Pastor Martin Ssempa has launched a new book titled Why Are You Geh?, a provocative 500-page manifesto that positions itself as both a personal memoir and a cultural defence of the traditional African family.
The book, also available on Amazon, was unveiled on April 25 at Hotel Africana in Kampala before an audience of religious and cultural leaders, policymakers, scholars, and students.
The launch event, sponsored by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among—who was away in Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral—was headlined by a message from President Museveni.
Delivered by Minister of Trade David Bahati, the President’s speech urged Ugandans to resist foreign ideologies he said threaten Africa’s family structures and cultural foundations.
Pr Ssempa, a long-time Pentecostal preacher and activist, used the moment to thank President Museveni for what he called “unwavering support in the patriotic struggle to protect our values.”
He recounted the personal costs behind writing the book, including public hostility, loss of sponsorships, and legal threats.
“I began writing this book when I was being hunted down for standing up for God’s values, our culture, and our nation’s policies,” Ssempa told attendees.
“This book is not only the vindication of me and my family but the vindication of all of us.”
Comedian Patrick Salvador Idringi, who served as master of ceremonies, described Ssempa as “a one-man army” whose persistence had brought the controversial book to life.
“He has lost money, lost friends, lost favour—but he kept on going,” Salvador said.
Tracey Ssempa, the author’s wife, offered a rare glimpse into the family’s internal toll.
“There were times of separation and emotional terror,” she said.
“But the God who is a Master Planner chose today—our 33rd wedding anniversary—to let this book be born.”
The book’s title references a 2012 television debate between Ssempa and LGBTQ advocate Pepe Julian Onziema on NBS TV, in which Ssempa posed the now-famous question, “Why are you geh?”
The clip has since gone viral, amassing more than 37 million views on YouTube.
But Ssempa said the public fixation on the moment obscures the deeper ideological battle that inspired the book.
In Why Are You Geh?, Ssempa argues that the global LGBTQ movement is being used as a vehicle to impose foreign values on African societies through media, donor aid, and diplomacy.
He outlines what he calls five vulnerable sectors—education, family, culture, church, and international relations—and presents the book as both diagnosis and remedy.
“This is not about hate,” Ssempa insisted. “It is about defending our children. Uganda is not a ‘gay killer’—we are a people protecting our culture from ideological evasion.”
Pastor Amon Bwengye, one of the speakers at the launch, recalled Ssempa’s earlier work on HIV prevention and student mentorship.
“He didn’t set out to fight homosexuality. That came as a result of defending marriage, purity and the Christian family.”
The event featured performances by the Ndere Troupe, celebrating Ugandan music and dance in what organisers described as a cultural reaffirmation.
Ssempa said the book is a rallying cry not only for Ugandans but for all Africans grappling with global cultural shifts.
“Sometimes you shall be tested alone,” he said.
“You will be forced to make huge sacrifices, but never fear—because the God we serve is also the God of resurrection.”
The book is now available for purchase in Uganda via +256 772641028 and internationally on Amazon.
Ssempa announced plans for a global tour to promote the book and hinted at a forthcoming second volume.