Hon Minister of Ethics are you criminalizing breastfeeding in Uganda

Kampala; April 12, 2013

Hon Minister of Ethics I am Wondering….

I watched a local talk show (On the Spot) hosted by one Patrick Kamara on a local television – NTV; in which the Hon. Minister for Ethics, Rev Fr. Lokode defended without tiring a bill that has provoked wide spread response from within and outside of Uganda; The Anti-Pornography Bill 2011.

For a moment, I thought the minister had appeared on the television to ersatz Ugandans but hell no, he was very serious about what he was saying. So, I wondered further whether the Hon Minister believed in what he was saying or that he was simply seeking to fulfill his mandate of being Hon Minister of Ethics and creating visibility for that ministry.

I wondered more on the intentions of this bill and he was quick to mention that among other things, he wants to protect the women; from what Mr Minster Sir? Why wouldn't you deal with the “what” first? The concern for women of Uganda lies in fact that 16 of them will die off today before the sun sets while trying to give life. It is unethical for 16 women to die in Uganda while giving life – “save mothers giving life” as opposed to saving women from some imaginary fear residing in your spirit because the women will be raped and defiled even if they wore an hijap. Dealing with rapists and defilers would be a lot easier for your ministry as opposed to curtailing women’s and men’s dressing, dancing, gesturing etc. I am actually wondering Hon Minister Sir, what explanation you would give to women and girls on 6 months old babies, 3 years old children defiled some times by their own fathers, uncles, neighbors and so forth.

On the face of it, as if the bill is being made for city dwellers only; what about the women in the countryside? Hon Minister, do you realize that your bill is actually criminalizing breast feeding by our mothers?  - The one single most important sex role women play to facilitate their gender role. For in your definition of pornography, you ably described it as the exposure of breasts, thighs and genitalia. The benefits of breast feeding to new-born in their first 730 days of life are enormous and women will breastfeed in their gardens, in the bus, home, office etc.

I think that your moral assault is seriously misguided  Hon Minister because the corruption trajectory in this country is going up and sure corruption at this point in time would be your priority – I could for sure understand your frustration if your ministry came up with a bill castrating all those implicated in stealing of government money. Once again, I feel that you are choosing to go for the soft target – women’s and men’s bodies as opposed to dealing with the criminal mind.

Lastly, I am wondering Hon Minister, how do you intend to enforce this law? We already have the penal code section 166, the UCC act and many others. Where do you draw your example in this region on the existence of such? Which precedence do you want to set? I think that legislation based on moral grounds as opposed to evidence based legislation go no further. I must admit that I am yet to read the bill, but I make these observations after watching this passionate Hon Minister.