Deputy Speaker Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has pledged to concentrate on implementing the Samoa Agreement, replacing the longstanding Cotonou Agreement spanning over two decades.
Speaking after his election to represent East Africa in the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) – European Union General Assembly, Tayebwa underscored his commitment to advocating for the interests of the Global South, particularly addressing unfair trade practices and energy concerns.
“At this 64th session in Luanda, Angola, we will prioritize engaging with the European Parliament on energy issues and renewable energy. We must harness our resources responsibly without harming the environment. Africa, contributing only 3% of global emissions, cannot bear disproportionate penalties in the energy transition,” he stated.
Tayebwa also emphasized the opportunity to collaborate closely with the European Union coalition to address critical global issues such as climate change, gender equality, renewable energy, human rights, peace and conflict resolution, and democracy.
Tayebwa further highlighted the importance of a unified African voice in negotiations with the European Parliament, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Kenyan MP Martin Peters Owino expressed confidence in Tayebwa’s ability to represent the East African region effectively and urged him to foster unity and proactive communication among member states.
“One thing that he(Tayebwa) said which I want to repeat here in the assembly, is that this kind of regionalizing African states should not be used to weaken our stand as an African continent. We should turn that kind of strategy into strength. We may start from issues with trade imbalances, issues of democracy, and other issues that affect us. So, I want to say to my friend congratulations and work so hard for the people of East Africa in this regard,” he asserted.
Addressing concerns about regionalization potentially weakening Africa’s stance, Tayebwa emphasized the need to turn regional strategies into strengths, particularly in addressing trade imbalances and democratic issues affecting the continent.
The OACPS-EU Assembly, comprising an equal number of elected MPs from African, Caribbean, and Pacific states, along with Members of the European Parliament, provides a platform for collaborative dialogue and decision-making.
Opposition Chief in the Ugandan Parliament, John Baptist Nambeshe, hailed Tayebwa’s election as offering significant opportunities for Uganda and the region, emphasizing the importance of aggressive negotiation and unity in addressing shared challenges.
“Our region grapples with unique challenges that will require aggressive negotiators like the Rt. Hon Thomas Tayebwa to be on that team to unite Africa because already there are signs of causing rifts for Africa to divide us. So, we are now in three different categories of Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific but with the likes of a formidable team, where the Rt. Hon Thomas Tayebwa is going to be part, they will help to unite us,” he stated.