Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has called on Members of Parliament to maintain composure as the government navigates discussions with the World Bank regarding funding for new projects.
The World Bank Group’s decision to suspend new public financing for Uganda announced on August 8, 2023, has been triggered by the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, of 2023.
The World Bank indicated that a dedicated team has been dispatched to Uganda to assess the necessary additional measures for project execution in alignment with the institution’s environmental and social benchmarks. The World Bank further conveyed that no new public financing will be presented to their Board of Executive Directors until the effectiveness of these measures has been evaluated.
Chairing the August House on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, Tayebwa acknowledged that the Cabinet is actively engaged in dialogues with the World Bank in response to the unfolding developments. Tayebwa urged MPs not to succumb to panic, as he highlighted the President’s communication indicating ongoing engagement with the World Bank.
Tayebwa firmly asserted that any external challenges arising from the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 should not destabilize the House, saying that the decision was undertaken resolutely and with thorough awareness.
He cautioned against undue anxiety, stating, “If we start panicking, it implies that we lack confidence in our decision-making process.”
Tayebwa’s statements came in response to concerns raised by Hon. Paul Omara, the MP for Otuke County, regarding the suspension of funding.
Joining the discourse, Hon. Nathan Nandala-Mafabi, the MP for Budadiri County West, debunked fears of potential budget amendments due to the suspension of World Bank funding.
“The budget is a result of the income. If there’s a shortfall in income, expenditures will be impacted,” he stated.
Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance, disclosed that the government is actively engaging the World Bank to address the decision to curtail project financing in Uganda.
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