No visas for Uganda's gay haters – US envoy.
SUNDAY, 02 MARCH 2014 22:48 WRITTEN BY EDWARD SSEKI
The United States last week led the chorus of protests against
Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act.
And in an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, US Ambassador to
Uganda, Scott Delisi was more specific.
He said the US internal review of its relationship with Uganda may
include denying visas to Ugandans who propagate hatred against
homosexuals.
Edward Ssekika transcribed the interview:
Scott started by expressing his views on the anti-homosexuality legislation.
What I read in the Red Pepper disturbs me greatly; I don't think this
is responsible journalism; it is a story that exposes people and puts
their lives at risk.
This is not the nature of telling the story, it is designed to be
sensationalist and it is designed to hurt people.
We have the example of 2011, of The Rolling Stone and the subsequent
death of David Kato.
I will tell you as a matter of record, we as a government [United
States], those who propagate hate, those who incite violence against
others, what they do with their societies, I may not be able to
control, but I can tell you they might not be welcome in the United
States of America.
What about the concern of US aid to Uganda? Many people especially in
the health sector are concerned about the ramifications of this, what
can you tell us?
Yes, everyone is concerned about the ramifications both of the
legislation and the ability to effectively deliver aid. We [US] have
been a huge, huge partner of government in the health sector. Today
there are 500,000 people [half a million people] who are alive and
continue to live productive lives because the United States supports
their anti-retroviral therapy [ARVs].
We have been fully committed on malaria and the fight against
mother-to-child transmission of HIV/Aids. We have been committed on
getting more people on treatment, addressing medical male circumcision
and all these issues…
But obviously, if the matter touches the lesbian, gay, bisexual and
Transgender community [LGBT] and if we have a legislation that impedes
their ability to receive medical care, that will intimidate them, that
will force them to go underground, definitely, there is a big question
of whether or not aid can continue to be delivered in its current
form.
Equally, there is a great concern that the providers themselves,
health officers, NGOs that are working in these areas, they may be
subject to arrest and detention. This law is highly problematic. So,
we need to get these issues clarified such that we can determine how
to move forward.
When you say people who propagate hate are not welcome in the United
States, do you mean that they will be denied visas into the US?
Visas can be denied for people who incite violence, who propagate
hate, political violence. There are many grounds on which we can deny
a visa. I can tell you, we shall be carefully examining all these
questions as we move forward.
I applaud the minister of Health statement about health care; it is
wonderful to hear such statements but nonetheless, the way the law is
written, is so vague. I need much clearer guidance on the principles
on which they will enforce it. We shall also be looking at how this
law affects our partnership moving forward and it is going to be a
challenge.
But you know, we are so disappointed; they [Ugandan government] should
review this law or it should be repealed. This is our basic position.
But I will firmly say that I'm so disappointed when I hear people
dismissing this partnership [aid], not only the United States but all
the Western support to this country [Uganda]. I'm not saying all aid
is at risk, but when I hear government saying 'this [aid cuts] means
nothing, it is not value to us, we don't need it!'.
I ask myself what is the fate of a half a million Ugandans on ARVs, if
it means nothing? Ask the mothers who will survive childbirth if it
means nothing to them. I hope the people of Uganda will remember that
is not a debate about cultural norms, practices and values, it is
about core values and beliefs and our partnership that has existed for
more than 50 years.
You are so angry about this law, but many Ugandans support their
government and have come out in support of the law....
This is not about anger; it is about how we can continue with our
partnership that has helped many people in Uganda for the last 50
years. We are disappointed; we think it's wrong. We think it is a
violation of basic human rights.
People can discuss about their values and cultural norms. We are not
telling Africa what they should think, but we are articulating our
core beliefs that we should not abet discrimination under the law.
What do you need to see happen with Uganda's government for aid
programmes to be secured?
The best answer is, respect for the rights of people. Repeal this
legislation, think again just like with the anti-pornography
legislation. The government of Uganda has no doubts about the
position of the United States. It is clear from President Obama,
Secretary [John] Kerry and from myself.
