Caught in a controversy that wont seem to die soon, President Museveni surprised his ruling NRM MPs on Friday when he said he would only sign the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law, if he gets scientific proof that homosexuals are made and not born.His declaration stirred an angry response from the NRM caucus meeting at State House on that day.
Sources at inside the meeting said MPs nearly turned rowdy as they faced off with the combative Museveni, who arrived two hours late for the 10am meeting.
The source said Museveni looked tough as he arrived, which may have forced some MPs not to be too argumentative.
He told us that his views against the law were influenced by a report by some gay rights activists whom he met recently. He said that those activists told him that gays were born just like albinos, a source said.But the MPs reacted by booing him. At times Museveni called the MPs to order, reminding the rowdy MPs that he was in charge.His loyal supporters at this meeting, we are told, were Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and Vice President Edward Ssekandi. Some doctor MPs such as Dr Medard Bitekyerezo (Mbarara municipality) and Dr Chris Baryomunsi (Kinkiizi East) told the president that his newfound assertions could not be proven scientifically.They told him that homosexuality is a behavioural diversion from the social phenomenon which must be fought. Museveni then, the source said, referred the MPs to the three issues contained in his letter to the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, challenging the passing of the bill, but the MPs insisted that he should sign the bill into law.
Sources at inside the meeting said MPs nearly turned rowdy as they faced off with the combative Museveni, who arrived two hours late for the 10am meeting.
The source said Museveni looked tough as he arrived, which may have forced some MPs not to be too argumentative.
He told us that his views against the law were influenced by a report by some gay rights activists whom he met recently. He said that those activists told him that gays were born just like albinos, a source said.But the MPs reacted by booing him. At times Museveni called the MPs to order, reminding the rowdy MPs that he was in charge.His loyal supporters at this meeting, we are told, were Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and Vice President Edward Ssekandi. Some doctor MPs such as Dr Medard Bitekyerezo (Mbarara municipality) and Dr Chris Baryomunsi (Kinkiizi East) told the president that his newfound assertions could not be proven scientifically.They told him that homosexuality is a behavioural diversion from the social phenomenon which must be fought. Museveni then, the source said, referred the MPs to the three issues contained in his letter to the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, challenging the passing of the bill, but the MPs insisted that he should sign the bill into law.