Gay activists want Uganda banned
Jul 08, 2009
GAY rights activists in the United Kingdom want world soccer governing body FIFA to ban Uganda for clamping down on homosexuals in the game.
By Douglas Mazune andSwalley Kenyi
GAY rights activists in the United Kingdom want world soccer governing body FIFA to ban Uganda for clamping down on homosexuals in the game.
Uganda’s soccer governing body FUFA has started a clampdown on sodomy and homosexuÂality, and plans to put in place a code of conduct for coaches to sign. The decision, by the coachÂes association, came one week after Horizon FC coach Charles Ayieko was suspended pending Police investigations into sodomy allegations.
Lindsay England, communications and diverÂsity officer at the Gay Football Supporters Network in the UK was disgusted by FUFA’s move.
“It’s appalling that any ruling should exist like this in any country, and that governing bodies like FIFA don’t react to it,†Lindsay charged. “In my opinion, parts of the media don’t help as well as they shy away from stories of homophobia in sport.â€
The activist reacted angrily to FUFA’s deciÂsion to compel all coaches, including Scottish Bobby Williamson, to sign the code of conduct, encompassing an anti-gay clause.
“Until FUFA speak to me about that, it’s a hypothetical matter and I will reserve my views until I am approached. What I will say is that you have to abide by the law of the land in whichever country you happen to be working in,†Williamson said about the code.
FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa warned that they will not stop the drive against homoÂsexaulity. He called on the public to help in fighting the vice by volunteering information.
Mulindwa, who addressed the FUFA PostBank weekly press conference Mengo yesterday, said that his administration needed evidence to fight the habit infesting Ugandan soccer.
He denied allegations that he masterminded sodomy allegations against Ayieko for political and publicity reasons. “Why should I go for small fish (Ayieko)?†Mulindwa wondered.
GAY rights activists in the United Kingdom want world soccer governing body FIFA to ban Uganda for clamping down on homosexuals in the game.
Uganda’s soccer governing body FUFA has started a clampdown on sodomy and homosexuÂality, and plans to put in place a code of conduct for coaches to sign. The decision, by the coachÂes association, came one week after Horizon FC coach Charles Ayieko was suspended pending Police investigations into sodomy allegations.
Lindsay England, communications and diverÂsity officer at the Gay Football Supporters Network in the UK was disgusted by FUFA’s move.
“It’s appalling that any ruling should exist like this in any country, and that governing bodies like FIFA don’t react to it,†Lindsay charged. “In my opinion, parts of the media don’t help as well as they shy away from stories of homophobia in sport.â€
The activist reacted angrily to FUFA’s deciÂsion to compel all coaches, including Scottish Bobby Williamson, to sign the code of conduct, encompassing an anti-gay clause.
“Until FUFA speak to me about that, it’s a hypothetical matter and I will reserve my views until I am approached. What I will say is that you have to abide by the law of the land in whichever country you happen to be working in,†Williamson said about the code.
FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa warned that they will not stop the drive against homoÂsexaulity. He called on the public to help in fighting the vice by volunteering information.
Mulindwa, who addressed the FUFA PostBank weekly press conference Mengo yesterday, said that his administration needed evidence to fight the habit infesting Ugandan soccer.
He denied allegations that he masterminded sodomy allegations against Ayieko for political and publicity reasons. “Why should I go for small fish (Ayieko)?†Mulindwa wondered.