Summary:
- Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has been elected to represent East Africa at the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. He aims to address climate change, fair trade, and energy issues while advocating for regional unity. His election brings opportunities for Uganda and the region to negotiate effectively and unite against division.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has been elected to represent East Africa at the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) – European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly. His election took place during the 64th session of the OACPS Joint Parliamentary Assembly and Constitutive Sessions of the OACPS-EU JPA in Luanda, Angola, held from February 17 to 21, 2024.
Tayebwa will represent Mauritius, Seychelles, Djibouti, Comoros, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. His priorities include focusing on implementing the Samoa Agreement, replacing the Cotonou Agreement, and engaging with the European Union coalition on climate change, gender parity, energy transition, human rights, peace and conflict resolution, and democracy.
He pledged to advocate for fair trade practices and address energy issues, emphasizing the importance of resource exploitation without environmental damage. Tayebwa highlighted Africa’s minimal contribution to global emissions and emphasized the need for equitable treatment in energy transition discussions.
Tayebwa expressed optimism about negotiating with the European Parliament, emphasizing a pan-Africanist perspective to achieve more significant outcomes. Hon. Martin Peters Owino of Kenya endorsed Tayebwa’s representation of East Africa, emphasizing the need for effective communication and unity in addressing regional issues.
Tayebwa emphasized the importance of regional unity, cautioning against division and advocating for turning regional strategies into strengths. The OACPS-EU JPA aims to bring together elected MPs from ACP states and Members of the European Parliament.
Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, the Chief Opposition Whip, highlighted the significant opportunities Tayebwa’s election brings for Uganda and the region. He emphasized the importance of aggressive negotiation and unity in addressing unique regional challenges and preventing division.
