By Paul Ndiho
January 12, 2010
A anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda's parliament is receiving strong reactions on both sides of the debate. The bill criminalizes anyone who promotes homosexuality, is accomplice to, or procures another to engage in homosexuality. It also issues the death penalty to serial offenders.
Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 would sentence HIV-positive homosexuals to death for having sex, and severely punish any homosexual with up to life imprisonment. David Bahati introduced the bill to parliament, and says the legislation promotes strong family values.
"The constitution of Uganda outlaws same-sex marriage. The penal code of this country talks about unnatural behavior and there are gaps. It falls short of explaining what homosexuality is and what penalty there should be. So, on that case of the legal angle, there is a need to bridge the gaps within our legal frame works to make it very clear."
Uganda's gay community says this legislation will only formalize the persecution of gay and lesbian community. Some Ugandans demonstrated in Kampala recently in support of the bill.
There is already a law on the books in Uganda that criminalizes homosexuality. It refers to crimes committed against the order of nature. But Rick Rosendall, with the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, D.C., says the law is archaic.
"That's right out of the old British penal code, which is no longer the case in Britain. It's no longer part of the law in Britain. But it remains the law in many former colonies including Nigeria and Uganda. And as a result there is victimization of Africans ongoing because of the legacy of colonialism."
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has come under pressure from donor countries, including the United States, to drop the proposed law, saying it violates human rights. Museveni says he opposes the death penalty provision in the proposed legislation. Rosendall says he stands with the gay people in Africa, and that they face far greater risks and threats every day.
"My own partner is an African whose parents are from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and he and other African gay activists that I have seen and gotten to know are among the most courageous people I have ever known." Rick said.
In a related development, a Malawian judge rejected a bail application by two gay men charged with public indecency after getting engaged to be married. They are believed to be the first gay couple in Malawi to start the marriage process, and pleaded not guilty to the charges last week. Homosexual acts carry a maximum prison sentence of 14 years in Malawi.
Several African countries have a law that makes homosexuality a crime. South Africa is the only African country that has legalized same-sex marriage. Again Rick Rosendall, Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, D.C.
"Now there are a lot of people in Africa, including rulers of various countries that say that homosexuality is not indigenous to Africa, that it was imported by colonists from Europe and elsewhere and that it is un-African. Mr. Mugabe, for example, has said that many times. But in fact studies, ethnographic studies, throughout the continent of Africa have shown, have found indigenous forms of homosexuality everywhere on the continent."
The issue has spilled over to the church. African archbishops, especially Nigeria's Peter Akinola, led a schism in the Anglican Communion following the election of Gene Robinson, a gay bishop in New Hampshire. Churches in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda followed suit, principally by refusing grants from the American Episcopal Church.
Here in the U.S., many states have outlawed gay marriage, but others allow it. Around the world, there are many places where gays and lesbians can obtain civil unions, but only seven countries allow gay marriage.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, December 21, 2009
ALBINOS'S TEASED AND KILLED FOR BODY PARTS
ALBINOS'S TEASED AND KILLED FOR BODY PARTS
BY Paul Ndiho
December 21, 2009
People around the world have many beliefs regarding albinism, the hereditary absence of skin pigment. These beliefs range from harmless myth to dangerous superstitions. In East African countries such as Tanzania, there has been an unprecedented rise in witchcraft-related killings of albino people in recent months. This is because albino body parts are used in potions sold by witchdoctors.
Most forms of albinism are the result of the biological inheritance of recessive genes from both parents. People with albinism commonly have vision problems and need constant sun protection. But they also face social challenges, as the condition often leads to ridicule, discrimination, and even threats and murder.
People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair. Albinism affects people from all races. To help us understand more (about) albinism I came to this Marriott hotel and talked to some families.
Mike McGowan is a person with albinism and has served as the President of the National Organization for Albinism and Hypo pigmentation since 2001.
"The main characteristic from a physiological viewpoint is an uncorrectable low vision associated with albinism. Virtually every person with albinism has some degree of vision loss or vision impairment that at this time cannot be corrected." Says Mike McGowan, President of the National Organization for Albinism and Hypo Pigmentation (NOAH)
Albinism is a source of social rejection in nearly every culture. NOAH board member Margaret Mary Campbell recalls how she was picked on by some students in her elementary school in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
"There was one boy in particular that used to chase me around and throw snowballs with rocks at me. There were some kids that would pick on me but then everybody has their own circle of friends. I think is true for most people with albinism, they form their own circle of friends and they find acceptance within that circle."
