By Retlaw Matatu Matorwa
Uganda’s Yoweri
Museveni signed the anti-homosexuality Bill into law sparking debate and controversy
around the world. In response, the gays and Lesbian community organised parties
around Kampala in defiance (Redpper). Mobs and clergies took the streets in
support of Museveni’s martyrdom stance; denouncing homosexuality as evil- a sin
which caused destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, school pupils in defense of
their “heritage” appeared on television reciting poems in support of the law.
Human rights defenders frothed foam in protest, United States and Canada
threatens to withdraw aid. M7-Pakalast had
the world on standstill. It was indeed, the major highlight of the week.
In his defense, “charismatic” Museveni said “"No study has shown you can be homosexual by nature, that a man can choose to love a man... is a matter of choice. After listening to the scientists, I got the facts.
"Can somebody be homosexual simply by nature? The answer is no."
Honestly I see no
reason why men here should not be attracted to these beautiful women.” He said this whilst pointing at a female journalist
at the event- there was laughter and ululation from the audience. That was
done, the bill was now Law!
Where was I in
all this! Colleagues and friends engaged me on facebook, twitter and email; I have
lost count on invites sent to debate this subject. Luckily, I’m not connected
to whatsapp anymore.
Museveni hacked
me in a whirlwind (chamupupuri) -I denounced homosexuality left right and
center not even seeking prudence. Being a father of boys, I dream of having
biological daughter in-laws and grandchildren to share my
legacy and to increase my clan. Above all, my upbringing did not expose me to
the existence and later acceptance of this sexual practice. Hence my regrettable
level of intolerance.
So….., like I said Museveni caught me in a
whirlwind and was going with it, fortunately was caught in the middle, a tree
branch from nowhere gripped my shirt and left me hanged to a tree, the
whirlwind had to let me go and that’s when I reflected soberly without the dust in my eyes
and my head spinning circles.
I was drawn back
to the grand signing of the Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, at State house.
Never, in my lifetime had I seen a president devoting so much of his time to
appendix a signature to a bill. In most cases it’s announced the President has
signed a bill into a law. This time Museveni called a press conference, ensuring
Ugandans and the world are watching.
Observing the proceedings,
one would be tempted to assume M7 was about to announce his departure or state
of the nation address; - the setting and prominence was of a grand ceremony. It
was just the anti-homosexuality bill!
Amidst the challenges
and needs of Ugandans such as the rising cost of living, lack of
infrastructure, corruption, access to basic health and education services and
increased rate of youth unemployment. How very important is this bill to
warrant such pertinence and how does it benefit Ugandans?
Uganda like many
African states, Homosexuality or sexual minorities subjects are rarely
understood, accepted and encouraged. With about 80 percent of the population
subscribing to the followings of Jesus Christ, a powerful minority of Moslem
faith of around 10% and ninety nine percent (99%) of the population against the
practice- It is not strange for homophobia to triumph. However, these are not
just statistics- the percentage translates into voters and votes!
Museveni heading
for polls in 2016 amid growing criticism of his leadership and regime - he
desperately needs to restore people’s confidence, find reconnection with his
people.
My question
therefore, is the Anti-Homosexuality agenda a populist strategy or a genuine
cause in defense of the right to the self determination of African people? One
can challenge me questioning whether sexual minorities have no rights- For now;
it’s not the point to be covered in this article. This article intends to
interrogate whether or not populism and realism are at par especially with
respect to the sudden pertinence of the anti-homosexuality agenda in Africa.
We have said; it
is UnAfrican; it goes against our culture and religion. His Excellency Robert
Mugabe putting it as it is said “homosexuals are worse than Dogs and Pigs, even
animals know the difference between males and females.” Our people don’t want
it; we want to preserve our sovereignty- Hold your horse please!
Surely, African
people are homophobic and they seem to be a consensus on criminalizing
homosexual acts. Whether it is the remedy or not; it’s difficult to say but
what African governments seem to realize is their people are conservative in accepting
this practice. Here, African leaders have called on the will of the people to
prevail- majority rules.
However, if the
wishes of the people are respected as is in the case of the gay and lesbian
community- Africa would not be where it is today, the issue of over-stayed
regimes and corrupt governments wouldn’t be an issue. Are our leaders selective
on what they want to hear? There are leaders in Africa on the reins of power
despite majority or popular criticism. The same leaders regardless of popular
criticism continue to mortgage the country’s resources for their personal
gains, whilst people are starving and unemployed. Are Zimbabweans happy nechuru
chamai Mujuru in Chiadzwa?
Surely our people
are Homophobic- Our leaders have no clue
on how to respond to the growing impatience of their young population amidst
lack of both political and economic space, The rising cost of living and energy
challenges the continent is facing. With potential to earn US$30billion from
intra trade, Africans have dismally failed to agree on a comprehensive
framework to reduce or eradicate trade barriers in the region. We are even
failing to deal with the cracks threatening to collapse a Chinese built African
Union building- this is a joke really!
Priorities for
African leaders seem to be misplace, whilst regulating the conduct of
individuals in their bedroom or private space, Africa is struggling to raise
resources to fund a contingency of troops to solve the conflict in Chad, Southern
Sudan and Mali , Somalia and others.
Malaria is
killing African’s twice more than HIV/AIDS. According to FAO 120 million people
in Sub-Sahara Africa don’t have access to clean water. In Malawi only 7% of the
populations have access to electricity and 49.3% of the population is illiterate.
Aggregate statistics reveals 38% of Africans are illiterate, 72.6% living below US$ 0.70c
per day. Millions are dying of hunger and lack of healthcare facilities. Against
this background is regulating sexual preferences the much needed magic potion
to our problems? We have bigger issues and problems deserving attention.
Whilst I profess
my reservations on the subject-African governments are guilty of using people’s
emotions to garner for support. There is lack of genuineness-For example, The
President of Nigeria; Jonathan Goodluck used the anti- homosexuality agenda to
regain popularity. His popularity ratings were going down dismally, he had
failed to deliver and fell out with some key figures in the country. The delta
region is burning, religious persecution rampant and insecurity in the northern
part of the country thriving and all he does is witch hunting of Gays and
Lesbians.
If the current
energy we are seeing and experiencing in fighting LGBTI in Africa was the same energy our leaders would use to
fight social evils such as Corruption, unemployment poverty, lack of
infrastructure, failing health and education facilities, prevalence of anarchy
and dictatorship. Using their energy as well, to deal with impunity and
fostering a just and equitable society, would Africa not be a better place to
live?
Anyway, that’s just
my thinking
"Black September"
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