Ahead of the NRM party retreat in
Kyankwazi on Thursday, scientists set up to explain the causes of
homosexual behaviour have begun writing their report.
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| President Museveni |
President Museveni, at an earlier meeting at State House last month,
surprised his ruling NRM MPs when he said he would only sign the
Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law, if there is scientific proof that
homosexuals were made and not born.
By his statement Museveni, perhaps inadvertently, betrayed his
conviction that homosexuality had genetic rather than social causes.
His declaration stirred an angry
response from the NRM caucus. To calm tensions, he suggested that a team
of scientists study the problem (homosexuality) and present a report to
the NRM caucus during its February 6-16 retreat in Kyankwanzi.
One of the scientists on the team,
Mbarara Municipality MP Medard Bitekyerezo, told The Observer on Monday
that his own study showed that homosexuals were not born. He says
homosexuality is a socially-acquired behaviour that can even be cured.
“From the research that I have engaged
in for some time ever since we were assigned by the caucus, I have
discovered that there is no gene that is said to produce [homosexuality]
as claimed by some people,” he said.
In December, Parliament passed the
Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which slaps a life sentence on anyone found
guilty of engaging in homosexual behaviour. However, the president
refused to assent to the proposed law on grounds that he needed to
consult more. Many believe President Museveni is reluctant to assent to
the bill largely to avoid a backlash from the international community.
The team of scientists established to
carry-out research is guided by genetic experts from the region. It is
composed of NRM lawmakers with a medical background. These include;
Kinkiizi East MP Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Dr Bitekyerezo (Mbarara
municipality), Dr Kenneth Omona (Kaberamaido) and Dr Sam Lyomoki
(Workers).
“We were given the terms of reference
and accordingly we are meant to produce evidence that will guide the
House with regard to how it is going to deal with the issue of
homosexuality,” Dr Bitekyerezo said.
“Before the caucus makes a consensus on
this matter of homosexuality, there is need for members to know whether
this act is artificial or natural because there are different opinions
being advanced with regard to this matter and as such expert evidence
needs to be availed to guide members,” Bitekyerezo said.
Tentative evidence
In his findings, Dr Omona says homosexuals are made but not born.
“In one study [it is] revealed that
actually 50 per cent of the homosexuals revert to heterosexuality if
rehabilitated in time. This, in itself, reveals a behavioural aspect,”
he told us.
These findings, however, contradict the
2010 Report of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in England on Human
Sexuality submitted to the Church of England. The report, quoted by
Peter Mulira, a senior lawyer, writing in the Daily Monitor, reveals
that “.......sexual orientation is biological in nature, determined by a
complex interplay of genetic factors and the early uterine environment.
Sexual orientation is, therefore, not a choice.”
Regardless of the findings, the president is likely to seek a compromise, sources said.
“I think that he is going to seek a
balanced position on the matter. He is going to emphasize that the law
should be amended to criminalize the act on ground of motive. This is so
that he does not want to annoy the electorate who the lawmakers owe too
much and at the same time the international community,” said a senior
cabinet minister.
Museveni last month criticised
Parliament for passing the bill in December without a quorum. He said
homosexuals were “abnormal” or were so for “mercenary reasons” and if
the economy improved, they could be “rescued.”
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