No new gay bill, says government

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has denied reports that there is an anti-gay bill in the offing after earlier reports indicated that the bill would return in its earlier form.

The anti-gay bill was struck down by the courts in 2014 a few months after President Museveni assented to it.

The bill was first introduced in 2009 drawing worldwide condemnation for gay rights activists because of the tough penalties including death for aggravated homosexuality, defilement and knowingly spreading HIV/Aids.

Members of Parliament have time and again praised the speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and President Yoweri Museveni for standing firm against homosexuality.

“Government hereby clarifies that it does not intend to introduce any new law with regards to regulation of LGTB activities in Uganda because the current provisions in the penal code are sufficient.” Ofwono wrote on his Twitter page