Denmark, Norway Reduce Uganda Aid Over Anti-Gay Law

Two European countries are reducing aid to the Ugandan government because of its new anti-homosexuality law.

Denmark said Wednesday it will redirect about $9.1 million that was intended for the government to Ugandan civil society and the private sector.

Norway said earlier it will hold back about $8.2 million in aid to Uganda, while increasing its support for "human rights and democracy defenders."

Sweden has threatened a similar cutback. All three countries joined the United States, Britain and other Western nations in condemning the law signed Monday by President Yoweri Museveni.

The law bans the so-called "promotion" of homosexualty, and those found of engaging in gay sex could face life in prison.

The value of the Ugandan shilling fell by more than two percent Wednesday, it has dropped each day since the law came into effect.