The World Bank has announced its intention to stop new loans to Uganda over the country’s controversial anti-LGBTQ law.
Earlier this year, the Ugandan government passed an anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) law.
The Washington, DC-based lender said on Tuesday it would pause project financing pending a review of measures it introduced to protect sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion in its projects.
The World bank in a statement, said “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.
“Immediately after the law was enacted, the World Bank deployed a team to Uganda to review our portfolio in the context of the new legislation.
“That review determined additional measures are necessary to ensure projects are implemented in alignment with our environmental and social standards.
“Our goal is to protect sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion in the projects we finance. These measures are currently under discussion with the authorities.
“No new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our board of executive directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested.
“Third-party monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms will significantly increase, allowing us to take corrective action as necessary.”
The lender will also increase third-party monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms “allowing us to take corrective action as necessary,”
The World Bank Group, despite its position on the new law, said it still maintains a longstanding and productive relationship with Uganda.
“We remain committed to helping all Ugandans, without exception, escape poverty, access vital services, and improve their lives,” the bank added
Chioma Kalu
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