The World Bank has announced that it will stop new lending to the Ugandan government in response to its enactment of a draconian anti-LBGTQ law that allows the death penalty for homosexual acts. The bank said that the law fundamentally contradicts its values and vision to eradicate poverty on a livable planet that includes everyone.
The law, which was signed by President Yoweri Museveni on Monday, imposes the death penalty or life imprisonment for certain same-sex acts, up to 20 years in prison for “recruitment, promotion and funding” of same-sex “activities”, and anyone convicted of “attempted aggravated homosexuality” faces a 14-year sentence. The law also criminalizes anyone who fails to report a known homosexual to the authorities.
The law has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups, Western governments, and the United Nations. The UK government said it was appalled by the “deeply discriminatory” law, which it said will “damage Uganda’s international reputation”. US President Joe Biden decried the act as “shameful” and “tragic violation of universal human rights”. He said Washington was considering “sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses”.
Uganda receives billions of dollars in foreign aid each year and could now face another round of sanctions. The World Bank said it will continue to support existing projects that benefit the poor and vulnerable, but will not approve any new loans until it has conducted a “thorough review” of the implications of the law.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has defended the law as a reflection of Uganda’s culture and aspirations. He has accused Western countries of “trying to impose their practices on other people” and vowed to find alternative sources of credit. He has also claimed that homosexuality is a “deviation from normal” and a result of foreign influence.
However, Ugandan rights activists have challenged the law as a violation of the constitution and international human rights treaties. They have also argued that homosexuality is not foreign to Uganda, but has existed in various forms throughout its history. They have vowed to launch a legal challenge to the law and seek an injunction against its enforcement.
The law is seen by many as a political move by Yoweri Museveni to appease his conservative base ahead of next year’s presidential election, in which he is expected to seek a sixth term. Museveni faces growing opposition from young and urban voters who are frustrated by his authoritarian rule, corruption, and poor service delivery.
