By, Kakoba Media
Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine ,the leader of the National Unity Platform, has joined President Museveni in criticizing the World Bank over its recent statement. The Bank announced on Tuesday that it would halt new loans to Uganda due to the country’s controversial anti-LGBTQ law.
In its statement, the Washington, DC-based lender explained that it would pause project financing until it had reviewed measures to protect sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion in its projects. The Bank stated that Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act contradicts its values, and therefore, no new public financing would be approved for the time being.
However, Kyagulanyi argued in his own statement that institutions like the World Bank focus only on gay rights while disregarding other human rights violations. He emphasized that issues such as mass murder, torture, detention, and poor governance have not received adequate attention.
Additionally, he criticized the Bank for neglecting to address the serious problem of poor governance in the country. According to Kyagulanyi, all human rights should be equally prioritized by the World Bank.
President Museveni also earlier released a statement, expressing that Uganda can thrive with or without the support of the World Bank. He revealed that he had been alerted by an official from the Bank about the suspension of loan requests from Uganda. However, Museveni stated that Uganda would continue to develop and finance its economic activities, with a focus on starting oil production by 2025.
The President claimed that many loans in the past were authorized by officials without his knowledge and were unnecessary. He stressed the importance of discipline, patriotism, and combating corruption in order for Uganda to prosper. Furthermore, Museveni vowed that the World Bank and other external factors would not force Ugandans to abandon their faith, culture, principles, and sovereignty.
Museveni clarified that the Anti-Homosexuality Act targets those who recruit or coerce others into homosexuality, rather than individuals who solely identify as homosexual. He assured that the country is open to addressing any illogicalities in the law. “We do not need pressure from anyone to solve problems in our society these are our problems,” Museveni asserted.
He also mentioned that ongoing discussions with the World Bank are aimed at finding a resolution that both parties can agree upon.
