Uganda: Muslims Join Pastors in Gay Fight

Aaron Kirunda

Kampala — Muslims have teamed up with their counterparts from the Pentecostal churches to fight homosexuality in Uganda. The leader of the Muslim Tabliqs,the most fundamental Muslim group, Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto, said the issue of homosexuality affects all people regardless of their religious affiliations.

"We have decided to make a bond with our fellow religious leaders to fight homosexuality," Sheikh Kakeeto said at the launch of a campaign dubbed 'Kick Sodomy out of Uganda' in Kampala on Wednesday. "We want to work together and eliminate sodomy and other forms of sexual abuses in our society."

The two groups signed an agreement to guide their operations. Sheikh Kakeeto and Sheikh Muhammad Badru, the chairman the National Da'awa Association, signed on behalf of Muslims while pastors Michael Kyazze (Omega Healing Centre), Martin Ssempa (Makerere Community Church) and Solomon Male (Arising for Christ) signed on behalf of born again Christians. Sheikh Kakeeto called on the government to strengthen the law on homosexuality and incarcerate those caught in the act.

Pastor Ssempa said the coalition intends to embark on a campaign to sensitize communities about "the dangers of homosexuality." "We shall offer counsel ling, legal and material support to the affected people," he said.

The Muslim leaders also said that according to the quran, homosexuality is punishable by death in all its forms, from stoning to burning, if some one is convicted of the act.

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and this coalition that was formed strengthens the efforts of Ugandans to fight this vice. According to an independent survey by stead man group. 95% of Ugandans do not support homosexuality at all and the rest were not sure.