Fine for Ugandan radio gay show

Uganda recognises freedom of expression, the minister said

A radio station in Uganda has been forced to pay a fine for hosting homosexuals in a live talk show.

The Ugandan Broadcasting Council fined Radio Simba over $1,000 and ordered it to make a public apology.

The programme is "contrary to public morality and is not in compliance with the existing law," the council's chairman, Godfrey Mutabazi, said.

Information Minister Nsaba Buturo defended the measure saying Ugandans wanted to uphold "God's moral values".

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda.

Public morality

We are not going to give them the opportunity to recruit others Nsaba Buturo Ugandan Information Minister

Mr Buturo told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme that the show in August had committed a criminal offence by telling listeners that homosexuality was "an acceptable way of life".

The minister said the authorities would not try to prosecute the homosexuals who took part in the show, but "we are not going to give them the opportunity to recruit others".

In a statement, the Broadcasting Council said the radio station defied the country's Electronic Media Act, which prohibits any broadcasting that is contrary to public morality.

It said Radio Simba also contravened Uganda's Penal Code Act, which stipulates that homosexuality is illegal in the country.