The Dubois family lives in the Washington, D.C. area. Susan Dubois says she and her husband were taken by surprise when their children Katy and Nick were born with albinism. The youngsters say they are coping well socially, but their visual challenges are not well understood.
"Well, not many people tease me but a lot of times people don't really know, a lot of times I have trouble seeing things because people forget that I can't see things very well sometimes. Sometimes it's hard to explain to them that I just don't see the way that everyone else does." Katy’s brother Nick agrees.
"So the same with Katy, people don't tease, I also use equipment to help me see the worksheets better, like for example a CCTV or I used to use a Dell Magnifier."
Globally, about one person in 20-thousand has albinism. People with albinism face dire threats in parts of Africa. The Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies says since 2008, more than 44 albinos have been killed in Tanzania and some 14 others have been slain in Burundi, forcing hundreds of people with albinism to go into camps. Mike McGowan says his U.S. group has mobilized to send aid to East Africa.
"We have begun to organize relief efforts to bring some of the very simple supplies that people with albinism in Africa would benefit from. Protection from the sun is as simple as proper clothing and a cap with a bill and sunscreen, and we are working as best we can to collect those sorts of materials and get them to East Africa."
Albinos in Africa have a short life expectancy. They lack simple resources such as clothing to protect them from the intense sunlight that is very harmful for people with albinism.
The mistaken belief that albino body parts have magical powers has driven thousands of Africa's albinos into hiding, fearful of losing their lives and limbs. African albinos endure insults, discrimination and segregation throughout their lives. They also have a high risk of contracting skin cancer.
BY Paul Ndiho
December 21, 2009
People around the world have many beliefs regarding albinism, the hereditary absence of skin pigment. These beliefs range from harmless myth to dangerous superstitions. In East African countries such as Tanzania, there has been an unprecedented rise in witchcraft-related killings of albino people in recent months. This is because albino body parts are used in potions sold by witchdoctors.
Most forms of albinism are the result of the biological inheritance of recessive genes from both parents. People with albinism commonly have vision problems and need constant sun protection. But they also face social challenges, as the condition often leads to ridicule, discrimination, and even threats and murder.
People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair. Albinism affects people from all races. To help us understand more (about) albinism I came to this Marriott hotel and talked to some families.
Mike McGowan is a person with albinism and has served as the President of the National Organization for Albinism and Hypo pigmentation since 2001.
"The main characteristic from a physiological viewpoint is an uncorrectable low vision associated with albinism. Virtually every person with albinism has some degree of vision loss or vision impairment that at this time cannot be corrected." Says Mike McGowan, President of the National Organization for Albinism and Hypo Pigmentation (NOAH)
Albinism is a source of social rejection in nearly every culture. NOAH board member Margaret Mary Campbell recalls how she was picked on by some students in her elementary school in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
"There was one boy in particular that used to chase me around and throw snowballs with rocks at me. There were some kids that would pick on me but then everybody has their own circle of friends. I think is true for most people with albinism, they form their own circle of friends and they find acceptance within that circle."
The Dubois family lives in the Washington, D.C. area. Susan Dubois says she and her husband were taken by surprise when their children Katy and Nick were born with albinism. The youngsters say they are coping well socially, but their visual challenges are not well understood.
"Well, not many people tease me but a lot of times people don't really know, a lot of times I have trouble seeing things because people forget that I can't see things very well sometimes. Sometimes it's hard to explain to them that I just don't see the way that everyone else does." Katy’s brother Nick agrees.
"So the same with Katy, people don't tease, I also use equipment to help me see the worksheets better, like for example a CCTV or I used to use a Dell Magnifier."
Globally, about one person in 20-thousand has albinism. People with albinism face dire threats in parts of Africa. The Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies says since 2008, more than 44 albinos have been killed in Tanzania and some 14 others have been slain in Burundi, forcing hundreds of people with albinism to go into camps. Mike McGowan says his U.S. group has mobilized to send aid to East Africa.
