Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has taken to Twitter to assert Uganda's determination to develop independently, with or without the support of the World Bank. Responding to the recent announcement by the World Bank that it would halt new loans to Uganda due to the country's controversial anti-LGBTQ law, Museveni emphasized Uganda's resilience and self-reliance.
Museveni revealed that an official from the World Bank had contacted him to inform him about the suspension of new loan requests from Uganda. In response, he stated firmly that Uganda would continue its development journey without being overly reliant on loans.
In his tweets, President Museveni highlighted past instances where loans were approved by officials behind his back, leading to unnecessary financial burdens for the country. He emphasized that he has since taken measures to ensure loans are approved only with his explicit consent.
The president expressed confidence in Uganda's economic growth, despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. He revealed that the country is banking on its oil production, set to begin in 2025, as a means to finance its economic activities.
Museveni also addressed the controversy surrounding Uganda's anti-LGBTQ law, insisting that Uganda's principles and sovereignty will not be compromised by external pressures, including financial coercion from the World Bank. He clarified that the law targets actions that go beyond personal orientation, such as recruiting or coercing others into homosexuality.
While acknowledging ongoing discussions with the World Bank to avoid potential divergences, Museveni affirmed that Uganda will not be swayed by outside pressure when solving its societal issues. He emphasized that Uganda is open to addressing any residual illogicalities in the law and will rely on its internal mechanisms to find solutions.
The World Bank's decision to suspend loans to Uganda over the anti-LGBTQ law has sparked a national conversation about sovereignty, self-reliance, and human rights. As President Museveni's tweets reflect, Uganda's response to this decision is rooted in its determination to chart its own course while engaging in productive dialogue with international institutions.
