Closed Door Policy

In the Ugandan Observer yesterday, MPs were lobbying parliament to hold the Kill the Gays bill discussion in private:

Gay bill: Why MPs fear open vote

"This subject is very sensitive and some of us fear that if it is discussed in public view, we will be persecuted for holding particular views," Amoding said. Not surprisingly, she refused to state whether she supports the bill.

Another MP, who requested anonymity, explained that supporting the bill publicly could lead to being blacklisted. He cited David Bahati, the main promoter of the bill, saying the MP has been ostracised by some elements in the West because of his views.

"We have some projects that are funded by donors and at the same time we don't want to be misunderstood by voters. So, it is better to remain silent to avoid being blacklisted," he said.

So, those who support slaughtering LGBT people get to do so with impunity from outside observation, meanwhile those who oppose the bill fear for their jobs (and probably safety) if they do so in public.

Shocking state of affairs all round.

The article presents a full list of MPs known to support the bill:

Surveyed MPs who back the bill

Yahaya Gudoi (Bungokho North,NRM)

Isabirye Idi (Bunya South,NRM)

Lyndah Timbigamba (Kyenjojo Woman, NRM)

Jovah Kamateka (Mitooma Woman,NRM)

Cyrus Amodoi (Toroma, Indep)

Barnabas Tinkasiimire (Buyaga West, NRM)

Chris Baryomusi (Kinkizi East, NRM),

Arinaitwe Rwakajara (Workers, NRM)

Hellen Asamo (PWD Eastern, NRM)

Martin Drito (Madi Okollo, NRM)

Amos Mandera ( Kooki, NRM)

George Ekuma (Bukedea, NRM)

Rose Akol (Bukedea Woman, NRM),

Michael Ayepa (Labwor, NRM),

Remigio Achia (Pian, NRM)

Elizabeth Karungi (Kalungu, NRM),

Hatwib Katoto (Katerera, NRM)

Hanifah Kawooya (Sembabule Woman, NRM)

Twa Twa Mutwalante (Iki Iki,NRM)

Geofrey Ekanya (Tororo,FDC)

Olivia Kabala Kwagala (Iganga, NRM)

Benard Atiku (Ayivu,FDC)

Bakaluba Mukasa (Mukono North, NRM)

Stephen Birahwa (Buliisa, NRM)

James Kakooza (Kabula, NRM)

Kaps Fungaroo (Ubongi, FDC)

Tophace Kaahwa (Hoima Woman, NRM)

Mary Turyahikayo (Rubabo, NRM)

Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri, FDC)

Mathias Mpuuga (Masaka Municipality, Indep)

Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West, DP)

Vincent Ssempija (Kalungu East, Indep)

Mariam Nalubega (Butambala Woman, Indep)

Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala, DP)

Jesca Ababiku (Adjumani Woman, Indep).