Deputy Speaker in Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to remain calm as the government continues to engage the World Bank on funding of new projects.
The World Bank Group recently issued a statement suspending new public financing to Uganda following the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023.
The Bank said that the new law contradicts its moral values of eradicating poverty without discrimination, and further indicated that a team was deployed to Uganda “to review additional measures necessary to ensure projects are implemented in line with World Bank environmental and social standards.”
“No new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested,” read the World Bank statement.
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Tayebwa, who chaired the House on Tuesday, said he was aware Cabinet is already in talks with the World Bank over the matter.
“Colleagues I do not know why you are panicking as if the country is going to shut down. I saw the communication of the President saying they are engaging with the World Bank” Tayebwa said.
He stated that any external threats resulting from the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, (2023) should not shake the House, maintaining that the decision was taken with all firmness and understanding.
“When we were making this decision, we knew it would have repercussions and we are prepared and strong about the decision we made. The moment we start panicking, it means we do not know what we were doing,” Tayebwa told MPs.
His remarks followed concerns by Otuke County MP, Hon. Paul Omara over the suspension of the funding.
Budadiri County West MP, Hon. Nathan Nandala-Mafabi noted that the budget is passed based on expected income and dispelled fears that the suspension of the World Bank funding might call for budget review.
The Minister of State for Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi also confirmed last week that government was engaging the World Bank on its decision to cut financing of projects in Uganda.
