The newly elected East African Representative to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) has pledged to advocate strongly for Africa and has called for urgent reforms necessary to elevate Africa into a global powerhouse in the future.
Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker and Ruhinda North representative in the 11th Parliament of Uganda, was elected unopposed to a coveted position at the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Luanda, Angola, last Friday.
Nominated by Seychelles and Kenya, Mr. Tayebwa will represent nine countries, including Mauritius, Seychelles, Djibouti, Comoros, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
“After my election, I commit to being a voice for the Global South on critical issues such as climate change, gender parity, energy transition, human rights, democracy, peace, and conflict resolution, which are fundamental to the international framework,” said Mr. Tayebwa.
He emphasized the importance of negotiating fair terms to address unfair trade practices and restrictions imposed by the European Union, stating, “The voice of the Global South must take center stage at the European Parliament.”
Regarding environmental concerns, Mr. Tayebwa stressed the need to exploit resources sustainably, noting, “Africa, contributing only 3% of global emissions, cannot be disproportionately penalized in the energy transition.”
Over 500 delegates convened in Angola for the 64th Session of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and the inaugural meeting of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. This session, hosted by the President of the 10th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government, is expected to launch new Parliamentary Assemblies under the Samoa Agreement.
Recognized as a staunch advocate within the OACPS, Mr. Tayebwa has consistently rallied developing countries against what he perceives as “unfair trade and deceitful practices” orchestrated by the European Union.
In a previous OACPS-EU Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Mr. Tayebwa condemned double standards and unfair taxes on African coffee, along with the exportation of EU-banned pesticides and products to developing countries like Uganda.
Speaker Anita Among and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja expressed their congratulations and gratitude to Mr. Tayebwa for accepting the responsibility and representing Uganda effectively.
In her official statement, Speaker Among commended Mr. Tayebwa’s election, citing it as a testament to his firm Pan-African credentials and commitment to the African cause.
Prime Minister Nabbanja also congratulated Mr. Tayebwa, expressing confidence in his ability to effectively represent the region and wishing him the best in his new role.
The OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly serves as a permanent democratic institution, bringing together an equal number of elected Members of Parliament from African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) states and Members of the European Parliament. With 79 Member States, the Organization aims to achieve the sustainable development and progressive integration of its members into the world economy.
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