World Bank boss Ajay Banga
The World Bank on Tuesday said it has halted new financing to Uganda following the adoption of the anti-homosexuality act, an official statement has said.
The Britton Woode Institution says the anti-homosexuality act contradicts its values which includes eradicating poverty irrespective of race, gender or sexuality.
A statement issued by the World Bank on Tuesday (8 August) said no new public financing to Uganda will be presented to its board of executive directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested.
“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,” the statement said.
Productive relationship
The World Bank says it has a longstanding productive relationship with Uganda and remains committed to helping its citizenry escape poverty.
“Third-party monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms will significantly increase, allowing us to take corrective action as necessary.”
“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 statement added.
Below is the full statement:
