sex persons should understand and therefore first address.
UN-MET NEEDS:
It can be concluded that the situation within which same sex orientation prevails is alarming in Uganda.
As well as the discrimination resulting from this repression, the stigmatization and rejection of Sexual Minorities has impacted on their holistic health and in turn public health. People who have sexual relations may not bargain/negotiate for safer sex and therefore present a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. Public health problems are linked to development, making the situation of Sexual Minorities doubly important. Many sexual minorities have a backlog of traumatic experiences un attended to ( eviction, shamed, expulsion, ridiculed, poor employable skills, poor integrative skills in their communities)they therefore may have coped with these problems and this may present a different way they need to handled.
The fight against discrimination and empowering same sex oriented persons through organised formal activity groups is one step to bring their voices to a platform where they are galvanised into action for self-development.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Involving Sexual Minorities in the conceptualization, design and inception of projects that are friendly and emphasize social values and belief practices.
• Avail choices and explore means of engaging Sexual Minorities as persons deserving dignity and whose rights need to be addressed. There is need to mobilise same sex oriented persons in formal groups with an agenda that demands formally; health, empowerment, Legal reforms, and psychosocial support (HELPs Model).
• Engage security agencies and “rehabilitation homes” in understanding handling of same sex oriented persons not as offenders but as human beings. This will decrease on abuses that these persons are arbitrarily subjected to.
• Take steps to engage Sexual Minorities in active participation, enjoyment of rights to free choice of profession, life, access to health information, care including integrated sexual/reproductive/ maternal health, post-abortion care and education, association among themselves and other networks.
• Provide friendly methods that allow Sexual Minorities’ experiences to be heard. This will encourage evidence-based programming and application of best practices.
• Engage media to reduce shameful reporting by the press and ridiculing in the society.
• Mobilise Sexual minorities to benefit from seminars and workshops that will improve on their understanding of policy and programming that impacts on their welfare as a form of capacity building.
I really agree!! homosexuales are just like you and me!!!
Substance abuse as a homonegative vice in Uganda
BACKGROUND:
Recreation is part of growing up and an improvement to quality of life. However, some substances like alcohol, psycho-active drugs taken in form of smoke or beverages have inherent destructive effects to life if abused or used excessively. As a health worker who cannot discriminate any person seeking health services I cannot help but share this cautionary message to the gay and sexual minorities’ community of Uganda.
WHAT PREVAILS:
In Uganda, sex-work, same sex and substance users’ networks have common issues ranging from fact that they are marginalised and continuously vilified. Due to this condition, they seek to drown down the depression by use of substances (alcohol, smoking, injectable drugs, and psycho-active beverages).
These networks are so vast and deep sitted most of them starting off at one’s early age. Substance use may hinder informed decisions towards safer sex practices and this opens way for infections. Substance use in the homes and communities leads to many forms of violence and abuses. These have caused the increase in numbers of crimes committed every day and nuisances. It has also led to traumatic incidents like expulsion from homes due to use.
REPERCUSSIONS OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG GAY AND SEXUAL MINORITIES’ COMMUNITY OF UGANDA:
1. Misuse of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, and other drugs is now widespread in Uganda and in these communities and causes substantial health problems.
2. Nicotine in tobacco is a powerfully addictive substance with multiple physiologic and psychological effects.
3. Tobacco withdrawal symptoms make it difficult for individuals to quit, are variable among individuals, and usually include unpleasant effects such as anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, impatience, hunger, tremor, racing heart, sweating, dizziness, nicotine craving, insomnia, drowsiness, headaches and digestive disturbances.
4. A common bad reaction to marijuana is the “acute panic anxiety reaction.”
5. Long-term regular users of marijuana may become psychologically dependent. They may have a hard time limiting their use, they may need more of the drug to get the same effect, and they may develop problems with their jobs and personal relationships.
6. Drug abuse is a risk factor to non-communicable diseases like heart failure, mental illnesses and hypertension.
WHAT THE GAY AND SEXUAL MINORITIES’ COMMUNITY SHOULD GUARD AGAINST:
Substance use in sex-work and same sex sexual behaviour can be detrimental to productive survival skills. It may partly explain why there is low self esteem and poor health practices in these communities. Lack of employable skills is one of the reasons that many people seek substance use as an alternative to drown depressions.
