Ethics Minister Fr. Simon Lokodo has come out to reiterate government’s position on homosexuality.
Speaking to the press at the Uganda Media Centre, Lokodo said promotion of gay activities in the country is illegal and unapologetically said that Police will continue to crack down on such activities.
This follows a series of events that had been organised to celebrate gay pride week in Uganda that were thwarted by Police.
Leading LGBT activists including Frank Mugisha and Pepe Julian Onziema were arrested during the Mr and Miss Pride Uganda event that was held at Club Venom in Kabalagala, opposite the American Embassy on Thursday.
A gay pride parade that had been planned for Thursday was also stopped by Police.
LGBT activists, especially foreign nationals spoke out against the crackdown on Twitter, but Lokodo says Uganda has its own rules.
“Promotion of gay activities is unwelcome in Uganda,” Lokodo said.
“Marriage among people of the same sex is prohibited in Uganda. Government will not condone illegal LGBT activities. Criminal activities were halted and we will continue to supress them,” Lokodo said.
He also warned activists against recruiting children into the vice.
“We are aware there are inducements including money to recruit children, but this is illegal and it must be stopped,” he said.
Lokodo also revealed that there is a programme in his ministry to rehabilitate gays.