By Aggrey Baba
Dr. Martin Ssempa, a popular pastor in Uganda, and cultural defender, has sent a strong message to Africa and the world through the launch of his new book titled “Why Are You Geh?”
The event which occured on April 25, attracted a number of guests including cultural and religious leaders, scholars, policy makers, and students.
It was supported by the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among, who was represented as she attended the funeral of Pope Francis abroad.
In his speech, read by Hon. David Bahati, President Yoweri Museveni, the Guest of Honour, used the occasion to remind Africans to protect their families and culture from external pressures, warning against the infiltration of African values by foreign ideologies disguised as human rights.
Ssempa revealed that writing the book came at a heavy personal cost. “I was hunted, dragged to international courts, insulted and rejected. But I stood firm,” he said, adding the book is not just about him, but rather, an African testimony.
Mrs. Tracey Ssempa, Ssempa’s zungu wife, echoed the same message when recalled the pain their family endured, emotional trauma, threats, and isolation. Yet in the end, she saw divine intervention.
“Only God could make our 33rd wedding anniversary the day we launch this book. The timing is divine,” she said.
Comedian Salvador, who was the MC, described Ssempa as a man who stood alone when others backed away, revealing how lost friends, funding, and platforms, but kept going, adding that the book launch is proof that perseverance pays.
The book draws its title from the viral 2012 TV debate between Dr. Ssempa and LGBTQ activist Pepe Onzima, which has over 37 million YouTube views. But Ssempa says the deeper message of the book is often lost in the online buzz.
A fellow man of God, Pastor Amon Bwengye, in his speech said that Ssempa was originally focused on promoting purity and strong marriages among students.
“He didn’t set out to fight homosexuality. That fight came to him because he was defending family and Christian values,” he said.
The ‘why are you geh’ book looks into how global powers are using aid, media, and diplomacy to pressure African nations into adopting foreign ideologies.
Dr. Ssempa says Uganda is not a “gay killer” as portrayed by some media, but a country simply protecting its heritage.
He called on Africans to wake up and rise, saying: “We are not victims. We are not behind. We are a strong people who must protect our homes from ideological invasion.”
The outspoken Ssempa is not new to controversy being a trained pastor, HIV prevention activist, and founder of Makerere Community Church.
With a background in leadership and public policy, he’s worked for decades to educate youth and defend cultural values and while many disagree with his methods, few can ignore his impact.
Once a key figure in Uganda’s abstinence campaigns, he became known worldwide for his confrontational stance on LGBTQ issues. But beneath the tough skin is a man who believes that his mission is Godly, as he normally says “I fight for truth.”
The launch featured cultural performances by the Ndere Troupe and ended with calls for Africans to own their narrative, with Dr. Ssempa promising more to come, including a second volume and a global book tour. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
