WASHINGTON, Aug 8 (Reuters) – The World Bank said on Tuesday it would halt new lending to the Ugandan government after concluding that its anti-LGBTQ law, which has been condemned by many countries and the United Nations, contradicts the bank’s values. In response, the East African country dismissed the move as unjust and hypocritical. A World Bank team traveled to Uganda immediately after the law was enacted in May and determined that additional measures were needed to ensure projects were being implemented in line with the bank’s environmental and social standards. “We remain committed to helping all Ugandans – without exception – escape poverty, access vital services, and improve their lives.” World Bank President Ajay Banga, who took office in June after the Ugandan law was enacted, has come under pressure to respond to the Ugandan law. On June 15, 170 civic groups urged Banga to take “specific, concrete and timely actions” in response to the Uganda anti-LGBTQ law, including suspending future lending.