Many people have labelled US intervention on gays as social imperialism…
I think it is a foolish label. If our values will go to helping
societies, the dignity of the individual, giving people the
opportunity to live better lives, if that is social imperialism, then
I'm a social imperialist. We respect the sovereignty of African
countries, they are free to make their decisions, but they should not
hide behind [the law]; don't criticize us.
.......................................................................................................
In the same programme, the BBC also interviewed Dr Ruhakana Rugunda,
the minister for Health, about the health implications of the
Anti-Homosexuality Act.
Many people, including health professionals, are concerned that this
law will interfere with the health rights of people…
This law will not in any way interfere with the rights of all people
of Uganda to get the health care that they need and that they deserve.
Many leaders around the world have criticized Uganda on this law...
What is your view on this?
I think people are at liberty to speak, but the most important element
is that each society should be given the opportunity and respect, to
manage its affairs in the broad lines, taking into account the
cultures, the practices, the beliefs of their people. Nobody will be
discriminated from public health care, simply because of his or her
sexual orientation.
In real practice; there is no fundamental change that is going to take
place, as far as medical treatment of Ugandans is concerned. Gay
people, whether pronounced or otherwise, will be at complete liberty
and by the way, health workers will live up to their ethics of keeping
confidentiality with their patients.
There is also a concern of development partners cutting aid to Uganda;
does this worry you or the government?
I don't expect governments in the rest of the world to take decisions
to withdraw support to Uganda, simply because Ugandans have said let
us take some measures especially against people who may go to excesses
to force sex on others to recruit people, to be gay or to go into
exhibitionist activities.
You are at liberty to be gay, but please don't recruit others, don't
go on the streets and start organizing for the gay movement. Handle
your sex orientation as a private matter, that is all.
Supporters of Vice President Edward Ssekandi have joined a widening
base of NRM members calling on their leaders to seek re-election in
2016.
Almost a week after NRM MPs caucus endorsed President Museveni as
NRM's sole presidential flag bearer in 2016 at the Kyankwanzi
retreat, party cadres in Bukoto Central also asked Ssekandi to openly
declare whether he would represent them again in 2016. At a meeting at
Kabonera trading centre in Kabonera sub-county in Masaka district
recently, Ssekandi's well-wishers invited him to what they called a
stakeholders' meeting.
He arrived at about 3pm. One of the participants, only identified as
Zziwa from Kyannamukaaka sub-county, asked Ssekandi to share with them
his political plans for 2016. Zziwa pointedly told Ssekandi that the
people of Bukoto Central wanted him to continue representing them in
Parliament.
Zziwa said Ssekandi's silence was raising more suspicion that he
(Ssekandi) would opt to quit without informing them in time as he had
almost done in 2011. In 2011 Ssekandi's fiercest challenger had to be
convinced by church leaders to drop his court challenge to Ssekandi's
victory.
However, since that contest, Ssekandi's chief campaigner Paul Migadde
has been running a grassroots campaign to replace him in Bukoto
Central in 2016. Yet the vice president has never come out publicly to
say he would stand again. When nudged by Zziwa, Ssekandi reportedly
remained quiet in his tent for about 20 minutes.
"He did not say a word until another resident, Bonny Namugera, tabled
a motion urging Ssekandi to reveal his plans…," a resident who
attended the meeting told The Observer.
The motion prompted Ssekandi to stand up and accept to run for
re-election. Earlier in the day, Ssekandi presided over a fundraising
ceremony for the completion of Ssunga health centre III staff quarters
in Bukakkata sub-county where Shs 10m was raised in cash and pledges.
Ssekandi contributed Shs 5m in cash.
Apart from Ssekandi, six others are eying the Bukoto Central seat,
including Migadde, Lukyamuzi Batemyetto, Moses Matovu, Lawyer Kazibwe
Majera, Democratic Party's Jude Mbabaali and Kalangala district NGO
forum coordinator Eddie Maalo.
