Brussels, Belgium –Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has been elected President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS-European Union (OACPS-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly for the next two years.
The OACPS is a multilateral body that brings together 79 member states with the goal of achieving sustainable development and integrating its members into the global economy.
The election of Tayebwa marks a significant milestone for Uganda’s leadership on the international stage, reinforcing the country’s influence in global trade, diplomacy, and policy-making.
A Vote of Confidence in Uganda
Following his election, Tayebwa expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust, calling it “a vote of confidence not only in the Parliament of Uganda but in the government and country as a whole.”
He extended special appreciation to Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Annet Among, who nominated him for the position, and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose support he credited as instrumental in securing his election.
“I promise to raise our flag high. During my presidency, I will focus on the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, which is the major legal framework governing OACPS-EU relations,” Tayebwa stated.
He further outlined his priorities, which include: boosting trade between the EU and OACPS countries by eliminating non-tariff barriers, strengthening peace and security efforts across member states, promoting social and human development, equality, and social cohesion and tackling climate change and immigration issues through strategic partnerships.
High-Level Congratulations
His election was met with widespread support from Ugandan and international leaders.
Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, hailed the victory, describing it as “a testament to Uganda’s growing influence on the global stage.”
She also thanked President Museveni for his continued support of Ugandan leadership in international institutions.
Jan Sadek, the European Union’s Ambassador to Uganda, also congratulated Tayebwa, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to working with him on implementing the Samoa Agreement, enhancing trade, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change, migration, and human development.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Tayebwa’s leadership is expected to bolster Uganda’s role in international diplomacy, strengthen trade ties between OACPS and the European Union, and advance collaborative efforts in security, development, and environmental sustainability.
As Uganda takes the helm of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly, all eyes will be on how Tayebwa navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with one of the most influential legislative roles in the Global South.
