THE World Bank has declared it will no longer make new loans available to Uganda following the African country’s new laws on Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (anti-LGBTQ) persons.
Only three months ago, President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, signed into the law a life imprisonment sentence for such sexual acts and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” partly explained as sexual intercourse if one is HIV-positive.
In view of the measures the World Bank had taken to safeguard the rights of sexual and gender minorities within its projects, it had announced, on Wednesday, that will now suspend new loans to Uganda.
“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.
“This law undermines those efforts. Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world,” the World Bank said in a statement on Wednesday.
The World Bank insisted, though, that despite the suspended loan, they were still invested in rendering aid to the African nation.
“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 World Bank said.
President Museveni famously referred to homosexuality as a “psychological disorder,” a comment which has not been taken lightly by the LGBTQ community.
Despite widespread criticism from abroad, Museveni had remained adamant on the new laws against LGBTQ in Uganda.