A week after President Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill
into law; the dire effects of that decision are becoming clear as
angry donors begin to withhold aid.
So far, at least Shs 262bn worth of donor aid has been withheld. The
World Bank announced last Thursday it had postponed a $90m (Shs 220
billion) loan to Uganda's health system over the law which prescribes
tougher punishment for gays.
The World Bank action, experts say, is unusual for an institution that
typically avoids getting involved in politics. The loan postponement
is the largest financial penalty imposed on Uganda since the law came
into force. Norway and Denmark announced earlier that they were
withholding aid of $8 million (Shs 22bn) and $9 million (Shs 19.6bn)
respectively.
This means that in total, the country has so far lost $107 million in
aid, which translates into Shs 262bn. A spokesman for the World Bank
told the BBC: "We have postponed the project for further review to
ensure that the development objectives would not be adversely affected
by the enactment of this new law."
The loan was intended to boost Uganda's health services.
The Danish Trade and Development Minister Mogens Jensen, said: "We
cannot distance ourselves too strongly from the law and the signal
that the Ugandan government now sends to not only persecuted minority
groups, but to the whole world."
While the United States has labelled the law "atrocious", it has not
yet officially announced that it will withhold aid. However, the US
ambassador to Uganda, Scott DeLisi told the BBC last week that
Washington could consider aid cuts. President Museveni told CNN in an
interview, after signing the bill into law, that the law was intended
"to demonstrate Uganda's independence in the face of Western pressure
and provocation."
He added, while commissioning a new flight simulator at the air force
headquarters in Entebbe on February 22, that the US should stop
interfering in the affairs of Uganda, adding that he would work with
non-meddling Russia.
"Russia has worked in Africa since 1917, meaning they have been here
for [nearly] 100 years. I want to work with Russia because they don't
mix up their politics with other counties' politics," Museveni said.
Health experts and HIV/Aids activists in Uganda warn that the biggest
losers will not be the politicians but ordinary people whose access to
basic health services will be hampered by the cuts. These will be
mainly the more than 400,000 people who are enrolled on
anti-retroviral therapy [ARVs], with most funding for the treatment
coming from donors.
Dr Stephen Watiti, a senior medical officer at Mildmay hospital, which
specializes in treating people with HIV/Aids, said the cuts would
significantly affect the delivery of HIV/Aids drugs to the people who
need them most.
"Both sides don't want to concede but I think for the sake of the
people, government and the donors should engage. Otherwise, you are
going to see some people dropping dead," Watiti said.
Another doctor who preferred anonymity said since the decision to sign
the law was political, it was unfair for the World Bank to target the
health sector. The doctor added that even the gays/lesbians, who the
donors want to protect, will be greatly affected because they also
benefit from health services.
"For us when someone comes for treatment, we do not mind about their
sexual orientation," the doctor said.
Uganda has traditionally been one of the largest recipients of
international aid. According to the Overseas Development Institute
(ODI), the country received $1.6bn (about Shs 4 trillion) in 2011,
making it the world's 20th largest aid recipient – with America one of
the key donors.
The Australian owners of the closed Maranatha hospital (MH) in
Kamwenge, have asked donors to stop sending help, further diminishing
hope that the facility will ever reopen.
The charity hospital, started by an Australian couple in the
southwestern district, was closed last year after a maize factory was
built just next to it – raising the noise and flour pollution in the
area which could not allow a hospital to operate. The factory is owned
by businessman Garuga Musinguzi.
After a year of closure, efforts to have the factory relocated and the
hospital re-opened failed.
"In the interim, we ask that you [funders] do not give any further
donations to MH at this stage. We have been amazed and humbled by the
continuous support and donations so far despite the challenges MH has
faced," said a statement on the hospital's website.
"We have thus decided to pursue a course of action for 2014
independent of our Kamwenge site," said the statement.
"If and when the Kamwenge site is able to operate again, we will be
sure to inform you all."
In August, the Australian couple, Michael and Kim Findlay, asked their
health workers to find jobs somewhere else.
