Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) has slammed the 2 May prayer crusade by Ugandan religious leaders, aiming to fight what they call “vices eating away our society”, among others, homosexuality, witchcraft and human sacrifice.

Spearheaded by religious groups, Call Ministries and other Pentecostal congregations, SMUG says the crusade, to which all “Peace Loving Ugandans” have been invited to, could be back up used by government to argue that the Anti-homosexuality Bill is what Ugandans want.

“The crusade could cause incalculable damage as it is designed to label homosexuality as a vice in Uganda and could incite people to fight against this ‘vice’”, SMUG said in a statement.

The organisation further stated, “This crusade could have the same kind of impact that the March 2009 anti-gay conference had in Uganda. Scott Lively, Cale Lee Brundidge and Don Schmierer reinforced the desire of some religious leaders to persuade the government to create laws which would eliminate homosexuality from the nation. Eventually the Anti-Homosexuality Bill was introduced in the Parliament of Uganda.”

Asked if LGBTI Ugandans have been invited, Val Kalende of SMUG said “Any LGTBI person in their right mind will not attend the prayer given the nature of the topics that will be discussed. Everyone has the right to worship, but the problem about this prayer meeting is that it could revive the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.”

The Call Uganda is expected to take place at the Makerere University Sports Fields in Kampala and Apostle Jackson Ssenyonga, says “This is very good and God is doing something wonderful in our country.”

He added “I would encourage all of us leaders to put our weight behind this. This is truly a vision from God.”

According to SMUG, the rate of violence and homophobia has increased drastically in Uganda “Since the Bill was tabled.

Meanwhile media reports indicate that the Ugandan government might be softening up on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, since the cabinet committee has allegedly made recommendations for the Bill to be changed.

Asked for comment JoAnna Watson, coordinator of The Call Ministries said Engle will issue a statement later on.