On Wednesday, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni stated that Uganda will develop without loans after the World Bank announced suspending funding over its controversial anti-gay bill.
Speaking on Twitter, Museveni has accused the World Bank of using money to try to "coerce" the government over its controversial anti-gay legislation.
Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu.
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) August 9, 2023
Greetings. Things are moving well in Uganda in spite of the corruption of some Public Servants and some elements of the political class.
Last night, an official from the World Bank rang me to alert me about the statement from that Bank… pic.twitter.com/vCJMUcD7CZ
The World Bank, on Tuesday, announced pausing the approval for new public finance projects in Uganda over the bill criminalizing same-sex conduct.
Did you read this?
“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values,” World Bank said.
Further, the lender added that “no new public financing,” would be presented to the bank’s board of directors for approval for the time being.
The action was taken in response to demands from human rights organisations and US Congressmen to take a more aggressive stance against Kampala about the law, among the toughest of its kind in the world.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 in Uganda has clauses that make "aggravated homosexuality" a capital offence and that can result in life in prison for consensual same-sex relationships.
However, Museveni said Uganda continued discussions with the World Bank "so that they and we avoid this diversion if possible".
According to AFP, Uganda's Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi also confirmed that consultations were ongoing with the World Bank.
"However, the World Bank and others should be reminded that Uganda is a sovereign country, which takes decisions in the interests of her people, and this is the spirit of the Anti-Homosexuality Act."
After the declaration on Tuesday, the World Bank awarded cash to Uganda's health ministry, reiterating that no one should be refused access to medical care in a circular.
Healthcare professionals were instructed in the statement "not to discriminate or stigmatise any individual who seeks health care for any reason, including gender, religion, tribe, economic or social status, or sexual orientation."
Rights activists have expressed worries that, in the wake of the new law, medical professionals would report to the police LGBTQ those seeking medical attention or that patients might be reluctant to visit hospitals for fear of being stigmatised.
