Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has told Ugandans in the Diaspora that Government is not persecuting homosexuals as alleged by some sections of the community.
This was in a response to a question raised by Ugandans at the 26th Annual Uganda Northern America Association Convention under way in San Diego, California in the United States of America. They wanted to know whether Uganda kills homosexuals.
The Premier however noted that homosexuality is punishable under the penal code which refers to it as ‘unnatural offence’. He said what the new law seeks to penalize is the promotion of the act of homosexuality, recruitment of persons into homosexuality, performing homosexual acts on minors and other persons against their will.
“The Constitutional Court struck down the recently passed Anti-homosexuality law because it was passed in contravention of the Constitution and rules of procedure of Parliament. Court did not pronounce itself on the substance in the law to judge whether the provisions of the law therein infringe on human rights,” he said.
Mbabazi also assured the diaspora Ugandans that their home country is free of Ebola and that Government is on high alert in all parts of the country especially those areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where some Ebola cases have been reported.
The other panelists at the political debate were Nandala Mafabi, former leader of the opposition in Parliament, Mukasa Mbide, legislator in the East African Legislative Assembly and Moses Byaruhanga, Senior Presidential advisor on political affairs.
On the question of the poor state of the health care system in the country, Mbabazi said Government has been improving the budgetary provision for improved health services annually, although progress has been slow due to limited resources.
“It is true we still have inadequate health staff to effectively deliver the health services but Government has put emphasis on training more health professionals to close the gap. He said many health facilities have been constructed while others such as regional referral hospitals are undergoing renovation, adding that Government is focused on ensuring that health services are easily accessible by the people in all parts of the country.
He added that Government was also enhancing the remuneration of health professionals to reduce the cases of brain drain.
The Premier said plans are under way to construct other hospitals in the divisions of Kawempe and Makindye like it has been done in Nakawa to enable Mulago hospital perform its role as a national referral.
Mbabazi allayed fears of Ugandans in the diaspora that the 2016 elections may not be held, explaining that there is already a road map set by the electoral commission leading to the 2016 general elections and that the NRM Government set a benchmark regarding the holding of regular elections.
“All stakeholders were consulted and proposals for electoral reforms are at various levels of discussion by both Government and the opposition. It is reasonable to be sure that elections will be held in 2016,” said Mbabazi.
Nandala Mafabi said Government should step up efforts in the fight against corruption which is stifling the development of the country.
He said Government should find resources to enhance the remuneration of doctors and also come up with a policy to curb brain drain.
The participants at the political debate at Hyatt Regency La Jolla included Ministers, Members of Parliament and Ugandans in the diaspora.
