Uganda’s opposition Leader Robert Kyagulanyi has blasted the World Bank for suspending new loans to Uganda following the signing of Anti-homosexuality law.
The law signed by President Museveni a few months ago only criminalizes homosexuals who recruit young children.
Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, the president of National Unity Platform (NUP) who many times has heaped praises on the International Community has since questioned the World Bank’s selective choice in defending Uganda’s human rights.
Bobi Wine wonders why the World Bank prioritizes gay rights yet there are other gross human rights in the country.
“It’s disturbing how institutions like these ones give priority to only gay rights and ignore all the other gross human rights violations, including mass murder, torture, detention without charge, and undermining democracy by rigging elections,” Bobi Wine tweeted.
He reminded the institution that all human rights are rights.
“Dear World Bank all human rights are human rights!”
World Bank on Tuesday announced its move to decline approval of all new loans to Uganda.
“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values. We believe our vision to eradicate poverty on a livable planet can only succeed if it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality. This law undermines those efforts. Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world.”
“No new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested.”
Part of the statement from the Bank reads.
Reacting to the position, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni reminded World Bank that Uganda will not sell it’s soul and cultural values for money.
“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,” Museveni responded.
He added that Uganda was ready to develop other sectors like agriculture, industrialization and curbing corruption.
“Moreover, our first oil will start flowing by 2025. That will be an additional source of State revenues and also financial flow into the economy,” he said.
He reaffirmed: “I want to inform everybody, starting with Ugandans, that Uganda will develop with or without loans.”