Activists Oppose World Bank’s Possible Loan Resumption to Uganda
Concerns Over Lending to Uganda Amid LGBTQ+ Oppression
Activists are raising objections to the World Bank’s consideration of resuming loans to Uganda, a country that continues to suppress LGBTQ+ rights. In August 2023, the World Bank froze new loans to Uganda in response to the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was signed into law in May 2023.
This decision came after more than 170 human rights organizations, including ILGA World, The Human Rights Campaign, Outright International, and Rainbow Railroad, urged the institution to take a stand against Uganda’s repressive legislation.
At the time, the World Bank emphasized its commitment to work with the Ugandan government to develop “mitigation measures” aimed at ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals would not face discrimination within projects funded by the institution.
Potential Loan Resumption and Conditions
In late 2023, the World Bank’s head for Eastern and Southern Africa, Victoria Kwakwa, suggested that loans to Uganda could restart if the government assured it would not arrest LGBTQ+ individuals involved in bank-funded programs. She indicated that the government appeared agreeable to this condition.
It has been reported that these measures have been under trial since July 2024, with the World Bank preparing to make a final decision soon.
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Flaws in Mitigation Measures Highlighted by Activists
In a September 16, 2024 letter, numerous rights groups rejected the effectiveness of these proposed mitigation measures, arguing that they would not adequately protect LGBTQ+ people while Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act remains in effect.
The letter asserts that no progress has been made in safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda since the law’s enactment, and describes the World Bank’s approach as fundamentally flawed. Activists labeled the measures as a “façade,” claiming Uganda’s legal framework makes the government an unreliable partner in preventing discrimination.
Wider Impact of the World Bank’s Decision
The letter also warned of the global implications of the World Bank’s actions. The activists argued that applying similar measures in other countries with discriminatory policies would only create the appearance of protection, while enabling governments to continue oppressive practices.
The rights groups called on the World Bank to refrain from resuming loans to Uganda, cautioning that such a decision would endorse discrimination and undermine global efforts toward inclusive development. They also noted the extensive human rights abuses LGBTQ+ people in Uganda have faced since the law was passed, including arrests, forced evictions, torture, and other violations.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes severe punishments, including life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relationships and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” Additionally, the law criminalizes the “promotion of homosexuality,” placing activists and human rights defenders at risk of imprisonment for up to 20 years.
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