By Nita Bhalla

NAIROBI, Jan 13 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The United Nations has called for LGBT+ Ugandans to be treated with respect and dignity, following homophobic remarks by some politicians, including the president, ahead of Thursday's polls.

Sexual minorities face widespread persecution in Uganda, where gay sex is punishable by life imprisonment, and LGBT+ rights groups fear politicians exploiting anti-gay sentiment to win votes could stoke fresh attacks on the community.

Campaigning ahead of Thursday's vote has been marred by brutal crackdowns on opposition rallies that have left more than 50 dead, and the repeated intimidation and arrest of some opposition candidates, their supporters and campaign staff.

In an interview with Britain's Channel 4 News on Friday, Museveni repeated remarks made in a November rally that the opposition was receiving support from foreign LGBT+ groups.

"In Europe, you promote them. You promote homosexuality. You think homosexuality is an alternative way of life," Museveni told Channel 4 News.

"While for us here, we think it is a deviation."

LGBT+ Ugandans say local politicians have also been using anti-gay remarks to stir up hatred and win votes by making pledges to eradicate homosexuality in Uganda.

"These remarks and the generally tense atmosphere in the country has made me fearful to go out and vote," said a 32-year-old gay Ugandan man, who declined to be named. "We know when these politicians say anti-gay things, people come after us."

It is not unusual for harassment of LGBT+ Ugandans to spike following homophobic remarks by politicians. Read more via Reuters