The World Bank also suspended funding for critical projects in Uganda over the law which the government says is meant to protect the African traditional marriage and cultural values

“Today Uganda is a country of martyrs and those people who are just talking outside there like on the issue of homosexuality; they don’t know that Uganda is a land of martyrs,” warned Museveni.

“If you want to play around, you do so but you will not like what you will see,” he emphasised.

The President, who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the remarks on Monday as the Chief Guest during the Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations at Namugongo.

Western countries especially Britain and the United States recently slapped sanctions on senior Ugandan officials including Speaker of Parliament Anita Among after President Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law.

The World Bank also suspended funding for critical projects in Uganda over the law which the government says is meant to protect the African traditional marriage and cultural values. 

“Some people have tried to fight new and dynamic ideas. However, history has taught us that if an idea is correct and progressive, it will eventually triumph. The teachings of Christianity are beneficial for every individual and society. The Gospel helps to cultivate a fear of God and love for other people, regardless of tribe, region or religion,” President Museveni said.

“The fear of God teaches the believers to guard themselves from engaging in evil practices that are likely to break their communion with the Creator. It makes you accountable to a Heavenly Father, who watches everything that you do, even in darkness. Christians are aware that they will face judgement for their words and actions, here on earth. Therefore, many of the evils, like corruption, embezzlement, defilement, murder, etc., are on account of the lack of Godly guidance, in people’s hearts. The fear of God imparts honesty, integrity and self-control,” he added.

Sectarianism

The celebrations ran under the theme: “As for me and my household, we shall serve the Lord” derived from Joshua 24:15.

President Museveni explained that he was happy because believers and religious leaders managed to denounce sectarianism based on religion and tribes which caused chaos in Uganda before the coming of the NRM government in 1986.

“This is because from the 1960s even earlier, Ugandans were divided according to tribes and religion and this was part of the chaos which engulfed Uganda; It was due to that sectarianism of religion and tribe but when we came, you opposed this very firmly,” the President noted.

“The leaders also formed the Inter-Religious Council. This was formed after the NRM had come into government. So you can call the Inter Religious Council some form of “NRM-nism”. Jesus made it clear “Love your neighbour as you love yourself”. This is the NRM line. I’m glad that you embraced it.”