Yoweri Museveni: Uganda leader accuses World Bank of coercion after loan freeze over anti-LGBTQ law
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has accused the World Bank of attempting to exert pressure on the government through financial means over its contentious anti-gay legislation.
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His remarks followed an announcement made by the US-based global financial institution on Tuesday, declaring a suspension of new loans to the East African nation due to its adoption of what are widely regarded as some of the world's most stringent laws against LGBTQ communities.
The World Bank's statement indicated that Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally clashes with the institution's values. As a result, no new public funding would be submitted to the board of directors for approval in the foreseeable future.
Nonetheless, Museveni, who sanctioned the laws in May, expressed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that "Ugandans will make progress with or without loans."
Museveni voiced his perspective, stating, "It is regrettable that the World Bank and other entities seek to compel us to abandon our faith, culture, principles, and sovereignty through financial means."
"We do not require external pressure to determine how to address challenges within our society," asserted the seasoned leader.
In spite of his stance, Museveni mentioned that Uganda is engaged in ongoing dialogues with the World Bank in an attempt to find common ground and avoid unnecessary divergences.
Numerous parties, including the United Nations, foreign governments such as the United States, and global human rights organizations, have strongly condemned the new legislation. The law includes provisions that categorize "aggravated homosexuality" as a capital offense and prescribes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relationships.
In May, US President Joe Biden called for the immediate repeal of these measures, labeling them "a tragic violation of universal human rights," and he hinted at the possibility of reducing aid and investment in Uganda.
However, the Ugandan government has remained steadfast, and the legislation garners significant support in the predominantly Christian conservative nation. Lawmakers in Uganda have defended the laws as a crucial barrier against perceived Western moral decadence.
Uganda's Information Minister, Chris Baryomunsi, confirmed to AFP earlier on Wednesday that discussions were ongoing with the World Bank.
"Nevertheless, it's essential to remind the World Bank and other entities that Uganda is a sovereign nation that takes actions in the best interests of its citizens, and this embodies the spirit of the Anti-Homosexuality Act," Baryomunsi emphasized.
Following Tuesday's announcement, Uganda's health ministry, which receives funding from the World Bank, issued a circular reiterating the principle that medical services should be accessible to all without discrimination. The statement emphasized that healthcare providers are prohibited from discriminating or stigmatizing individuals seeking medical attention based on any factors, including sexual orientation, gender, religion, tribe, economic status, or social standing.
Human rights advocates had voiced concerns that, following the enactment of the new law, healthcare providers might report members of the LGBTQ community seeking medical assistance to the authorities, or that individuals might be hesitant to seek medical care due to potential stigmatization.
