Thursday, June 5, 2025 - The World Bank has announced the resumption of funding to Uganda, nearly two years after suspending financial support in response to the country's controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), which prescribes severe penalties, including life imprisonment and the death sentence, for same-sex relations.
The suspension, imposed in August 2023, followed Uganda’s
parliamentary approval of the AHA, which drew global condemnation for what
critics described as a violation of human rights and international norms. At
the time, the World Bank said the legislation was in direct conflict with its
core values and halted new project financing as a result.
In a statement to Reuters on Thursday, June 5, a World Bank
spokesperson confirmed the decision to restore funding, citing the
implementation of adequate safeguards in ongoing projects. “We have now
determined the mitigation measures rolled out over the last several months in
all ongoing projects in Uganda to be satisfactory,” the spokesperson said.
As part of the resumption, the Bank has greenlit three new
development projects in key sectors including social protection, education, and
support for refugees and internally displaced populations. These projects have
been approved by the institution’s board and are expected to address urgent
developmental needs in the country.
The World Bank remains one of Uganda’s largest external
financiers, particularly in infrastructure and transport. The funding freeze
had cast uncertainty over several government projects and prompted debate over
donor influence on national legislation.
The AHA, signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni,
introduced among the world’s harshest penalties for homosexuality. It includes
the death penalty for what the law terms “aggravated homosexuality”, acts
involving individuals with disabilities or cases where HIV is transmitted
during same-sex relations. The law also prescribes up to 20 years’ imprisonment
for “promoting” homosexuality.
The decision to reinstate funding comes amid continued
international criticism and growing domestic scrutiny of the law's
implementation. While the World Bank did not explicitly endorse the
legislation, its latest move marks a significant policy shift, highlighting a
complex balance between development needs and human rights concerns.
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