How much is Makere University involved in the anti-gay legislation in Uganda?

Looking at the press release presenting the support of 'scientists' in favor of the anti-gay legislation in Uganda one cannot but notice the presence of several faculty members of Makerere University. In this context can organisations concerned with human rights keep collaborating and funding Makerere University? What do international funders of Makerere University intend to do? Nothing? A recent summary of the situation, an opinon from the Kenyan Star and the official Ugandan position according to Reuters that also mentions Uganda is not the only African country with anti-gay legislation.

PRESS RELEASE

PRESENTATION BY A TEAM OF SCIENTISTS FROM MOH AND MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ON HOMOSEXUALITY ANDGENETICS IN HUMANS

A Ministerial Committee comprising of scientists from MOH and Makerere University was set up to study homosexuality and genetics in human beings and advise the President and the NRM Caucus on the subject ofhomosexuality. 

The committee comprised of;

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng – Director General of Health Services- sometimes called Uganda's health guru. Here invited to speak in Washington DC  on January 9th at a conference organized by Smart Global Health (go to 35 minutes within the video posted on Google). Is she going to be invited again? to explain her position? Or is she becoming a persona non grata?

Dr. Isaac Ezati- Director Planning and Development at MOH-

 Dr. Jacinto Amandua – Commissioner Clinical Services-

 Dr. Sheila Ndyanabangi – Head, Mental Health Desk-

 Prof. Seggane Musisi – Professor of Psychiatry at Makerere-

 Assoc. Prof. Eugene Kinyanda – Senior Research Scientist, Medical Research Council-

 Dr. David Basangwa – Director, Butabika Hospital-

 Dr. Sylvester Onzivua – Senior Pathologist, Mulago Hospital-

 Dr. Misaki Wayengera – Geneticist, Makerere-

 Dr. Paul Bangirana –  Clinical Psychologist, Makerere

Prof. Wilson Byarugaba – Rtd. Professor and formerHead of Human and Molecular Genetics, Dept of Pathology, Makerere  Interestingly Mr Byarugaba was also in favor of DDT spraying to combat malaria.

 

Two medical Parliamentarians names; Dr. Chris Baryomunsi and Dr. Medard Bitekerezo also presented areport whose findings and conclusions concurred with that of the Ministerial Committee. The following were their observations;

1. There is no definitive gene responsible forhomosexuality.

2. Homosexuality is not a disease but merely anabnormal behavior which may be learned through experiences in life.

3.In every society, there is a small number of people with homosexuality tendencies.

4.Homosexuality can be influenced by environmentalfactors e.g. culture, religion and peer pressure among others.

5.  The practice needs regulation like any other human behavior especially to protect the vulnerable.

6. There is need for further studies to address sexuality in the African context.

 

Presidential Advisor on Science Dr. Richard Tushemereirwe stated that homosexuality has serious Public Health consequences and should therefore not be tolerated.

 

H.E. the President then made it clear that his work was done and that all he needed was for the Scientists to sign the paper they presented since it would be a historical document forming basis for the signing of the Bill.

 

H.E. also declared that he would sign the Bill since the question of whether one can be born a homosexual or not had been answered. 

 

The President emphasized that Promoters, exhibitionists and those who practice homosexuality for Mercenary reasons will not be tolerated and will therefore be dealt with harshly. 

Hon. Anite Evelyn NRM Caucus Spokes person