World Bank suspends new loans to Uganda
The World Bank Group on Tuesday announced it has suspended new loans to Uganda in response to the country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act. “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,” reads a statement the World Bank released. “This law undermines those efforts.
Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world.” “Immediately after the law was enacted, the World Bank deployed a team to Uganda to review our portfolio in the context of the new legislation,” it says. “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 statement notes “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.” “Third-party monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms will significantly increase, allowing us to take corrective action as necessary,” reads the statement. “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 law that President Yoweri Museveni signed on May 29 contains a death penalty provision for “aggravated homosexuality.” A press release the World Bank issued in 2020 notes it “has
