Amnesty Calls on World Bank to Influence Uganda’s Anti-Gay Law Repeal

Amnesty International has urged the World Bank to leverage its recent decision to resume funding to Uganda as a means to advocate for the repeal of the country’s stringent anti-gay law. The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act, enacted in May 2023 by President Yoweri Museveni, imposes severe penalties for same-sex relations and “promoting” homosexuality, including potential death sentences in certain circumstances.

The World Bank suspended new loans to Uganda following the enactment of this law, citing adherence to its non-discriminatory policies as a prerequisite for financing. However, on Monday, a Ugandan finance ministry official announced that the country would receive $2 billion from the World Bank over the next three financial years, raising questions about the implications of this funding.

Opportunity for Change

Despite the resumption of financial aid, the World Bank has not issued a public comment regarding its plans to influence Uganda’s legislation. Roland Ebole, a researcher focused on Uganda and Tanzania at Amnesty International, emphasized the potential for the World Bank to advocate against discriminatory practices. He stated, “Now that they are reinstating the funding, can they then also push that discriminatory practices… should basically be stopped?”

Ebole highlighted the World Bank’s significant influence, suggesting that it could ensure no government agenda or program discriminates against the LGBTQI community. This perspective aligns with the broader human rights advocacy that seeks to eliminate discrimination in the region.

The British charity Open for Business, which champions economic inclusion and diversity, expressed disappointment with the World Bank’s decision to resume funding. The organization maintained that this move contradicts the requests made by civil society groups advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

Financial Consequences of Discrimination

In a report released last year, Open for Business estimated that Uganda has suffered financial losses between $586 million and $2.4 billion annually due to the anti-LGBTQ law, primarily as a result of halted financing. The organization has been vocal about the economic ramifications of such discriminatory legislation, stressing that inclusive policies can positively impact the nation’s growth and prosperity.

As discussions continue around the World Bank’s renewed funding, the focus remains on the potential for positive change in Uganda’s legal landscape. The international community watches closely, hoping that this financial support could lead to a more equitable environment for all Ugandans, regardless of their sexual orientation.