Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni ascertained that Uganda would develop with or without the loans from World Bank. This comes shortly after the World Bank suspended new loans to Uganda over its anti-gay law.
Museveni accused the World Bank of using money to coerce the government over its anti-gay law that was passed earlier. According to the US-based global lender, the anti-gay law that was passed in Uganda is one of the harshest laws that directly target LGBTQ communities.
In a statement released by the World Bank, they point out that Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act “fundamentally contradicts” the institution’s values. They therefore would not present any new public financing to the board of directors any time soon.
Museveni later issued a response on X that the country would survive with or without loans. He is also the one who signed the Bill into Law as the president of Uganda.
Museveni’s response to World Bank
“It is therefore unfortunate that the World Bank and other actors dare to want to coerce us into abandoning our faith, culture, principles, and sovereignty, using money … We do not need pressure from anybody to know how to solve problems in our society,” Museveni said.
He however stated that Uganda would continue discussions with the World Bank so that they could avoid the diversion if possible. Uganda’s Information Minister, Chris Baryomunsi confirmed that the consultations with World Bank were ongoing.
He later mentioned that there are other sources of revenue that the country can depend on aside from loans. Museveni pointed out that the country’s oil would start flowing by 2025, which will increase revenue in the country.
“If there is an absolute need for borrowing, there are a number of non-Bretton Woods sources we can borrow,” said the statement.
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Alongside the World Bank, foreign governments, global rights groups, and the United Nations have condemned the new anti-gay law passed in Uganda. According to the law, “aggravated homosexuality” has been made a capital offence. In addition to that, penalties for consensual same-sex marriages have been imposed for up to life in prison.
The Anti-Gay Law
After the signing of the bill into law, US President, Joe Biden called for an immediate repeal of the law. He termed it as a “tragic violation of universal human rights,” and threatened to sanction aid and investment to Uganda.
Despite the threats of sanctions and withdrawal of funding, the country still remains defiant on its law. According to the legislation, they have support from the conservative majority in the country who belong to the Christian community. Lawmakers have equally defended their decision as a necessary stance against Western immorality.
Among the rights campaigners’ concerns in regard to the new law, was that the healthcare providers could report members of the LGBTQ community who are seeking medical care. This would mean, therefore, that people would fear going to the hospital at the risk of being stigmatised.
The President additionally pointed out that “merely being a homosexual is not targeted by this law. It is going from being a homosexual to recruit and coerce others into your deviance, that is targeted by the law.”
“The World Bank and others should be reminded that Uganda is a sovereign country, which takes decisions in the interest of her people, and this is the spirit of the Anti-Homosexuality Act,” said the President.
Read Also: World Bank Discontinues Loans to Uganda Over Anti-Gay Act
