Masaka City's Kimaanya Kabonera constituency legislator - Dr. Abed Bwanika, a prominent figure in the area, has submitted a petition to the leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP), calling for clarity on the party's stance regarding LGBT+Q issues. The petition, received by the Rt. John Baptist Nambeshe, Deputy President of NUP's Eastern Region, highlights growing concerns among the public regarding the party's position on LGBT+Q rights.
Abed Bwanika emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing perceived ambiguity within NUP's leadership regarding LGBT+Q rights. He pointed to statements made by National Unity Platform President Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, during international media appearances, including a controversial interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation in December 2023.
In the interview, Hon. Kyagulanyi appeared to express support for LGBT+Q rights, despite the existence of Uganda's stringent Anti-Homosexuality Act and Penal Code.
Dr. Abed Bwanika quoted Kyagulanyi as saying, "We firmly believe in human rights for all Ugandans," raising concerns among party members and the public alike.
Dr. Bwanika further highlighted suspicions surrounding Kyagulanyi's alleged associations with international LGBT+Q activists and sponsors, such as Rev. Jesse Jackson and US Secretary for Transport Pete Buttigieg. He pointed to instances where Kyagulanyi's attire seemingly mirrored LGBT+Q fashion trends, sparking questions within the party.
Expressing concerns about potential financial support from LGBT+Q organizations influencing NUP's leadership decisions, Dr. Bwanika suggested that it may have played a role in the removal of former Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, due to his differing stance on LGBT+Q issues.
Calling for transparency, Bwanika urged for an immediate meeting within NUP to clarify the party's position on LGBT+Q rights, particularly addressing concerns among Ugandan parents about the influence of such issues within the party.
The petition, also addressed to key figures within NUP leadership including party president Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and Leader of the Opposition the Rt. Hon Joel Bisekezi Senyonyi, underscores the importance of addressing these concerns within the party's ranks.
The controversy surrounding NUP's stance on LGBT+Q rights comes amid ongoing political tensions in Uganda, with Robert Kyagulanyi navigating between projecting a liberal image to Western donors and maintaining support among conservative constituents. As the party grapples with these internal challenges, the clarity on its stance regarding LGBT+Q issues remains crucial for its future direction and public perception.
With all this in play, the big question that remains is – will the party’s stand be in acceptance of the general public, or their supporters in particular? If they choose to reply to the petion anyway.
