Sweden cuts aid to Uganda

Ugandan anti-gay activist Pastor Martin Ssempa (centre) and his supporters celebrate after President Yoweri Museveni's signing of a law imposing harsh penalties for homosexuality in Kampala. Picture: Edward Echwalu

Ugandan anti-gay activist Pastor Martin Ssempa (centre) and his supporters celebrate after President Yoweri Museveni's signing of a law imposing harsh penalties for homosexuality in Kampala. Picture: Edward Echwalu

Published Mar 5, 2014

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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 on 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 neighbour 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. - Sapa-AP

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