The World Bank has announced its will to hold back new loans to Uganda over its controversial Anti-Homosexuality Law that was assented to by Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in May this year.
The World Bank on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, said that, it would hold back project financing awaiting an assessment of considerations it introduced to safeguard the outnumbered sexual and gender discriminated people in its projects.
“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Law fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values,” the World Bank statement read.
“We believe our vision to eradicate poverty on a livable planet can only succeed if it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality. This law undermines those efforts. Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world,” the statement read.
The World Bank said that the Anti-Homosexuality Law was not compatible with its principles and therefore, was bothered about its adoption.
The President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga who assumed office in June 2023, was under duress to answer to the law formulation with 170 civic groups advocating for distinct, solid and prompt actions as well as holding back future lending to Uganda.
However, the World Bank reassured that, it will not hesitate to provide assistance to Uganda though it has halted its financing.
“The World Bank Group has a longstanding and productive relationship with Uganda and we remain committed to helping all Ugandans without exception, escape poverty, access vital services and improve their lives,” the World Bank noted.
The passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Law received castigation from several human rights organizations all over the world.
“The imposition of the death penalty for same sex intimacy including so-called serial Homosexuality is an egregious violation of human rights,” the UN experts said.
Following the signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill by the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the United States also imposed travel restrictions on Ugandan officials.
President Museveni referred to homosexuality as a psychological disorder and requested Africa to provide the lead to save the world from the degeneration and decadence which he termed as very dangerous for humanity.
“If people of opposite the sex stop appreciating one another then how will the human race be propagated,” the President wondered.
President Museveni assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Law 2023 on Monday, May 29, 2023.
