The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has spoken out for the first time following a social media storm over allegations that its Deputy Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ojatum Joseph, has been involved in acts of homosexuality.
The controversy erupted earlier this week after widely circulated posts on WhatsApp and Facebook claimed that Mr. Ojatum had engaged in homosexual acts, sparking heated debate in Teso sub-region and beyond.
The viral messages triggered anger among some sections of the public while others demanded an official statement from the cultural leadership.
Responding to the uproar, ICU’s leadership on Friday released a statement through the Deputy Minister for Information, read on behalf of ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole.
The statement expressed deep concern over the nature of the allegations and the way they had spread on social media platforms without verification.
“We note with concern the messages being circulated on social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp and Facebook, accusing our Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ojatum Joseph, of engaging in acts of homosexuality,” the ICU statement read.
The Prime Minister’s office clarified that no formal complaint or evidence had yet been submitted to the cultural institution to justify launching any official inquiry.
“We wish to clarify that no formal complaint has yet been registered with our office to warrant the initiation of official investigations,” said Mr. Ocole in the statement.
Nonetheless, the ICU leadership acknowledged the seriousness of the claims and announced that it would begin a preliminary review of the matter in collaboration with security agencies.
“We therefore urge members of the public to remain calm and to refrain from sharing unverified information, as the ICU leadership, in collaboration with security agencies, is commencing to review the matter,” the statement continued.
The ICU also invited anyone with genuine evidence or complaints to report the matter formally, both to the ICU offices and to the Uganda Police.
This, the institution argued, would ensure that any investigations would be conducted transparently, fairly, and in accordance with the law.
“We appeal to any individuals with genuine concerns to present their complaints in person at the ICU office and to report the matter to the Uganda Police to allow lawful and transparent investigations,” said Mr. Ocole.
While addressing the controversy, ICU used the opportunity to firmly restate its stance on homosexuality.
The institution underscored that it upholds the cultural values of the Iteso people and aligns with the legal position of the Government of Uganda, where homosexuality remains criminalized.
“As a cultural institution, the ICU upholds and defends the traditional values of the Iteso people. In line with national law, we categorically condemn and reject homosexuality. It remains a criminal offense under the laws of Uganda, and anyone found to be in violation will be subject to the due process of the law,” the statement declared.
However, the ICU also warned against misuse of social media to spread potentially false, defamatory, or malicious accusations.
The leadership cautioned the public to avoid damaging the reputation of individuals and the institution itself through speculation and rumor-mongering.
“While we respect the freedoms of speech and expression, we also caution the public against spreading false or malicious unverified claims targeting the institution’s image,” said the ICU.
The cultural body concluded its statement by appealing for calm and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure that any investigations into the matter proceed in a fair, objective, and lawful manner.
“We call for cooperation with law enforcement agencies to allow investigations to proceed in a fair, objective, and lawful manner,” said Mr. Ocole on behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Ocole.
The controversy has highlighted the sensitive nature of cultural, legal, and social attitudes toward homosexuality in Uganda, where the practice remains illegal under the Penal Code.
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was passed in 2023, has also increased penalties for same-sex acts and for those found guilty of “promoting” homosexuality.
While some social media users demanded Mr. Ojatum’s resignation pending investigations, others cautioned against a rush to judgment, warning that false accusations can be used as a weapon in political and cultural rivalries.
As of press time, Mr. Ojatum Joseph had not personally responded publicly to the allegations.
ICU officials declined to say whether he had been summoned for questioning or whether any formal internal disciplinary procedures were being planned, pending the outcome of the review with security agencies.
Local leaders and residents have also weighed in, with some elders calling for respect for due process and cultural values, and others warning that careless handling of such allegations can divide communities and damage reputations irreparably.
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I have no comment as of now
Indeed rushing into unverified issues will show a high level of immaturity, let both internal ICU Committees and Security forces look into this as they guide the public to the root cause of the matter and to the truth.
The matter can be handled in-house to defuse institutional damage. Thus, minister in question may be summoned by the ICU disciplinary body. “Emuria koliai”