95 per cent ugandans oppose homosexuality

By Rodney Muhumuza (Monitor)

August 23, 2007: The majority of Ugandans do not support demands by gay activists that homosexuality be decriminalised, according to a new survey.

Some 95 per cent of Ugandans said homosexuality should not be legalised, while a paltry 4 per cent said they support its legalisation, a new Steadman poll shows. And at least 1 per cent said they do not have an opinion on the subject, according to the poll, which was conducted at the end of July.

At least 500 adult respondents were interviewed in what is called the East Africa Social Political Economic And Cultural (SPEC) Barometer, a weekly Steadman Group survey that gathers opinions across East Africa on pertinent issues. The interviews, conducted at household level in Kampala, involved respondents whose education background ranged from the 'never gone to school' category to holders of post university qualifications.

The poll’s findings are not surprising, as most Ugandans have conservative views about gay culture. The Penal Code Act criminalises homosexuality, an offence lumped among others that are deemed “unnatural” and “against the order of nature”. A convict could face imprisonment for life.

Demonstration
About 100 Ugandans on Tuesday gathered in Kampala to rally against homosexuals in the wake of their unprecedented demand for recognition and greater freedom. Many demonstrators carried placards denouncing homosexuality, including one that said “homosexuals are not ready for Chogm”.

Makerere Community Church Pastor Martin Ssempa, who led the protest by the Interfaith Rainbow Coalition Against Homosexuality, said he wanted more government officials to speak out against homosexuality, which he called “an imposition of Western values”. 
So far, Ethics and Integrity Minister James Nsaba Buturo is the only government official who has made public anti-gay comments, while President Yoweri Museveni has in the past attacked homosexuals.

Homosexuals and their sympathisers, most of them wearing masks, last week convened a press conference at which they asked the government to let them live in peace. They have formed a lobbyist group called Sexual Minorities Uganda, whose main goal is to fight alleged oppression.

Police have not been enthusiastic about probing into homosexual activities, which they say are difficult to investigate in the absence of complainants. The Steadman poll did not ask respondents why they hold anti-gay views or if they think gay culture is taking root in Uganda.

Somalia mission
Respondents were also asked whether they thought Uganda’s peacekeeping mission in war-torn Somalia is worth the trouble. Some 54 per cent said it was not a justifiable move, while only 39 per cent answered in the affirmative.

Six per cent had no opinion, while 1 per cent refused to answer the question. Asked if they thought the mission has so far met its objectives, 58 per cent said no, 23 per cent said yes, and 19 per cent said they did not know.

On the question of what can best bring about unity in East Africa, 36 per cent said they preferred the use of a common currency, 34 percent cited the use of a common language, and 23 per cent with having one president. Four per cent said they prefer having one flag, 2 per cent went for a common anthem, and 1 per cent refused to answer the question.