David Cameron airejea kauli ya Nyerere kwamba who "controls money also controls politics."

When Mwalimu Nyerere addressed attendants at the President’s Forum in Claremonton California in early 1999 he said: “Unless this (economic liberation) is done, our political independence will always be in danger – who controls money, they say, also controls politics.”

The remarks made by UK Prime Minister David Cameron last week that all recipients of aid from Britain

should respect gay rights prove that what Mwalimu Nyerere was right- he who controls money controls politics.

In Tanzania homosexuality is a criminal offence according to Article 9 section 1 and 3 of the Constitution. Ironically, the law was inherited from the country’s former colony master, Britain, which today asks Tanzania to remove the same law.

Nevertheless, earlier this year, the country, through the Tanzania Film Censorship Board under the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, HYPERLINK "http://allafrica.com/stories/201104290191.html" barred 'Mtoto wa Mama' film amongst other five local films from public showing, explaining that the films were promoting homosexuality, which is a criminal offence in Tanzania.

Premier Cameron’s remarks attracted furious reaction from various individuals, including religious leaders, academicians and government officials from aid recipient countries. Here are just some:

Prof. Mwesiga Baregu (Political Science and Public Administration lecturer at Saint Augustine University):

The statement made by British Prime Minister Cameron reveals either his naivete or outright unfitness for the position he holds. It was blatantly arrogant, offensive and inflammatory.

This can only be counterproductive politically, in terms of damaging the Commonwealth and diplomatically in terms of souring relations with African and other non-western countries. Nevertheless it is a timely and unfortunately badly needed rude wake-up call for all African leaders who have adopted begging as part of the regular diplomatic agenda.

Even resource rich countries such as Tanzania spend lots of time and energy honing and fine-tuning their begging skills instead of fortifying and sharpening their negotiation skills. I hope that lesson will not be lost on all of us; for it proves, once again, the old adage - he who pays the piper calls the tune! Aid is AIDS. Wake up Africa, you are being ....!! 

Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Bernard Membe

“Tanzania is ready to end diplomatic ties with Britain if it imposes conditions on the assistance it provides to pressurize for adoption of laws that recognize homosexuality.

The UK’s demands are contrary to Tanzania’s cultural traditions and laws. We cannot be directed by the United Kingdom to do things that are against our set laws, culture and regulations.

We are guided by our tradition. We have families of a mother, a father and children. What Cameron is doing might lead to the collapse of the Commonwealth”

Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohammed Shein

“The condition of accepting homosexuality conflicts Zanzibar’s ideals and Islamic religion thus it is simply not acceptable. To us here in Zanzibar that is next to impossible.

We can not compromise our deeply rooted culture or doing something which completely against our religion…… Let them cut off aid.”

Polycarp Cardinal Pengo (Archbishop of Dar es Salaam in the Catholic Church)

Homosexuality is a curse before God and as a religious leader, there is no way I can support the practice.

This country is rich in natural resources such that there is no point to be bulldozed and culturally distorted for the sake of aid. If the available resources would be well managed and utilized, we can sufficiently meet the country’s financial needs

Archbishop Valentino Mokiwa, head of Anglican Church

“Homosexuality is an unacceptable practice among African societies.”

Archbishop Dr Alex Malasusa, head of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT)

“Allowing homosexuality is like justifying Sodom and Gomorra that were both wiped out by God, according to the Bible.

Mufti Issa bin Shaaban Simba

“We Africans, just like any other human beings, have our own culture and tradition as well as our own religions and beliefs which we are entitled to respect and protect them as well.”

UK High Commissioner to Tanzania Diane Louise Corner

‘I think the Prime Minister’s words have been taken out of context. The UK will not enforce such conditionality in Tanzania nor will it suspend development aid to the country.

The assessment on aid eligibility is done on other aspects as well, such as government’s commitment to poverty reduction and reaching other millennium goals, improving public welfare, and the accountability to the citizens it serves.

“Now, in regard to such criteria, Tanzania is doing ‘pretty good’ that it doesn’t make sense to simply say UK would cut the aid for just one unfulfilled aspect. Even other indexes such as that of Mo Ibrahim, shows Tanzania is doing very well on human rights.”

Uganda’s Ugandan presidential adviser, John Nagenda to BBC’s newshour programme

“UK is showing some “bullying mentality. Uganda is, if you remember, a sovereign state and we are tired of being given these lectures by other people.”

If they must take their money, so be it. Ugandans are tired of these lectures and should not be treated like children.

Ghanaian President John Atta Mills

“Mr Cameron was entitled to his views, but he did not have the right to direct other sovereign nations as to what they should do.

Ghana's societal norms differ from those of the UK, and as the country’s president, I will never initiate or support any attempt to legalize homosexuality in Ghana.

Accra State House communications chief, Koku Anyidoho, supported his boss saying: “The government would not compromise its morals for money.”