Only maintenance staff remained. Michael told The Observer earlier:
"We might decide to take the hospital to another district or country.
If Uganda decides to treat us this way, we say this is not the right
way to invest donor money."
Last year, hospital directors talked to the ministry of Health and
State House officials without much success. The factory continues to
operate. Maranatha provided essential health care for mothers and
children including blood transfusion; it supported community-based
development and HIV/Aids treatment and care.
The hospital was the only facility with a functional theatre in the
district. Treatment of children and women was free of charge.
Fenekansi Sabiiti, a social worker in the district, told The Observer:
"Kamwenge people are dying; the hospital is closed. Another remarkable
'achievement' of this government; people should just forget about the
hospital."
Kamwenge has no referral hospital. Most of its sick are referred to
Kagongo hospital in Ibanda and Buhinga hospital in Fort Portal for
treatment – a 70-kilometre journey.
Police in the central district of Luweero have arrested 20 people
linked to a spate of killings in the area.
Luweero District Police Commander (DPC) Godfrey Ninsiima told a news
conference on Friday that the suspects were picked from Seeta in
Galuweero zone, in Luweero town council, their designated base.
Ninsiima identified some of the suspects as Bamuleke Kaliba, Misairi
Suluma, Ronald Musisi, Ronald Kayongo, Steven Luggya and Doreen
Nambowa. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are
part of a notorious gang of criminals dubbed Bad Boys 13 (B-13).
In the night swoop, the suspected killers were found smoking
marijuana. Ninsiima said B-13 was responsible for the spike in
criminal activity in the area ranging from murder, theft to burglary.
Most of the thugs have code names such as Cobra, Africa, XY, Danger
Man, Small and Terminator. The arrests were prompted by the gruesome
murder of five people in less than a fortnight.
You do not have to take Wolokoso very seriously because well, it is
just wolokoso. But if something happens, Wolokoso will not miss a
chance to remind you she needs to be taken seriously some times.
And so came this one about First Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Unlike some
First Sons who are often busy indulging in all manner of pleasures,
the head of the Special Forces Command is always seriously going about
his duties. But perhaps that is because he realises he is destined for
bigger things.
Wolokoso has heard that despite fears that President Museveni wants to
install his son as heir one of these days, Muhoozi will keep his army
career alive. Instead, Dad will soon make son the commander of the
land forces, a position now held by another Muhoozi (Maj Gen David).
It is rumoured that the position will prepare the more famous Muhoozi
for a stint as chief of defence forces. And as chief of defence
forces, he will be almost ready to become commander-in-chief.
Well, does the end not justify the means?
Whatever happens, Wolokoso will continue to be herself.
Is Mbabazi ready for a reshuffle?
Rumours are rumours (but sometimes there is the matter of the smoke
and the fire). The other day, someone put it out the other day that
Kagame was, well, not with us. Of course he is. Then it was a Ugandan
MP who was reportedly not with us anymore. Of course he is.
But well, now some folks have it that President Museveni will soon
announce his new cabinet, in which Premier Amama Mbabazi will be
moved. Of course this is not easy to fathom: where do you move your
prime minister to? Make him Vice President or a senior presidential
advisor?
Yet going by an utterance by Mbabazi, it seems he would not be shocked
if he was given another assignment. Mbabazi recently told MPs: "I can
even go next week. This Ssemujju doesn't know that the world changes
easily."
Mbabazi was responding to a question by Kyadondo East MP Ssemujju
Ibrahim Nganda, about when he would "quit".
Some MPs wanted Mbabazi to quit, saying that he influenced his
technocrats in the Office of the Prime Minister to buy him a posh car
using the donor funds meant for development in the north. Mbabazi said
the procured car was not his personal vehicle but for the prime
minister's office which he would leave behind even after his tenure.
When Museveni ran 'mad' over Besigye
If you are still shocked about the extent to which the "Nanjing
group" went to neutralise Amama Mbabazi at Kyankwanzi, then you need
to hear this.
