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First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s recent stance on Uganda’s Anti-homosexuality law is still reverberating in the religious community.
Muhoozi this week made a shock pronouncement, calling for the repealing of the 2023 anti-gay law.
In a post on his X account, Muhoozi described the law as unnecessary and misunderstood by the international community, particularly by allies like Japan.
“In 2026, we shall remove this Anti-Homosexuality Act. They are sick people, but since the Creator made them...what do we do? Even kiboko (canes) might not work. We shall pray for them,” he wrote.
Muhoozi explained that during a recent visit to Japan, he was questioned about Uganda’s perceived persecution of homosexuals under the law.
“I was totally shocked and very hurt. Japanese are warriors like us. I respect them very much. I asked them how we are oppressing them? Then they told me about the AHA. Compatriots, let's get rid of that small law. Our friends around the world are misunderstanding us,” he added.
Ssempa’s Reaction
While the message sent shockwaves across the country, religious leaders who were at the forefront of the enactment of the law, stopped short of responding to Gen Muhoozi, except for one:
Pastor Martin Sempa immediately replied to the first son with a scathing critique.
“General Muhoozi, thank you for your post, but I want to ask about the relationship between 'Japanese warriors' and homosexuality in Uganda,” he wrote.
Ssempa questioned why Japan’s stance on homosexuality should influence Uganda and warned that copying such practices would undermine traditional family values and lead to moral decay.
“What is the interest of the Japanese in the promotion of homosexuality in Uganda? I thought that the Japanese are interested in accessing our markets to sell Toyota, and Nissan cars and their technology,” he wrote.
Reckless or heroic?
Ssempa’s reactions drew mixed reactions, with some terming it as heroic and others reckless.
“When I saw the comment, I wondered whether this man was a hero or he just ran mad,” said Pastor Joseph Serwadda on Sunday.
“Gen Muhoozi gave his reasoning about friendly nations pressuring Uganda, but Martin Ssempa’s response terrified me,” he added.
Others, however, praised Ssempa for speaking his mind without fear.
"Martin is a person that doesn't fear jail," said Pastor Charles Tumwiine
"We have known him as a person who will attack anyone who glorifies anything to do with homosexuality, at any level. He is the only person in the country who will put his life at risk for that."