Credit: U.S. Department of State, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has denounced the World Bank’s decision to suspend new funding in response to the adoption of a bill criminalising LGBTQ in the country.
Museveni said the World Bank should keep its funds, adding that Uganda will find alternative sources of credit.
It would be recalled that the World Bank said on Tuesday that a new law which imposes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, contradicted its values’
The bank said it would consequently halt new funding for Uganda until it could test measures to prevent discrimination in projects it finances.
It is reported that the World Bank has an existing portfolio of $5.2 billion in Uganda. The projects being implemented with the funds will, however, not be affected.
Recall that earlier this year, the Ugandan government passed an anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) law which includes penalties such as life imprisonment and death for certain acts.
In a statement on Tuesday, the World Bank said: “Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values.
“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-discrimin@tion sit at the heart of our work around the world.
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” the World Bank said.
Museveni in his reaction said that Uganda was trying to reduce its borrowing in any case and would not give in to pressure from foreign institutions.
