Pamela Ankunda
25 September 2006
opinion
Kampala — The issue of gays and lesbians is coming up and stirring up controversy again. Some people are calling for the closure of the Red Pepper for publishing names of alleged homosexuals. The Red Pepper was castigated for alleged abuse of human rights. Apparently, gays and lesbians should be left to have public display of their homosexuality.
Human Rights Watch seems to ignore the fact that Africa has got its own societal values and morals that we aspire to preserve and to teach to our children.
These Western societies seem to be lost in their own definition of the fight for human rights that they have forgotten that Africa has its belonging, its values, norms and way of life that distinguishes it form the rest. So, as we stand up for our culture, they are at it again, this time through bodies like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International to remind us that rights do exist.
I don't remember any incident where human rights organisations said anything positive about Uganda. We understand that there would be no work for them if they painted a positive picture of Uganda and Africa. How sad?
Therefore, to ensure that the funds keep flowing, they must says all sorts of negative things about Uganda and Africa in general.
Homosexuality never existed in Africa before the external cultures were introduced here.
Homosexuality is a ploy by the West to demoralise Africa because they have failed to appreciate what is African. Some people have castigated Uganda for not including homosexuals in the fight against AIDS. Recognising homosexuals would be more or less legalising the practice. If condemning homosexuality is seen as violation of human rights, I stand by my government in the face of the storm.
Engaging in homosexuality is not a crime but it is also not part of our history or tradition. We can't stand having double standards for our society. So, as we fight and condemn prostitution, corruption and other evils, we should also condemn homosexuality. It may not be their fault that they are gay but Uganda must take a firm position against the practice and defend that position. Those who want to seek greener pastures else where by falsely claiming political persecution because of their sexuality can go, but we should not undermine our moral standards in the protecting human rights.
The writer is a citizen of Uganda
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