The World Bank is delaying a US$90 Million loan to Uganda, after that African nation’s president signed a draconian anti-gay law that other governments warned would harm Uganda’s international relations.  It follows at least three European nations yanking their direct support for Uganda.

“We have postponed the project for further review to ensure that the development objectives would not be adversely affected by the enactment of this new law,” World Bank spokesman David Theis said in a statement.

The Dutch government joined Norway and Denmark in suspending aid to Uganda’s government.  The three will continue supporting non-governmental groups that serve the Ugandan people directly. 

Ugandan government officials are scowling at the west’s reaction, saying they can keep their money – But international donations make up 20-percent of Uganda’s operating budget. 

President Yoweri Museveni enacted the anti-gay bill on Monday, now subjecting LGBT people to possible sentences of life in prison.  It immediately drew widespread condemnation from the United Nations, rights watchdog groups, as well as some of the East African country’s development partners.  Museveni said he wanted to deter Western groups from promoting homosexuality in Africa. The anti-gay law is widely popular in Uganda, and some analysts believe Museveni’s enactment of the bill boosts his popularity ahead of presidential elections in 2016.