Kampala — CHRISTIANS opposed to homosexuality will hold a rally today, just days after gays addressed a news conference for the first time demanding respect for their rights.

Under the umbrella body, Interfaith Rainbow Coalition (IRC), devout Christians will rally against homosexuality, something they say goes counter to Uganda's morals.

Pastor Martin Sempa, a key organiser of the event, told reporters yesterday that the rally is a direct reaction to the gay community's quest for equal rights.

He said the rally, to be held at the Kyaddondo rugby grounds in Lugogo starting at 9 a.m., would help highlight problems of "victims of homosexuality".

"Our laws say that homosexuality is a criminal act against the order of nature," said Pastor Sempa, who also is the head of Makerere Community Church. "It is repugnant to our culture and a health hazard that spreads HIV/Aids."

The rally theme is, A Call for Action on Behalf of the Victims of Homosexuality. "It is a crisis before us because people are suffering, seeking for justice and are confused of their gender; they do not know what to do after being sodomized and molested," Pastor Sempa said.

The IRC brings together the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), the Bahai Faith, Pentecostal churches and faith-based non-government organisations.

Homosexuality is generally frowned upon in Uganda. But by actively denouncing gay Ugandans, Christians, who should be the most tolerant people, are only fanning the discrimination of fellow citizens.

Last week, gays held their first press conference to launch a media campaign advocating their rights. They complained of police brutality, discrimination and difficulties in dealing with HIV/Aids.

Through Sexual Minorities Uganda, a coalition of four Ugandan lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex organisations, the gays demanded: "Let us live in peace." "To successfully stop HIV/Aids, we must treat every person with the dignity and attention they deserve," they said.

Uganda's much lauded policies against HIV/Aids have not addressed the specific concerns of gays.

Fr Sylvester Arinaitwe, the deputy head of UJCC, said at the same event: "Homosexuality is abnormal according to God's laws and nature of creation in the Bible. It is against our faith and our society moral values. That is why we are against it and its practitioners."

Pastor Solomon Male of Arising for Christ Ministries said: "The homosexuals and lesbians aim at promoting this confusion in the country through their activities like press conferences and planned demonstration by these misguided and confused people. They are the ones who need to change, not change our laws to suit them."

Homosexuality has recently caused bitter divisions within the worldwide Anglican Communion. Countries such as Uganda and Nigeria have strongly opposed the ordaining of gay priests as bishops.

Dr Lydia Kiryabwire, the health co-ordinator of the Church of Uganda, said homosexuality has created "a dent in society" leading to psychological torture, trauma and depression.

"The most affected people are the young generation who are taken up by financial attractions," she said. "This is a threat to our moral values, culture and health."