Expressions of heteronormativity and homonegativity in Buganda
BACKGROUND:
Self esteem and self actualization is nurtured in family settings. In family setting children have expectations and go through growth paths dictated by their culture or environment in which they grow. It entails patriarchy, matriarchy or some of peerage, guidance and status quo. Society ensures values are passed on to next generation. The family setting is a primer for all this.
ORGANISATION OF BUGANDA AS A SPAWN FOR HETERONORMATIVITY:
The social and moral lores of the Baganda are typically patriarchal; revolving around respect for elders, male-husbands, responsibility bearing of younger people towards elderly and heteronormative family settings anticipating bearing of children.
BUGANDA CULTURE AND CRIMINALISATION OF SAME SEX BEHAVIOUR IN UGANDA AS HOMONEGATIVE MACHINERY:
Buganda part of over 50 ethnic tribes in the Republic of Uganda has a culture that celebrates marriage and child bearing. This is strengthened by the Constitution of Uganda, Section 140. Section 140 of the constitution of the republic of Uganda criminalizes “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” with maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Also, Section 141 prohibits “attempts at Carnal knowledge” with maximum penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment. Section 143, punishes acts of procurement of or attempts to procure acts of gross indecency” between men in public or private with up to 5 years imprisonment. Countries have enacted laws that favour heterosexual relations in form of constitutional laws of marriage, family laws, labour laws, social- welfare, domestic relations, school enrollment, job enrollment, political aspirations and community integration. These are the very structures within which homo-negativity thrives.
EMERGENCE OF ENABLERS FOR HOMONORMATIVITY:
Single parenthood, celibacy and same sex sexual practices (homonormativity) are non-traditional means of sustenance in societies. Improved standards of living, education, capacity and skills have improved autonomy and competence of various communities.
Demystifying 6 misconceptions about gay and Trans-expressions in Uganda
BACKGROUND:
Concerted effort to deny sexual minorities opportunities for self determination range from criminalisation of same sex behaviour, the religious anti-gay crusades, the cultural insistence on a two tier gender system of male and female and restricting sexual intercourse within marriage and for procreation. The tendency to depict same sex behaviour as sinful, abomination and that which will draw the curse of God is rife in Uganda. Media then fans the flames even hotter by using the print, Radio and TV to narrate derogatorily same sex practices, parade and vilify persons known to practice same sex behaviour. Schools have been known to expel students, villages to evict persons and families to disown children known to practice same sex behaviours. The most paraded misconceptions against gay and trans-expression all point towards misunderstanding and deliberate unwillingness to understand or even tolerate this kind of behaviour.
THE 6 MISCONCEPTIONS AND A TRIAGE OF THESE MISCONCEPTIONS:
1. Homosexuality is an importation from Western world and people are recruited into it because of poverty and greed.
2. Homosexuality is an Abnormality and a communicable disease.
3. Highlighting homosexual acts by naming and shaming in the media is part of the derogatory machinery that will wipe it out.
4. Homosexuality is sinful and an abomination.
5. Homosexuals cannot contribute to the fight against HIV in Uganda.
6. Homosexuals are different from straight Ugandans.
OVERCOMING SUCH MISCONCEPTIONS:
1. Organising around self determination and encouraging membership enrolment by sexual minorities’ groups in Uganda.
2. Provide advocacy training and outreach skills for sexual minorities’ leaders to educate sexual minorities in Uganda in skills and practices of good conduct among communities of residence.
3. Encourage full attendance in schools for sexual minorities still at school by coming up with school visiting programmes.
4. Establish candid talk and dialogue sessions on same sex sexuality and identities in Ugandan communities.
5. Explore contribution of same sex people in their communities.
CONCLUSIONS:
Demystifying misconceptions will improve on tolerance; improve awareness of people on sexuality and identity. It will provide platforms to question discrimination and stigma.
Homosexuality means that they will be no more population since they will be not pruducing kids
We are Ugandans who knows what they do. To hear someone saying that they were born homosexuals it is really a shame on our land. I would like you to know that Homosexuality is sin, evil, wickedness, abomination and an abuse to our land. we should not keep quiet, we must speak for our next generation. We should not let our people fall in the frames of hell while we are watching. Am telling you and cautioning you homosexuals that if you do not change hell frames are waiting for you because you are not against man but God the almighty.
Homosexuelity is not a sin and you won’t burn in hell. You can’t base an opinion on a book, the bible that is houndreds of years old. But according to me god loves all people no matter what they do or who they are, just because you are attracted to the same sex doesn’t mean that he won’t love you. If you can’t accept people who are different then you are the one who shall burn in hell..