Transport Sector Development Project, Uganda

After conducting due diligence, the Panel issued a notice of receipt in January 2015 but did not register the complaint, giving World Bank management the opportunity to address community concerns. 

In September 2015, the Panel received a new complaint from three members of the community restating earlier concerns, expressing dissatisfaction with the bank’s actions, and alleging additional instances of sexual misconduct, exploitation, abuse and other forms of gender-based violence. The Panel registered their complaint in September 2015. 

In December 2015, the Panel visited Uganda to determine eligibility, and conducted meetings with government officials, UNRA, World Bank staff, complainants, community leaders, and survivors of violence.

In January 2016, the Panel recommended an investigation, which was approved by the Board.  The investigation focused on compliance with environmental assessment, involuntary resettlement, gender, and investment project financing policies. 

In August 2016, the Panel submitted its investigation report, which verified project related harm to women and children, including cases of child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and teenage pregnancies caused by road workers. Sexual harassment of female employees and women and girls in the community was found to be pervasive. 

The investigation found that workers had sexually exploited young girls, offering them money and small gifts, including food, clothing and cash in exchange for sexual favors. It also found that young boys experienced sexual harassment, physical assaults and threats by workers as they walked by the construction site.  

The report highlighted non-compliance issues, including inadequate project assessment, mitigation measures, and management oversight. The absence of a grievance mechanism for community members was also noted. 

Management responded to the investigation report in October 2016, and the Board approved the action plan in November 2016. Management’s monitoring of implementation of the plan continued until mid-2020 (Panel “verification” of implementation did not exist at the time this complaint was filed). 

As a result of these complaints, the World Bank suspended project funds and ultimately canceled the project in late 2015. Remedial actions included the creation of the “Emergency Child Protection Response” program, providing support such as counseling, help with school reintegration, additional training, assistance with pre and postnatal care, and basic monthly needs support to victims of abuse. The bank, government and UNRA further worked on enhancing child protection, investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, and improving community support for women’s rights and access to justice. 

The World Bank conducted an internal report and established a task force to prevent and mitigate similar issues in future projects. The government of Uganda committed to addressing gender-based violence through a national campaign and the establishment of a policy and action plan for its elimination.