THE PRESIDENT of Uganda has U-turned on his decision to sign into law a “draconian” anti-LGBT rights bill and has asked for it to be amended.
Mr Yoweri Museveni previously welcomed the restrictive legislation which is thought to be one the toughest against the gay community in Africa after passing through Parliament with only two objections.
The hardline bill is outlined to even impose the death penalty in the most extreme of cases.
On Thursday, it was announced the president had refused to sign in the legislation and requested for it to be amended following a ruling party with lawmakers.
In a statement, it was said the bill would return to the national assembly “with proposals for its improvement”.
Mr Museveni reportedly is not against the harsh punishments laid out in the bill and instead said he wanted lawmakers to consider “the issue of rehabilitation”.
Spokesman, Sandor Walusimbi, wrote on Twitter: “[Museveni] told the members that he had no objections to the punishments but on the issue of rehabilitation of the persons who have in the past been engaged in homosexuality but would like to live normal lives again.
“It was agreed that the bill goes back to parliament for the issues of rehabilitation to be looked at before he can sign it into law.”
Homosexuality is already illegal in the East African country, however, the bill will now mean that it will be criminal to even identify as part of the LGBT community and friends and family will have to report homosexuals to the authorities.
Mr Museveni has been a staunch critic of the LGBT community despite international criticism from the Western leaders.
In an appearance on CNN, he was asked if he personally disliked homosexuals, he replied: “Of course. They are disgusting. What sort of people are they? I never knew what they are doing, I’ve been told recently. What they are doing is terrible.”
After facing criticism for the country’s anti-LGBT laws, he hit back and said to “respect African societies and their values. If you don’t agree, just keep quiet”.
Agnes Callamard, a group leader from Amnesty International, said: “The passing of this appalling bill is a heart-breaking moment for the LGBTI community and their loved ones in Uganda.
“Nobody should ever be criminalised for their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
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Ms Agnes Callamard, a group leader from Amnesty International, said:
“The passing of this appalling bill is a heart-breaking moment for the LGBTI community and their loved ones in Uganda.”
No concern whatsoever for Africa’s vulnerable children and youth; which well charted empirical evidence demonstrates are preyed upon and abused by Western Caucasian Sex-tourists, from Ms Agnes Callamard of Amnesrt International; or from England’s Whitehall, the U.S. Whitehouse, the Anglican and Protestants Churches, the International Banks, and a host of journalists and celebrates; many of whom prioritise, favour, and support for Stonewall’s and Western Caucasian’s Europe’s 2SLGBTQIAP+ sexual creed: over the democratically expressed will of the African people to uphold traditional African sexual practices.
African governments and people are expected today, to quietly and slavishly follow and obey all the wishes and commands of Western Caucasian middle-class, Left-wing, Politically Correct, men and women: as if Caucasian African slavery and colonialism has not been the deciding experience of African people for the past 500 years.