Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, has reported that the Ugandan Government is close to addressing the issues that led to the World Bank’s suspension of new loans in August 2023. Ggoobi, who is also the Secretary to the Treasury, expressed optimism that the measures being implemented would assure the World Bank that funded projects would be carried out without discrimination and with inclusiveness.
“We are progressing well in addressing the measures which will assure the World Bank that its funded projects are going to be implemented without discrimination and also with the inclusiveness of everybody,” said Ggoobi in a brief interview with New Vision on Wednesday.
He further added, “So, those are the measures we have been working on and we are now at the tail end of doing exactly that. I am very optimistic that soon we shall be able to finalize the process, and the bank will now reconsider and be able to approve our new projects.”
In August 2023, the World Bank suspended new loans to Uganda due to the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, which the bank deemed to fundamentally contradict its values. The law includes the death penalty for aggravated cases of gay sex, such as with someone below the age of 18 or when someone is infected with a life-long illness, including HIV.
The World Bank emphasized its commitment to an inclusive vision, stating that it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality. The suspension was pending a review of new measures implemented in response to the law. Despite pressure to drop the legislation, the Ugandan government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, has maintained its stance. The law has been challenged in the Constitutional Court.
