Homosexuality: Counter accusations among Ugandan pastors

But as the country continues with heated debates on the subject, some claim that homosexuality has moved from a social debate into a political weapon.

On Tuesday, Robert Kayanja, a pastor of one of the most successful evangelical churches, was singled out by another pastor, Solomon Male, as a homosexual.

Early this week, Male gave a one week ultimatum to church leaders in the country to investigate, denounce and pronounce Kayanja as persona non grata among pastors.

“I have given you all one week to think about what can be done and set up the inquiry,” he warned.

Male threatened that if Kayanja was not excommunicated from the church he will “spill the beans”.

“I will bring all the evidence I have…But it will be a great shame when I release it not only for Kayanja but for those who have always known that he has a disease called indulgence in sodomy but simply timidly chose to keep quiet,” he said.

But Kayanja’s supporters claim that it is a witch-hunt by less successful pastors because of his immense success and congregations he commands.

Kayanje was not available for comment, but an aide said he had decided not to respond to the allegations.

But Kayanja is not the only church leader accused of homosexuality, a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison in the East African country.

More than 10 pastors and several Catholic priests have also fallen prey to accusations of homosexuality, although, according to a police spokesperson, Bob Namaye, “there has been no evidence to incriminate any of them”.