EU's Buzek urges inquiry into murder of Ugandan gay activist

(BRUSSELS) - The head of the European Parliament on Thursday called for an investigation into the murder of a Ugandan gay rights activist whose name and picture were published in a homophobic tabloid.

"David Kato was a man that fought for the rights of people to live freely regardless of their sexual orientation in Uganda," said parliament president Jerzy Buzek. "I call for the perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice."

"I regret that Uganda is a country where homosexuality is still considered a criminal act," Buzek added in a statement.

Homosexuality is banned in Uganda, which is mulling a harsh new anti-gay bill -- one of the most repressive in the region -- that would usher in the death sentence for acts of "aggravated homosexuality."

The EU parliament has adopted two resolutions against the bill while urging Uganda to decriminalise homosexuality.

"I underline that sexual orientation is a matter falling within the remit of the individual right to privacy in the framework of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms," Buzek added.

Kato, 43, had been pictured and named by a tabloid late last year that called on readers to "hang" gay rights advocates.