Makindye Court [in Kampala] on Thursday remanded a British national to Luzira Prison for staging a ‘controversial’ play titled The River and the Mountain. The play is suspected to be promoting gay relationships in the country.

Cecil David Edward Hugh was accused of staging the play, contrary to sections 117 of the Penal Code Act.

Hugh is alleged to have screened the play on August 17 at Tilapia Cultural Centre in Bunga [a Kampala Suburb], and also between 25th – 26th August at Mish Mash Cultural Centre in Kololo, also a Kampala Suburb.

Prosecution submitted that the Media Council had issued him a notice on August 16, stopping the staging of the play before getting clearance.

Hugh, accompanied by his lawyer, appeared in Court along with three sureties but was denied bail because one of the sureties did not have a local council letter. The state prosecutor told court that Cecil should not be granted bail because one of the sureties did not have proper documents. The magistrate, Esther Nambayo, remanded Cecil until yesterday September 17th when he was released on a cash bail of UGX 500.000 [$US 200]. Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and is punishable under section 145 of the Penal Code Act as a crime against morality. Chief Magistrate Esther Nambayo granted bail to Cecil after he fulfilled all bail requirements. His passport was retained.

mosesbertm@yahoo.com
In Uganda