Dr Ruhakana Rugunda told the BBC that all people, gay or otherwise, should get full access to medical treatment.

 

Aid charities warn the new bill will have "disastrous²" effects on the country's response to HIV. 

 

Uganda is a very conservative society where many people oppose homosexuality.

 

Homosexual acts were already illegal in Uganda, but the new law bans the promotion³ of homosexuality and covers lesbians for the first time. 

 

Western governments have condemned⁴ President Yoweri Museveni's decision to approve the bill, which gives life sentences for gay sex and same-sex marriage.

 

The Ugandan authorities sought to give assurances on Tuesday, after several Western nations condemned the signing of the tough new anti-gay law.

 

Mr Rugunda urged gay people to be honest with healthcare workers, particularly when discussing treatment for HIV. 

 

"All people whether they are sexual orientation⁶ as gays or otherwise are at complete liberty to get full treatment and to give full disclosure to their doctors and nurses," he told the BBC.

 

He adds: "And by the way, health workers will live up to their ethics⁷ of keeping confidentiality of their patients."

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