In response to the recent decision by the United States to disengage Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) market, David Bahati, the Minister of State for Industry in Uganda, has staunchly defended the country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act. In a media interview with journalists covering Parliament, Bahati emphasized that Uganda would not compromise its cultural and moral values on the altar of homosexuality, even if it meant sacrificing economic benefits from the American market.
Key Points:
- Defiance of AGOA disengagement:
- Minister Bahati expressed Uganda’s commitment to the decision made by Parliament regarding the Anti-Homosexuality Act. He stated that the country was well aware of potential economic and political repercussions but chose to stand firm against homosexuality.
- Cultural and Biblical justification:
- Bahati argued that the parliamentary decision aimed to defend the institution of family and uphold Uganda’s cultural and biblical beliefs. He emphasized the country’s view that marriage, as understood biblically and culturally, is intended to be a union between a man and a woman.
- Market alternatives:
- Despite losing access to the AGOA market, Bahati assured that Uganda was not scared of the economic consequences. He highlighted the country’s determination to find alternative markets and affirmed their readiness to mitigate the effects of the AGOA disengagement.
- Prioritizing values over economic gains:
- Minister Bahati stated that if forced to choose between allowing homosexuality in Uganda and maintaining access to the American market, the country would choose to fight against homosexuality. He underscored Uganda’s commitment to its values, expressing confidence in alternative markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Continued diplomacy and prayer:
- Minister Bahati revealed that Uganda would continue engaging with the United States, expressing hope that Americans might change their stance on supporting homosexuality. He pledged to continue praying for a change of minds while maintaining Uganda’s unwavering position on the issue.
- Human rights commitment:
- The Minister assured that the NRM Government would continue defending human rights both within Uganda and across Africa. He mentioned that those involved in human rights violations would face punishment according to the law, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding human rights.
- Future prospects:
- Bahati expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to weather the economic challenges resulting from the AGOA disengagement. He promised that the country would continue building its capacity for import substitution, targeting markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa to sustain its economic growth.
Despite facing the potential economic fallout from the AGOA disengagement, Uganda, under the leadership of Minister David Bahati, remains steadfast in its opposition to homosexuality, prioritizing cultural and moral values over economic gains.
The government vows to seek alternative markets while continuing diplomatic engagements and defending human rights within the country and across the continent. The unfolding situation prompts questions about the long-term economic and diplomatic consequences for Uganda.
