In a significant move, the World Bank Group announced on Tuesday the suspension of new public financing to Uganda, citing the country’s recent enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
The decision comes as a response to mounting pressure from human rights organizations and members of the United States Congress, who called for a halt to loans in light of the controversial legislation.
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni on May 29, 2023, criminalizes same-sex conduct and introduces severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” This has drawn widespread condemnation from both domestic and international quarters.
The World Bank’s decision was motivated by a stark contradiction between Uganda’s new law and the bank’s core values of combating poverty without discrimination. The bank emphasized its commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination, asserting that these principles are essential to their global efforts.
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Following the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, the World Bank swiftly dispatched a team to Uganda to review its ongoing projects in light of the new legislation.
While additional measures to safeguard against discrimination and exclusion are being discussed with Ugandan authorities, the bank made it clear that no new public financing will be presented for approval until the effectiveness of these measures has been assessed.
The move has been applauded by advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, who view the World Bank’s decision as a step toward ensuring human rights and equality in international development projects.
The bank’s commitment to holding projects to their environmental and social standards, coupled with the promise of enhanced third-party monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms, aims to protect sexual and gender minorities from discrimination.
As tensions continue to mount over Uganda’s controversial law, the World Bank’s suspension of funding underscores the international community’s unwavering commitment to upholding fundamental human rights and promoting inclusivity in development efforts.
