The 2023 Ugandan government’s enactment of the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act led to acute international condemnation and further economic ramifications of billions of dollars, jeopardizing the East African nation. The law specifically criminalizes same-sex intercourse and punishes violators with death. In addition, it imposes a 20-year prison term on anyone found “promoting” homosexuality. The Ugandan government justifies the legislation by claiming that it upholds the conservative social values of its citizens.
Since the enactment of the law, reports indicate a troubling trend of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in Uganda. Thousands have been evicted from their homes, often into encampments. Most have experienced physical violence or arrests due to their deviant sexual orientation. This change has created a climate of fear. Most victims have stated that the law now gives perpetrators license to do what they want without fear of punishment.
According to Oryem Nyeko, an African researcher with Human Rights Watch, this long-awaited move was considered “low-hanging fruit. He stressed that marginalized people often become the most at risk targets in these discriminatory environments. Critics argue that the law serves as a distraction from pressing national issues such as high unemployment rates and ongoing attacks on opposition figures.
The international community reacted forcefully after the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, leading to serious economic consequences for Uganda. The UK-based charity Open for Business calculated that the law had already cost the nation between $470 million and $1.7 billion in its first year alone. This sizable financial impact stemmed primarily from stalled funding from global development partners.
Despite these economic challenges, Uganda has continued to pursue development projects, including road upgrades and increased electricity access, with backing from institutions like the World Bank. The World Bank has distracted itself from its mission to end extreme poverty and foster shared prosperity. More importantly, to truly succeed, everyone needs to not just access but enjoy the fruits of these funded projects.
“The World Bank cannot deliver on its mission to end poverty and boost shared prosperity on a liveable planet unless all people can participate in, and benefit from, the projects we finance,” – World Bank spokesman
The anti-gay law puts Uganda in line with a number of other African countries. Interestingly, Ghana and Kenya have taken similar steps. The Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum in Uganda documented that hundreds have been affected by these policies. Aside from the suppression of civil society, this environment underscores the increasing targeting and discrimination towards LGBTQ communities in the IRF region.