Apparently His Excellency Ssabagabe, Ssabalwanyi, War-General Yoweri
Museveni does not take any threat to his hold on power for granted.
While his praise singers may write off some opponents, the president
will not take anyone for granted.
According to former Minister Miria Matembe, Museveni literally ran mad
sometime in 2000, on learning that Dr Kizza Besigye, his former
physician, was bent on standing against him during the 2001 general
elections.
"Museveni ran mad when Besigye stood against him in 2001. He hit the
roof and I asked him myself: 'But what is the crime that Besigye has
committed?'," Matembe said on a Voice of Africa radio talk show
recently.
Matembe added: "Museveni does not want anything that threatens his
seat, be it his shadow; he would use all he has to fight it."
Wolokoso hopes that Prof Gilbert Bukenya was listening. Surely, he
would not want to make our president run mad.
What colour is corruption?
As Uganda develops, there will be more and more focus on research,
studies and think tanks. For Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze,
her 'research' topic has been the phenomenon of stealing or otherwise
wasting public funds by government officials (euphemized as
corruption). Nambooze's findings came in the form of a rebuttal to
Kabula MP James Kakooza, who had argued: "Theft of public resources
has no colour."
Nambooze retorted: "Don't tell lies to the public. Theft has a colour
and the current theft of this country's resources is yellow," while
appearing on CBS's Kkiriza oba gaana talk show on Wednesday.
Kakooza, to his credit, did not say anything about green. Yellow, lest
we forget, is the colour of Kakooza's National Resistance Movement.
Nambooze's Democratic Party's colour is green. But from what she
said, she is not green with envy about Kakooza's NRM.
Comments
+4#1 Betty Long Cap 2014-03-02 23:26
How does the Ambassador plan to determine if the Ugandan applying for
a visa hates gays?
Will he be shown two homosexuals kissing and watch for a negative
reaction? That is what is done in The Netherlands to determine
homosexual tolerance.
Will America grant political asylum to anyone convicted under the AHA law?
Quote
-5#2 DAVID 2014-03-02 23:31
I am a staunch gay hater to such an extent that i would skin one
alive!!. So this is to request Scott Delisi to include me amongst
those folks banned from going to the earthly "Sodom and Gomorrah"
(read the USA) afterall its not heaven.
By the way, why doesn't he bring a plane to Uganda and load them and
later dump them in the US so that they're offered blanket asylum?.
Lastly, after his government declaring diplomatic hostility against
Uganda, what a hell is he still doing in the anti-gay land?.
Me think that he should leave as soon as possible and may be go to
marry Obama now that the latter's relationship with Michelle is at a
low ebb according to some press reports!
Quote
-4#3 James 2014-03-02 23:54
Well stated Mr. Ambassador. Let the gay haters remain in Uganda so
that they don't spread their ignorance & hatred.
Please start with the speaker Rebecca Kadaga who used her position to
vilify a section of society.
Quote
-2#4 Wadada Rogers 2014-03-02 23:55
Keep your visas in the drawers, we may soon suggest that your
Ambassadors parks his bags and go, after all he will serve no
meaningful purpose staying here.
He may be issuing visas for gay asylum seekers yet we want them to
stay here for disciplining. After all how many American products can
you find in people's homes, everything comes from China.
Those seeking free aids drugs will get them from our new alternative
partners. Wish the observer could allow me to use a strong statement
to express how am feeling towards these hopeless donors. We will not
trade our souls for their satanic culture all in the name of human
rights
Quote
-3#5 sonko 2014-03-02 23:57
I wish I were close enough to spit at this demon and slap it in the
face. It can go and issue it's visas where it comes from
http://www.google.ca/gwt/x?gl=CA&hl=en-CA&u=http://www.observer.ug/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D30439:-no-visas-for-ugandas-gay-haters-us-envoy%26catid%3D34:news%26Itemid%3D114&q=No+visas+for+Uganda's+gay+haters+–US+envoy
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