Father sets fire to son’s property due to allegations that he is gay in Mpigi

In a tragic turn of events in Bulyasi Village, Lwanga Parish, Mpigi Town Council, Mpigi district, a father, Edward Kitandwe, reportedly set his son’s property ablaze amid allegations of homosexuality.

The son, Nicholas Kiweema Kitandwe, 38, is accused of engaging in and promoting homosexual activities, deemed illegal in Uganda.

The incident, which occurred on a distressing day, shook the local community and drew attention to the complexities surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and familial relationships in Uganda.

It is alleged that Nicholas Kiweema had been discreetly involved in homosexual acts for a prolonged period, unbeknownst to his family until rumours reached his father through his associates.

On October 16, 2022, Edward Kitandwe took the matter to the Mpigi Central Police Station, filing a case against his son for public nuisance, file number SD: Ref. 27/16/10/22, citing homosexuality.

Despite the legal recourse, efforts to apprehend Nicholas Kiweema proved futile as he eluded authorities by hiding in undisclosed locations.

The situation took a drastic turn when Edward Kitandwe discovered through acquaintances that his son had departed to a foreign country, perceived to be accommodative of homosexuals.

The revelation further strained the already fraught relationship between father and son.

Family tensions peaked on August 13, 2023, when relatives convened a meeting and unanimously decided to disown Nicholas Kiweema due to his perceived transgressions. Guided by family lawyer Musa Bbaale from Bbaale, Lubega and Co. Advocates, the family formalized the disinheritance through a resolution submitted to the commissioner of oaths in Kampala.

Nicholas Kiweema Kitandwe’s expulsion from the family marked a poignant moment, reflecting the deep-rooted societal stigmas attached to homosexuality in Uganda.

Furthermore, it underscores the familial discord and emotional upheaval that often accompany divergent beliefs and values within households.

The repercussions of the familial rift extend beyond emotional distress, as security agencies continue to pursue Nicholas Kiweema Kitandwe should he return to Uganda. His status as a persona non grata within his own family reflects the stark realities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda, where discrimination and persecution remain rampant despite global efforts to promote equality and inclusion.

The harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda and the profound impact of familial rejection on individuals within the community.

Uganda as a country rejected the rights of homosexuals and passed a tough law against the practice which received support from the entire country.