Uganda: Tabliqs Plan Squad to Fight GaysThe Monitor (Kampala) - 28 August 2007
Al-Mahdi Ssenkabirwa & Ephraim Kasozi
Kampala
MUSLIM Tabliq youth plan to form what they call an 'Anti-Gay Squad' to fight homosexuality in the country. Sheikh Multah Bukenya, a senior cleric in the Muslim Tabliq Sect said the vice is widely spreading among the young generation.
"We are ready to act swiftly and form this squad that will wipe out all abnormal practices like homosexuality in our society," he said last Friday during prayers at Noor Mosque in Kampala.
"It is the work of the community to put an end to bad practices like homosexuality."
The debate on homosexuals intensified recently when they addressed an unprecedented press conference in Kampala, demanding recognition of their rights.
A group of religious leaders later held a demonstration in the city, saying homosexuals have no place in society. Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda.
"If prostitutes can line up on streets just next to State House and no one acts against them; how fast do you expect the government to crackdown homosexuals who operate in hiding?" Sheikh Bukenya wondered.
Tabliqs are known for their militant approach to resolving conflicts. In 1991, they stormed the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters at Old Kampala and uprooted the then administration which they accused of not serving the interests of Islam. Some policemen and Tabliqs died in the clash.
The UMSC publicist Haji Nsereko Mutumba supported the initiative.
"We are against homosexuality on the spiritual side but also urge the government to enforce the laws. We support any non violent struggle against homosexuality," he told Daily Monitor by phone.
Mr Asan Kasingye the police publicist said: "The police welcome everybody who wants to work with us to fight crime but they should use legal means."
He said the police welcomes information that would help fight all forms of crime.
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