Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni made a statement for the first time Monday, Dec. 17, about the country’s infamous Anti-Homosexuality Bill. President Museveni said the Ugandan government should not persecute gay people.

“If there are some homosexuals, we shall not kill or persecute them, but there should be no promotion of homosexuality,” President Museveni said. “We cannot accept promotion of homosexuality as if it is a good thing.”

Homosexual acts are currently illegal in Uganda. The bill, introduced by a member of parliament, aimed to make acts of homosexuality punishable by death. Reportedly, this stipulation had been dropped last month. Now, the offence would warrant a life term in prison.

Ministers warned the Ugandan parliament of possible foreign repercussions toward the bill if it passed. Some Western donors have condemned the bill, threatening to cut aid. However, even if Parliament passed the bill, President Museveni would have to sign it.

The bill has some roots in culture. Unlike in Western society, President Museveni said to the U.S. ambassador in Kampala that sex is always a private matter.

“I told him that I have been married to my wife for 39 years, but I have never kissed her in public and in my house before the children,” President Museveni said. “If I did it, I would lose elections.”

Although President Museveni said some traditional chiefs and kings privately practiced homosexuality, BBC correspondents said Ugandans are deeply conservative overall. Regardless, Parliament adjourned without making a decision and will reconvene in January.

“No, I did not know about this,” junior Laura Kirkman said. “I think it’s stupid. First of all, if people are gay, let them be gay. Seriously, if you’re happy with the person you’re with, then who cares … It’s totally wrong, and they should not do that.”
By Atreyo Ghosh
Additional reporting by Luke Wyrick