Nine corpses were found Wednesday following a fire at a centre in eastern France where a group of adults with learning disabilities were taking their holidays.

The toll could climb further as authorities initially recorded 11 people missing in the town of Wintzenheim, with President Emmanuel Macron describing the disaster as a “tragedy”.

The secretary general of the Haut Rhin prefecture in eastern France, Christophe Marot, said there was “little doubt” the missing had been in the burning building and had not been able to escape.

“We have located nine bodies and we are still looking for two,” Philippe Hauwiller, who is leading the fire brigade search operation, told AFP.

Deputy mayor Daniel Leroy said earlier three bodies had been found using a drone but others were later found with direct searches and with dogs.

The local fire service told AFP authorities were alerted about the blaze in Wintzenheim at around 6:30 am (0430 GMT).

“The fire was quickly brought under control despite the intensity of the flames,” the prefecture the Haut-Rhin region said in a statement.

It said seventeen people were safely evacuated, with one person hospitalised and another treated for shock.

Those staying at the centre were part of a group of adults who had come from the nearby city of Nancy for the holidays.

Written By Lisa Murimi 

The World Bank has halted all new loans to Uganda following the nation’s adoption of anti-homosexuality laws.

The decision comes as a stern response to Uganda’s violation of LGBTQ rights, highlighting the global financial institution’s dedication to promoting equality and inclusivity.

“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values,” the lender said in a statement.

“We believe our vision to eradicate poverty on a livable planet can only succeed if it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality. This law undermines those efforts. Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world.”

Uganda’s recent enactment of laws that target LGBTQ individuals and criminalize same-sex relationships has sparked outrage both domestically and internationally.

The World Bank’s decision to suspend new loans underscores its stance that human rights violations, including those against the LGBTQ community, have no place in a just and equitable society.

The World Bank’s suspension of new loans could have a substantial impact on Uganda’s development projects, prompting a reevaluation of the country’s discriminatory policies.

The move also emphasizes the importance of international pressure in holding governments accountable for their actions.

By withholding financial support, the World Bank sends a powerful message that discrimination and oppression will not be tolerated on the global stage.

Museveni, who has referred to homosexuality as a psychological disorder, has rejected international criticism of the legislation, which he has defended as necessary to stop the LGBTQ community from trying to “recruit” people.

All eyes are now on Uganda’s government to see what moves it’ll make, the biggest question being whether it’ll eradicate its discriminatory policies to get financing from the world bank or will it look to Russia for financing alternatives, Russia sharing the same strong sentiments about the LGBTQ community.

As the world watches, this decision stands as a reminder that progress and social justice are fundamental pillars of international cooperation.

The World Bank’s stance against Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ laws resonates as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ individuals everywhere, reaffirming the commitment to a world where equality, tolerance, and respect prevail