David Kato, a gay rights activist who campaigned against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, and who sued a local tabloid last year after it named him as being homosexual, was killed in his home this week.
Police say they are investigating the circumstances of his death and it is not yet clear whether this was a homophobic attack in which Mr Kato was targeted for his sexual orientation or his thoughts about the matter.
Whatever the motive behind the killing, this incident reminds us of the homophobia that is widespread in our country and society - and the deadly consequences of not dealing with it.
Homosexuality is illegal under Ugandan law and the Anti Homosexuality Bill prescribes harsher punishments, including the death penalty for sodomy.
While such legislation might serve as a deterrent, it will not eliminate homosexuality and might cement the discrimination of sexual minorities.
The homosexuality question in Uganda has two major flaws. First is that a lot of the debate is shouted down from extreme positions of moral self-righteousness; as a result there is little common understanding among those who oppose gay rights and those who advocate for them.
Secondly, a lot of the debate is carried out or influenced by foreign actors - both in favour of and against homosexuality.
What we need is an honest national dialogue on homosexuality in order to forge a consensus on the rights of those Ugandans who choose to be gay and those who oppose homosexuality as a lifestyle.
Holding puritanical and extreme views on the matter, whether liberal or conservative, will divide us, rather than help us find a mutually acceptable compromise.
People like David Kato and others who might be gay are Ugandans and enjoy the same rights and protections of the law as heterosexuals. We cannot send them into exile neither, lock them away, or hang them.
We need to have an honest discussion about how to ensure that their rights are upheld without violating the rights of other Ugandans.
Peaceful and stable societies only emerge when we understand and try to accommodate those who are different from us, or who disagree with us - not by ostracising or killing them.
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"Can We Talk Honestly About Homosexuality"
Should the Baganda dictate mores, values, virtues and laws to the people of the USA?
Have you tried to promote "polygamy" to the Americans? [Don't try before you have explored the exits for a quick retreat..]
Kid, sodomy is not our thing. Such is not our way of life as we know it. And if you are into such prurience, then search for your heaven elsewhere - immediately..
1) Why do you think that we are not talking honestly? The society in Uganda does not tolerate your prurience. Should that imply that we are not "talking honestly"? What part of "NO!" don't you get?
2) Next you will be asking us to 'talk earnestly' about bestiality or necrophilia - or even pedophilia ... Where do you stop? [Hint: The society you live in determines where to stop .. and they have. Live with it or scram!]
3) Next you will yell: Can We Talk Honestly About psychopathic serial killers - because they were born that way and therefore they must be free to roam the lands of the Baganda. Of course, you have exceptions for such types.
that type of behavior should not be practised its morally corupt and doesnt foloow a natural process of human evolution. should people feel this its important they seperate them selves untogod and remain abstinent this type of behavior sannot be highlighted as though it was an ordinar part of human evolution its un clean and a defamity children young children under no circumstances be exposed to that type of abomination.evry ancient script has mention its distaste an corruption.sodom and gmmoh comes to mind.with africa forgeing forward that type of corruption should bekept o them selves or takr the nazzarine vow where you seperate yourself to allmighy god and benefit from jah teaching because you will remain abstinate .thers no thing that you must indulge in abnormal behavior abstinents meditation your way out dont bring it to the people and the children