Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Who is this Okaka Obina? It appears we share the same name—I’m Abdul Okaka and comment regularly on Radio Netherlands and NRC Handelsblad websites.

As an African, I think this law is repulsive. Why not just let people be for heaven’s sake. We are all human beings and should seek to protect one another. While I would certainly not describe myself as an advocate for the gay cause, I dare say that statements such as “homosexuality is un-African” are not only unhelpful but outright wrong.

Homosexuality has prevailed in several cultures through the centuries.
In the Islamic North of Nigeria, the yan-Daoudous are known to be effeminate men who sometimes sleep with other men. The culture there tolerated them, even with Islam. But these days, they appear to be frowned upon.

Uganda should let its homosexual and lesbians be. There is no such thing as one African culture. Africa is too diverse to be united by a single set of ideologies. Note that while I would not teach my kids that it is okay to be gay, if they opt for such a lifestyle, they would remain who they are—my kids and I will accept them that way.