Sweden cuts aid to Uganda over anti-gay bill

Ugandan anti-gay activist Pastor Martin Ssempa posts up a public notice offering “rehabilitation” for homosexuals at Uganda’s National Theatre in Kampala, Uganda Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014. AP

 

 

STOCKHOLM  — Sweden has joined a number of countries in halting aid to Uganda after the East African nation strengthened its anti-gay legislation last week.

 

Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Tham said Wednesday that Sweden will immediately cut planned aid worth 6.5 million kronor ($1 million) to the Uganda government, but will continue with other non-governmental programs. In 2013, the total amount of Swedish aid to Uganda was $35 million.

 

Last week, Nordic neighbor Norway said it will withdraw at least $8 million in aid to Uganda’s government while Denmark announced it will restructure aid programs worth $8.6 million away from the Ugandan government and over to private actors and civic groups.
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