In reference to the article published in the Associated Press and The New York Times on January 7, 2010 ‘Uganda President Urges Softening of Anti-gay Bill’ http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/01/07/world/AP-AF-Uganda-Gay-Death-Penalty.html?_r=3, We would like to state categorically straight that Sexual Minorities Uganda is an advocacy network of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights organisations in Uganda. Since 2004, SMUG has worked on human rights in the areas of sexual orientation and sexual health rights advocacy.

Sexual Minorities Uganda is non-partisan. As a network we do not have any political affiliation. However, there are individuals who may support a party of their choice and are free to exercise their right to vote.

We reiterate that the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2009 is inherently discriminatory. Our position and recommendation as Sexual Minorities Uganda is that the Anti-Homosexuality Bill should be withdrawn in its entirety and that same sex relationships between consenting adults should be decriminalized.

Press contacts:

1. Pepe Julian Onziema                                              2.    David Kato

    Tel: +256 772 370 674                                                  Tel: +256 773 104 971