Sam Kutesa, Uganda's corrupt foreign affairs minister and a key spokesperson for President Yoweri "Jail the Gays" Museveni, has been elected to the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly.

In this ceremonial yet prestigious position, Kutesa -- who defends Uganda's draconian anti-gay law and calls homosexuality abhorrent and offensive -- will preside over a body that is regularly addressed by major world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama.

BBC News reports:

It is Africa's turn to make the ceremonial appointment, reports the BBC's UN correspondent Nick Bryant, and Mr. Kutesa represented the continent's unanimous choice. Mr. Kutesa, a lawyer and MP, has been Ugandan minister of foreign affairs since January 2005. In his acceptance speech on Wednesday, Mr. Kutesa said his unanimous election was a sign of trust and confidence in him and a recognition of Uganda's contributions.

Ambassador Samantha Power, the U.S. representative to the United Nations, said in a statement that Kutesa's presidency must not weaken the United Nations' strong commitment to worldwide LGBT equality: