Bugiri Municipality’s Member of Parliament, Asuman Basalirwa, has threatened to pursue legal action against the World Bank after the institution suspended loans to Uganda in response to the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023.
Earlier this month, the World Bank made the decision to halt the provision of loans to Uganda, citing the contradiction between the country’s new law and the bank’s fundamental values.
In response, President Museveni expressed that African nations should not be coerced into advancing the gay agenda by external entities. He asserted that Uganda remains committed to its development path, regardless of the availability of external financial assistance, underlining the nation’s resolve to forge ahead independently.
During a parliamentary session this afternoon, Basalirwa conveyed his concerns, stating, “While there has been communication about the suspension, the Executive has not formally addressed this matter to Parliament. Would it not be procedurally appropriate for us to receive a response from the Executive on how to address this? I am even considering the possibility of legal action against the World Bank.”
However, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa declined to allow parliamentary debate on the World Bank’s actions, citing the potential interference of MPs’ statements with ongoing negotiations between the government and the lending institution.
“In Parliament, our role is to support the nation’s endeavours. This matter was addressed, and I have already given my ruling on it. It is a topic currently managed by the Executive, and introducing it to debate would not contribute positively to the process. I am confident in what I am saying; when there are statements about potential legal action, they touch on diplomatic matters,” Tayebwa explained.