"We have begun to organize relief efforts to bring some of the very simple supplies that people with albinism in Africa would benefit from. Protection from the sun is as simple as proper clothing and a cap with a bill and sunscreen, and we are working as best we can to collect those sorts of materials and get them to East Africa."
Albinos in Africa have a short life expectancy. They lack simple resources such as clothing to protect them from the intense sunlight that is very harmful for people with albinism.
The mistaken belief that albino body parts have magical powers has driven thousands of Africa's albinos into hiding, fearful of losing their lives and limbs. African albinos endure insults, discrimination and segregation throughout their lives. They also have a high risk of contracting skin cancer.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Somalia Telecom Business is Booming
Somalia's telecom business is booming, despite the ongoing violence there and the absence of a true national government since 1991. VOA'S Paul Ndiho has more.
Africare giving back to Africa
Africare is a U.S.-based non-governmental group that works to improve the quality of life in Africa. It promotes health, education, and general welfare, and has pioneered self-help development programs. VOA's Paul Ndiho visited Africare's Washington, D.C. headquarters and has more on the organiztion:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Congolese Journalist Chouchou Namegabe, wins Knight International Journalism Award
Each year, the International Center for Journalists Awards Dinner brings together journalists working in dangerous and difficult conditions, who demonstrate a commitment to reporting and altruism. VOA's Paul Ndiho has more.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Using Music to Conserve Mountain Gorillas
Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo is home to almost one-third of the world's remaining 700 wild mountain gorillas. The gorillas are also found in Rwanda and Uganda. The World Wildlife Fund says that man's closest relative is facing pressures that could drive it into extinction, and at least one musician is working to save the gorillas. VOA's Paul Ndiho has more:
Monday, November 2, 2009
White Farmers take Mugabe's government to Court
A new documentary film follows a white Zimbabwean farming family as it takes Robert Mugabe's government to court. The movie is creating quite a buzz at the London Film Festival. VOA's Paul Ndiho has more.
Remittances to Africa
A United Nations report released this week calls for fewer restrictions and lesser fees on the $40 billion that migrant workers send home to Africa each year. VOA's Paul Ndiho has more.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
No Winner for the 2009 Africa Prize
A foundation that gives a $5 million prize for good governance in Africa says it will not honor anyone this year. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation said in a statement Monday that its prize committee considered some "credible candidates," but ultimately could not select a winner.
Billionaire Sudanese businessman Mo Ibrahim says that the decision should not be seen as a sign of disrespect for those African leaders considered for this year's prize, including former South African President Thabo Mbeki and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
"We have full respect to the people you mentioned. Some of those people are personal friends. There is no issue of disrespect here."
Committee members did not give a reason for their decision, citing the confidentiality of their discussions. Ibrahim founded the world's largest individual award as a way to encourage good governance on a continent often plagued by bad governance and corruption.
"This year, the prize committee has considered some credible candidates. However, after in-depth review, the prize committee could not select a winner.
Ibrahim said he made clear when he set up the prize two years ago that there may be years when there would be no winner.
The prize is awarded to a democratically elected former leader of a sub-Saharan African country who served his constitutional term and left office in the past three years.
This year, the Ibrahim committee considered 11 African leaders who had left office between 2006 and 2008. Last year, the prize went to former Botswana President Festus Mogae, who was honoured for steering his country along a stable, prosperous path and for leading the fight against AIDS.
Former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano won in 2007 for leading his country to peace and democracy after years of civil war.
Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian, chairs the prize committee.
The winner receives $5 million over 10 years and then $200,000 a year for life, with another possible $200,000 a year for 10 years for "good causes" that he supports.
Billionaire Sudanese businessman Mo Ibrahim says that the decision should not be seen as a sign of disrespect for those African leaders considered for this year's prize, including former South African President Thabo Mbeki and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
"We have full respect to the people you mentioned. Some of those people are personal friends. There is no issue of disrespect here."
Committee members did not give a reason for their decision, citing the confidentiality of their discussions. Ibrahim founded the world's largest individual award as a way to encourage good governance on a continent often plagued by bad governance and corruption.
"This year, the prize committee has considered some credible candidates. However, after in-depth review, the prize committee could not select a winner.
