The Ugandan president has signed into law a piece of legislation under which homosexuals could be jailed for life.
Yoweri Museveni: the West has tried to impose its social values. Photo: AFP
It also outlaws the promotion of homosexuality, although its architects dropped a death-penalty clause to ensure its passage through the legislature.
President Yoweri Museveni signed the bill in front of journalists, saying the issue of homosexuality has been provoked by arrogant western groups.
"We have been disappointed for a long time by the conduct of the West, but we just keep quiet," he said. "There's
now an attempt at social imperialism - to impose social values of one group on our society."
A spokesperson says Mr Museveni wanted to approve the law in front of foreign media in order to demonstrate Uganda's independence "in the face of Western pressure and provocation".
Gay activists in Uganda say the passage of the legislation will go down as one of the worst events in the country's history. The American president, Barack Obama, says it's a step backwards for all Ugandans.