Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday called gay people '
deviant
' and called for an investigation into homosexuality as lawmakers in the conservative East African country prepare to pass an anti-LGBT bill .
“
Homosexuals are a deviation from the norm.
For what ?
Is it innate or acquired?
We must answer these questions
,” said the head of state, who has ruled the country since 1986, in a speech to the nation delivered to parliamentarians.
“
We need medical advice on this.
We need to really discuss it
,” he added.
Illegal homosexuality
The bill, which was referred to a parliamentary committee in early March, proposes stiff penalties for people in same-sex relationships in a country where homosexuality is already illegal, sparking opposition from human rights organisations.
The text provides for up to ten years in prison for anyone engaging in homosexual activities or claiming to be LGBTQ.
It is due to be discussed in parliament next week, with a vote possibly as early as Tuesday.
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It comes at a time when conspiracy theories on the subject abound on social media, accusing dark international forces of promoting homosexuality in Uganda.
“
Western countries should stop wasting humanity's time by trying to impose their practices on others
,” said Yoweri Museveni during his speech, which was boycotted by all but one opposition parliamentarian.
“
Europeans and other groups marry cousins and close relatives.
Here, marrying into one's clan is taboo.
Should we impose penalties on them for marrying relatives?
It's not our job
,” he added.
Uganda has strict anti-homosexuality legislation - a legacy of colonial laws - but since independence from the UK in 1962 there have been no prosecutions for consensual homosexual acts.
In 2014, a Ugandan court blocked a bill approved by MPs and signed by President Museveni to punish same-sex relations with life in prison.
This text had caused an outcry beyond Ugandan borders, some rich countries having suspended their aid after its presentation to Parliament.