Ibrahim said he made clear when he set up the prize two years ago that there may be years when there would be no winner.
The prize is awarded to a democratically elected former leader of a sub-Saharan African country who served his constitutional term and left office in the past three years.
This year, the Ibrahim committee considered 11 African leaders who had left office between 2006 and 2008. Last year, the prize went to former Botswana President Festus Mogae, who was honoured for steering his country along a stable, prosperous path and for leading the fight against AIDS.
Former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano won in 2007 for leading his country to peace and democracy after years of civil war.
Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian, chairs the prize committee.
The winner receives $5 million over 10 years and then $200,000 a year for life, with another possible $200,000 a year for 10 years for "good causes" that he supports.
Malawi Government Crackdown on Fake Foreign Currency
The government of Malawi is trying to crack down on money launderers, criminals who are causing an acute shortage of foreign currency vital for trade. VOA's Paul Ndiho has more
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tour of Limassol Cyprus
Cyprus' second-largest city Limassol appeals to a wide range of tourists, from those interested in sun and sand vacations to those who prefer to delve into the island's culture at its museums and sites of archaeological interest. And if you are in pursuit of historical places then Kourion Theater and Kolossi Castle will undoubtedly satisfy your quest. VOAs Paul Ndiho recently toured the historical sites courtesy of the Commonwealth secretariat and has more.
Monday, October 5, 2009
FINANCE MINISTERS SHARE EXPERIENCES OF DEALING WITH GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS IN CYPRUS
African Commonwealth finance ministers met on the island of Cyprus this last week to seek ways to offset economic problems resulting from the global financial crisis. Commodity prices are down for mining-based economies on the continent, following positive growth in recent years. VOA's Paul Ndiho reports from finance ministers’ meeting in Limassol, Cyprus:
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ugandan President Visits Parts hit by deadly Riots
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday visited parts of Uganda's capital Kampala hit by several days of violence, and warned that police would use deadly force if necessary to put down further unrest. VOA'S Paul Ndiho has more.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Calm restored in Uganda's capital Kampala
The Ungandan capital Kampala is relatively calm after several days of violence left at least 14 people dead and hundreds wounded. But fears of more fighting remain in some parts of the city. VOAS Paul Ndiho has more.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Ugandan Army and Police killing innocent people on the sreets
The army has deployed troops to help deal with the riots. Four radio stations have been taken off air after the government accused them of inciting violence. At least 5 more people were shot dead and a police officer stabbed today, after seven peopl...e died on Thursday in the Kampala riots. Stay tuned for more...
Violence breaks out in Uganda's Capital Kampala
IN UGANDA AT LEAST FIVE PEOPLE ARE REPORTED DEAD. THE VIOLENCE BROKE OUT THURSDAY AFTER POLICE PREVENTED A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TRADITIONAL RULER OF THE BUGANDA ETHNIC GROUP FROM TRAVELING TO A REGION NORTH OF THE CAPITAL. THE BUGANDA TRIBE IS THE LARGEST ETHNIC GROUP IN UGANDA. HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH ACCUSES UGANDAN POLICE OF USING "UNNECESSARY LETHAL FORCE." UGANDAN OPPOSITION LEADER, MORRIS OGENGA-LATIGO, BLAMES THE VIOLENCE ON PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI. OGENGA-LATIGO VISITED THE VOICE OF AMERICA THURSDAY
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Gabon Post Election Violence
Gabon's opposition is calling for a recount in disputed presidential elections that brought the son of long-time leader Omar Bongo to power.
The joint call by 16 opposition candidates also demands an international investigation into post-election violence last week after the election results were announced. VOA'S Paul Ndiho reports
The joint call by 16 opposition candidates also demands an international investigation into post-election violence last week after the election results were announced. VOA'S Paul Ndiho reports
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Opposition protests in Uganda
Ugandan opposition leaders are stepping up criticism of President Yoweri Museveni's decision to reappoint the country's electoral commission, headed by a close associate, Badru Kiggundu. VOA'S Paul Ndiho has more.
South African Tattoo Artist
A South African tattoo artist has earned international attention for his portrait of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Rob Turner's body art will be showcased in October at one of the world's biggest tattoo conventions in Las Vegas. VOA'S Paul Ndiho has more.
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