The World Bank has suspended new lending to Uganda after the country enacted a harsh law that criminalizes homosexuality and imposes the death penalty for some homosexual acts.
The bank said the law contradicts its core values of eradicating poverty without discrimination and protecting sexual and gender minorities. It also said it was concerned about the impact of the law on its development projects and the people they serve.
“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values,” the lender said in a statement.
“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 bank has sent a team to Uganda to assess the effects of the law on its projects and engage in discussions with the authorities regarding further measures.
“That review determined additional measures are necessary to ensure projects are implemented in alignment with our environmental and social standards. Our goal is to protect sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion in the projects we finance. These measures are currently under discussion with the authorities.”
The organisation said it was pausing all new loans to the country. “No new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested,” World Bank said, adding, “Third-party monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms will significantly increase, allowing us to take corrective action as necessary.”
Uganda has dismissed the move as unjust and hypocritical, saying other countries have similar or worse laws against homosexuality. It also accused the bank of interfering in its internal affairs and violating its sovereignty.
Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations, in a tweet, accused the World Bank of “whimsical behaviour”.
“The values referred to in taking this draconian decision against Uganda are not universal, they are contested. This makes the case for reform of work methods including the board more urgent and pertinent,” said Ayebare.
Ugandan advocates for the LGBTQI community expressed their appreciation for the decision made by the World Bank.
“I support the World Bank move to halt loans and support to the Ugandan government,” Steven Kabuye Co-executive director of Ugandan LGBTQI organization Truth To LGBTQ posted on social media.
“The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 stands against the right of employment and promotes discrimination of employees that belong to the LGBTQI+ community.
The bank’s decision comes after conducting a thorough assessment of its Uganda portfolio over a period of three months. This evaluation was prompted by the recent enactment of a new law by President Yoweri Museveni, which imposes severe punishments, including life sentences and even the death penalty, for engaging in “gay sexual conduct.”
The World Bank’s decision came days after the United Nations’ human rights watchdog was forced out of the country after 18 years.
The UN Human Rights Office said that the new law was “a recipe for systematic violations of the rights of LGBT people & the wider population. It conflicts with the Constitution and international treaties and requires urgent judicial review.”
Uganda passed the law in May 2023, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights groups, activists, and some Western countries, who have threatened or imposed sanctions on Uganda. The law imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”, which includes repeated homosexual acts, homosexual acts involving minors or disabled people, or homosexual acts by people with HIV. It also imposes life imprisonment for “attempted homosexuality” and criminalizes the promotion and funding of LGBTQ rights.
The law has been criticized as a violation of human rights and a serious threat to public health and social cohesion. It has been feared that it will drive people underground, and deter them from accessing essential health services, including HIV testing and treatment.
Relevant articles:
-World Bank suspends lending to Uganda over new anti-LGBTQ law，UPI，8/9/2023
-World Bank Tells Uganda No New Loans Over Anti-Gay Law，star observer，8/10/2023
– World Bank suspends new loans to Uganda over controversial anti-gay law, Fox News, 8/9/2023
– World Bank suspends lending to Uganda over new anti-LGBTQ law, MSN, 8/9/2023
– World Bank says no new funding to Uganda over anti-gay law, The Washington Post, 8/9/2023
– Africa Live: World Bank halts Uganda funding over anti-gay law, BBC News, 8/9/2023
– World Bank halts new loans to Uganda over anti-LGBTQ law, Al Jazeera, 8/9/2023
– World Bank’s decision to halt loans to Uganda over anti-gay law to hurt economy, SABC News, 8/9/2023