Uganda: International outcry as President Museveni signs anti-gay bill

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni signed a bill criminalising homosexuality on Monday.

He said the law was needed to stop what he described as the West's “social imperialism” promoting homosexuality in Africa.

During the signing at his official residence, he cited a report by Ugandan scientists, which said there is no proven genetic basis for homosexuality, as his reason for backing the bill.
The signing was witnessed by government officials, journalists and the team of scientists.

He explained he had previously thought homosexuality was a genetic “abnormality”, but said he is now convinced that it is a choice made by individuals who may try to influence others.

The law, which builds on a colonial-era anti-homosexuality law, will see those found guilty of “homosexuality” sentenced to 14 years in jail.