The World Bank has claimed that a new anti-gay law conflicts with its core values and that as a result, it is stopping new loans to Uganda.
In Uganda, homosexual acts were already illegal, but as of May 2023, anyone found guilty could now receive a life sentence.
All Ugandans, without exception, will receive assistance from the World Bank to “escape poverty, access essential services, and improve their lives,” according to the bank.
Uganda criticized the World Bank’s action as being unfair and hypocritical.
The action was described as extremely “draconian” by its ambassador to the UN.
Ambassador Adonia Ayebare stated in a tweet that it was time to reconsider the World Bank’s operations and board decisions.
The Anti-Homosexuality Law stipulates that in “aggravated cases,” such as having gay sex with a minor or being infected with a chronic illness like HIV, the offender faces the death penalty.
The World Bank said in a statement on Tuesday that the law “fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values” after sending a team to Uganda in May.
The statement noted that its vision “includes everyone, regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.”.
As a result, the World Bank declared that “no new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors” until a review of the effectiveness of new measures put up in the context of the new legislation was completed.
Okello Oryem, Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, questioned whether the World Bank’s decision was consistent with that of other nations in response to its announcement.
According to Reuters, she claimed that “there are many Middle East countries who do not tolerate homosexuals, they actually hang and execute homosexuals,” she said, according to Reuters news agency.
“In the US many states have passed laws that are either against or restrict activities of homosexuality… so why pick on Uganda?”
Campaign groups in Uganda have filed legal actions to have the law struck down because they believe it to be discriminatory and to violate the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
But the start date of the hearings is still unknown.
In addition to the US, the World Bank has imposed sanctions on Uganda because of its anti-homosexuality law.
Source-BBC
