Saturday, February 5, 2011

Ugandan police have announced the arrest of a 22-year-old man who they say confessed to killing gay rights activist David Kato

In a news conference at which suspect Enock Nsubuga was presented to the media, authorities said he admitted using a hammer to bludgeon Kato to death. The head of Uganda's national police, Kale Kayihura, said in the capital, Kampala, that Nsubuga was an ex-convict who had been working in Kato's garden at the time of the activist's death. After being detained, Nsubuga admitted to killing Kato and explained why he did so, according to Kayihura. According to the suspect, Kato, 46, promised to pay Nsubuga money for having sex with him. But Kato never followed through. An angered Nsubuga told police that he then took a hammer from the bathroom and fatally beat Kato. Kayihura said he believes the attack was not a hate crime, as has been widely reported, but rather stemmed primarily from Nsubuga's desire to get money from Kato. The police chief denounced elements within the public, as well as the media, for reports that he claimed had fueled aggression against Uganda's homosexual community. He specifically mentioned a report from Rolling Stone - a Ugandan tabloid - that published a list late in 2010 of the African nation's "top 100 homosexuals" with their photos, addresses and a banner with the words "Hang Them." Kato's name and picture were on the list. Nsubuga had a long criminal history, including being jailed recently for stealing a cell phone, police said. According to neighbors, Nsubuga was last seen leaving the activist's house. Kato was found dead the following day. Homosexuality is illegal in most countries in Africa. In Uganda, homosexual acts are punishable by 14 years to life in prison, according to rights activists. Even with Nsubuga's arrest and alleged confession, as well as the earlier detainment of Kato's driver, the police chief said that the murder investigation is continuing.

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