World Bank stops public financing to Uganda over Anti-homosexuality Act

The World Bank has frozen funding for Uganda over its Anti-Homosexuality Act.

In a statement, World Bank said that the Act contradicts its values of non-discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexuality.

“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 statement read in part.

“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.”

World Bank says the measures were taken after its team reviewed the law, suggesting additional measures against the country to protect “sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion in the projects we finance”.

“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,”  the statement. 

The Anti-homosexuality Act criminalizes same-sex conduct, including potentially the death penalty for those convicted of aggravated homosexuality.

Same-sex relations are already illegal in over 30 African countries.