Following the unopposed election of Deputy Speaker Hon. Thomas Tayebwa to a prestigious position at the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Luanda, Angola, dignitaries including Speaker Annet Among and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja have extended their congratulations.
Both the Speaker and Prime Minister conveyed their well wishes via social media, acknowledging Tayebwa’s election and expressing gratitude for his commitment to representing Uganda on the global stage.
“Congratulations to my colleague Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa on your significant election as East Africa’s Representative to the Organization of Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Countries Parliamentary Group in Luanda, Angola. Your dedication to the African cause is commendable, and your election reflects the trust bestowed upon you by colleagues in the region and continent. Thank you for elevating Uganda’s parliamentary diplomacy,” read Among’s post.
Shortly thereafter, the Prime Minister also offered her congratulations, stating, “Congratulations to my colleague Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa on your election as East Africa’s Representative to the Organization of Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Countries Parliamentary Group. Your capability is evident, and I am confident in your ability to effectively represent our region. Best wishes @OPMUganda @Parliament_Ug.”
Tayebwa, nominated by Seychelles and Kenya, will represent a total of nine countries, including Mauritius, Seychelles, Djibouti, Comoros, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Following his election, Tayebwa pledged to advocate for Africa on various global issues, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to propel the continent into a leading global force.
“I will be a strong advocate for the Global South, addressing issues such as climate change, gender equality, energy transition, human rights, democracy, peace, and conflict resolution, which are fundamental to the international framework,” stated Tayebwa.
He also emphasized the importance of fair negotiations in trade practices and energy transition, asserting, “Africa, contributing only 3% of global emissions, cannot bear the heaviest penalties for energy transition. We must exploit our resources responsibly while ensuring environmental preservation.”
The ongoing 64th Session of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and the inaugural meeting of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Angola marks a historic moment for the organization. This session, hosted by the President of the 10th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government, is expected to inaugurate the new Parliamentary Assemblies under the Samoa Agreement.
The OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly serves as a vital democratic institution, uniting elected Members of Parliament from the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) states with Members of the European Parliament, with the goal of promoting sustainable development and integration into the world economy for its 79 Member States.