Kampala  - A Ugandan official said Friday that the country will not bow to international pressure to ease its laws against homosexuals, but that it will instead make such laws even tougher.

Ethics and Integrity Minister James Nsaba Buturo also told a news conference that the East African state has instructed its ambassador at the United Nations to oppose any countries that may try to force it to legalize gay activities.

"Yesterday, I spoke to (Uganda's UN)ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda and reminded him of Uganda's position, which opposes legalization of homosexuality. It is the duty of Ugandans to be vigilant because agents of immorality are busy using all lies and deceptions to hurt our society," the tough-talking minister told reporters.

The Ugandan government has been under increasing pressure from several international and local organizations to stop harassing homosexuals.

Same-sex relationships and marriages are illegal in Uganda and a person found guilty can be sentenced to life imprisonment. But no person has ever been convicted of same-sex relations in the country's courts.

Nsaba Buturo said Uganda was being pressed "to allow gay rights."

"Many lies are being peddled. Such lies include foolish claims that some people are born as homosexuals. They are busy enticing Ugandans to join them. This is causing great concern among Ugandans," he said.

Uganda's population is believed to include several tens of thousands homosexuals. They have recently featured in the country's national press, urging the government to restore their rights.

The current anti-gay laws are weak as it is not easy to successfully prosecute culprits. But the government is drafting tougher legislation to curb the practice, Nsaba Buturo said. dpa