Highlighting of the passed “anti-pornography and anti-homosexuality” bills

On 8^th March 2014, the Resident District Commissioner of Kabarole District Mr. Steven Asiimwe appeared on HITS FM to discuss the passed anti-pornography and anti-homosexuality bills and their implications to Ugandans. “The anti-homosexuality act has been passed and as local leaders, we shall work hand in hand with the government to see that this bill is implemented”. This was during ToroDev’s supported live radio accountability program on HITS FM called ‘Orukurato Program’ that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (8:00 – 10:00pm).

President Yoweri Museveni signs the new anti-gay bill

During the program, Mr. Asiimwe indicated how Uganda will do away with foreign aid that is based on neo-colonialism. “Uganda would rather be poor in freedom than being rich in slavery.  We shall not accept to lose our morals and lose protection over the future generation because of foreign aid. As Ugandans, we need to understand that we are an independent country and should therefore focus on fighting poverty so that we move away from foreign aid and be self-reliant”.  

Mr. Asiimwe went ahead to discuss how corruption is still a challenge in Uganda. “Corruption is still so high among the local leaders, and those holding offices. That’s why we see Ugandans so poor, with poor services yet we have fertile soils and a good climate that can support agriculture which would be improving the economy of this country. The constructed highway roads that have freed Uganda from being land locked to being a land connected country have also improved trade and the county’s economy. But it is so unfortunate that all this money is being misused to satisfy people’s mutual interests”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins and using the SMS plat form to raise their issues and concerns. “I don’t support the anti-pornography bill because it has caused violence among the local citizens by attacking women who put on mini-skirts”, said Kyomuhendo Steven, “Our Members of Parliament have never come back on ground to pick people’s issues yet our service delivery is so poor”, said Apollo from Kasenda Sub County in Kabarole District, “We don’t know the responsibility of our Members of Parliament”, said Baguma from Kiculeta in Fort Portal Municipality, “I don’t support the anti-pornography bill because it has caused violence among women”, said Julie from Rwengoma  in West Division, Fort Portal Municipality.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto.