KAMPALA, Uganda, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The minister conducting the funeral of a gay activist outraged mourners when he said homosexuals would go to hell, officials in Uganda said.
The minister made the comment at the funeral of David Kato, 46, who was beaten to death in his home this week near the capital, Kampala, CNN reported.
Sympathizers rushed the pulpit and grabbed the microphone when the pastor said homosexuals would "go to hell."
Another minister concluded the funeral as police escorted the first minister from the service.
A tabloid newspaper last year printed Kato's name and photograph on its cover under a banner that read: "Hang them."
A statement from U.S. President Barak Obama was read at the funeral, condemning his killing.
Police arrested Kato's driver as a suspect in his death and were looking for an ex-convict who was staying with him at the time of his death.
Police said robbery might have been a motive in Kato's death, but rights activists said he was a victim of homophobia.
"I don't think it's a coincidence that it happened ... he had got threats over and again," said human rights activist Naomi Ruzindana.
