Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, at the Somalia Conference in London, May 7, 2013. Image by Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Wikimedia Commons, (CC BY-SA 4.0).

This story was originally published by Africa Feeds and an expanded version is republished on Global Voices as part of a content-sharing partnership agreement.

Uganda's ongoing struggle with its controversial anti-LGBTQ+ law has taken a new turn with President Yoweri Museveni challenging a decision by the World Bank to suspend new funding to his country.

The law has been widely condemned by the international community and human rights groups, but Uganda has refused to budge. The law is one of the world’s harshest and allows for the death penalty for people considered serial offenders. It also imposes a life sentence for same-sex intercourse and a 20-year sentence for the promotion of homosexuality.

The World Bank has said the law contradicts its values, adding that it would pause new funding to Uganda until it could test measures to prevent discrimination in projects it finances in the East African country.

Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act contradicts the @WorldBank’s values. After reviewing our portfolio in the context of the new legislation, no new public financing will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors.

Read the full statement: https://t.co/ZuoOyT80OI

— World Bank (@WorldBank) August 8, 2023

In a sharp rebuttal, a defiant President Museveni said he would not give in to pressure from foreign institutions. He also said Uganda was already trying to reduce its borrowing.

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 underestimate all Africans.

He said.

Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu.
Greetings. Things are moving well in Uganda in spite of the corruption of some Public Servants and some elements of the political class.

Last night, an official from the World Bank rang me to alert me about the statement from that Bank… pic.twitter.com/vCJMUcD7CZ

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

Museveni said in a statement that if Uganda needed to borrow, it could do so from other sources, and that oil production expected to start by 2025 would provide additional revenues. He warned against coercion and hoped the World Bank would reconsider its decision.

His resolve found support among Ugandans who shared his sentiments. Many took to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their backing for the president's decision. Several users’ posts indicated that reducing borrowing and finding alternative financial sources resonated with them, underlining the complexities of the economic situation.

We Stand with you Mzee .

Let them keep their money and let us keep our Values, traditions and customs.

— GENERALI KIPROTICH 🇰🇪 (@ItsKiprotich1) August 9, 2023

The World Bank has an existing portfolio of USD 5.4 billion in Uganda, although these projects will not be affected. 

United States sanctions

Contrary to internal support, the global reaction to Uganda's anti-LGBTQ+ law has been swift and strong. According to a report by Reuters, the United States (US) imposed visa restrictions on Uganda officials after the law was passed. Also, a report by Africa Feeds noted that U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered a review of that country's aid to Uganda. This threat underscores the international community's commitment to upholding human rights, even if it means resorting to economic pressure.

The U.S. position is consistent with its long-standing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights around the world. Nevertheless, there exists a pertinent concern regarding the potential consequences of such sanctions and threats, particularly if they were to result in heightened nationalism and opposition within the targeted nations. The Ugandan government's recent refusal to accept the World Bank's loan suspension lends credence to this viewpoint, potentially portraying it as a strong, resistant reaction to what might be perceived as undue Western intervention.

Sovereignty vs international pressure

The tension between national sovereignty and international pressure is a central theme in this ongoing chain of events. Uganda's anti-LGBTQ+ law is viewed by many as a violation of basic human rights, while Museveni and his government argue that the law reflects the cultural and moral values of their nation. This debate highlights the broader dilemma faced by countries when their internal policies clash with global standards of human rights and equality.

Some Ugandan political leaders claim that the World Bank's decision to suspend a loan due to concerns about the law is a clear example of international pressure attempting to influence domestic policy. While supporters of this approach argue that international organizations have a responsibility to promote human rights and equality, opponents argue that such intervention encroaches upon a nation's right to self-governance and might even pave the way for neo-colonialism. In a recent interview with NTVUganda, some members of the Ugandan parliament expressed their reservations about this approach. Additionally, a report by The East African highlights Uganda's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, deeming the World Bank's actions as hypocritical. He said that Western entities are quick to lecture vulnerable countries about democracy, only to turn around and punish them when they do what doesn’t suit the interests of Western powers and allied institutions.

Cultural relativism vs. universal human rights

At the heart of this debate is the clash between cultural relativism and the idea of universal human rights. Museveni's argument that Uganda's values and culture must be respected raises questions about the extent to which cultural differences should be accommodated. While cultural relativism emphasizes understanding and respecting different cultural norms, it should not be used as a shield to justify human rights violations.

The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and freedoms, regardless of their cultural background. Striking a balance between cultural diversity and universal human rights remains a complex challenge for both individual nations and the international community.

Uganda's defiance in the face of international pressure over this law reveals the complexities of balancing national sovereignty with global human rights standards. President Museveni's staunch stand against foreign coercion underscores his commitment to safeguarding Uganda's autonomy. However, the international community's insistence on human rights is a testament to the importance of upholding fundamental principles.

As the world watches this standoff unfold between Uganda and the World Bank, it becomes evident that the tug-of-war between cultural relativism and universal human rights will continue to shape diplomatic and ethical discussions. It remains to be seen how nations and international organizations navigate these complex waters, seeking a harmonious equilibrium between respecting cultural diversity and promoting universal human rights.