UGANDA'S President Museveni says country will develop with or without World Bank Loans

UGANDA, August 11, 2023 - “Ugandans will develop with or without loans.” This is the word from Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday as he condemned the World Bank’s decision to suspend new funding to the country, expressing optimism his administration will find alternative sources of credit.

The World Bank cut new loans to the East African nation in opposition to  its anti-gay law passed in May, which the Bank says  contradicts its core values. This has been described by the Ugandan government as unjust and hypocritical. Its ambassador to the United Nations added his voice saying the move was super “draconian”, according to the BBC.

“Ugandans will develop with or without loans,” Museveni wrote on Twitter, now X. “It is therefore unfortunate that the World Bank and other actors dare to coerce us into abandoning our faith, culture, principles and sovereignty, using money,” Museveni stated. “We do not need pressure from anybody to know how to solve problems in our society.”

It is, therefore, unfortunate that the World Bank and other actors dare to want to coerce us into abandoning our faith, culture, principles and sovereignty, using money. They really under-estimate all Africans.

We do not need pressure from anybody to know how to solve problems… pic.twitter.com/UkeT3Lc5qF

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) August 9, 2023

Ugandan laws already frown on homosexuality, but the law now criminalizes the act with offenders facing life imprisonment. The World Bank said this contravenes its values that seek to alleviate all persons irrespective of their sexuality, ethnicity, or race from poverty, and access to vital services while improving their lives. Ambassador Adonia Ayebare in a tweet suggested a reevaluation of the World Bank’s approaches and board choices.

The Anti-Homosexuality law in Uganda mandates the death penalty for severe cases, such as engaging in gay relations with a minor. Following a mission to Uganda, the World Bank condemned the law, citing a fundamental misalignment with its values.

The World Bank has temporarily suspended presenting any new public financing to Uganda and this pause is due to a review of the effectiveness of recently implemented measures in light of new legislation.

Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, Okello Oryem, has questioned the World Bank’s decision, highlighting the perceived inconsistency in singling out Uganda for criticism over its anti-homosexuality law when other countries also have restrictive policies or even more severe punishments for homosexuality.

Ugandan campaign groups have strongly criticized the legislation, taking legal action to invalidate it due to its discriminatory nature and infringement on LGBTQ+ rights. However, the timeline for the commencement of hearings is currently uncertain. The World Bank joins the U.S. in imposing sanctions against Uganda over the Anti-Homosexuality law.

Mr President sir. There is nothing to worry about. The loans we have been getting from the world bank were supposed to be paid with interest. They were not helping us. We shall go with your advise of adding value to our raw materials. This is the only solution for Uganda and… pic.twitter.com/tRRRNCOjsB

— AIDEN (@WassajjaAiden) August 9, 2023