The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Party has written to the World Bank seeking clarification on the decision to halt funding to Uganda.
On August 8, 2023, the World Bank communicated a decision to withhold new public financing to Uganda.
Alice Alaso, the Acting National Coordinator of ANT Party, said the party does not advocate for any reduction or disruption of assistance, whether in the form of aid or developmental initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the Ugandan populace.
“Our stance is grounded in recognising that curbing or suspending donor support does not immediately impact autocratic regimes; instead, it disproportionately affects the general population, particularly the marginalised and economically disadvantaged,” Alaso explained.
She added: “We respectfully seek clarification regarding the rationale behind the World Bank’s decision to withhold funding, specifically in response to the LGBTQ+ legislation.”
Alaso revealed that the decision can potentially detrimentally affect the lives of countless ordinary and vulnerable citizens whose human rights have consistently been disregarded and violated.
“Considering the multitude of pressing concerns, we are perplexed by the choice of this particular issue.”
Alaso hopes that they will be furnished with a comprehensive response that elucidates the reasoning behind this decision.
“We hope that this response will address the concerns of the Ugandan populace.”
She revealed that the principled position reflects the understanding of the prevailing situation.
“Despite the prevalent excesses evident within the current administration, we have refrained from advocating for the curtailment of aid or externally funded projects. This restraint stems from the realisation that the leadership within the regime can readily maintain their opulent lifestyles at the cost of the wider public’s welfare.”
She explained that Ugandan citizens, have borne witness to numerous grievances of particular significance and the erosion of governance fundamentals, rampant corruption, and the decay of democratic processes.