The World Bank Group has announced a suspension of public financing to Uganda in response to the country's recent adoption of the Anti-Homosexuality law. This decision follows President Yoweri Museveni's signing of the bill criminalizing homosexual activities earlier this year. The World Bank's move, aimed at safeguarding the rights of sexual and gender minority groups, reflects the lender's commitment to its principles of inclusion and non-discrimination.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the World Bank expressed concern that Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the values at the core of the institution's mission. The lender emphasized that its vision to combat poverty and promote development is contingent on the inclusion of all individuals regardless of their race, gender, or sexuality.
The decision comes after the World Bank conducted a review of its portfolio in Uganda in the wake of the law's enactment. This review revealed that additional measures are necessary to ensure that the projects financed by the World Bank adhere to the lender's environmental and social standards.
The World Bank's statement affirmed its commitment to protect sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion within the projects it supports. The institution indicated that discussions with Ugandan authorities are ongoing regarding the implementation of these measures.
The World Bank's move is also seen as a response to pressure from various quarters, including the U.S Congress, which had called for a halt to new loans for Uganda until the anti-homosexuality legislation was repealed. U.S President Joe Biden had previously warned Uganda of potential economic sanctions if the controversial law remained in place.
As part of its response, the World Bank plans to increase third-party monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms to ensure that corrective actions can be taken as needed. This suspension of financing highlights the significant impact of international institutions on shaping countries' policies and underscores the global attention to issues related to human rights and equality.
