The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has been elected because the President of the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States Parliamentary Assembly.
His election on 25 February 2025, seconded by the Parliament of Uganda, marks a major diplomatic achievement for the nation. He mechanically assumes the function of Co-chair of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA), which convenes alternately in an ACP and an EU nation below democratic rules.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, made the announcement throughout the plenary session on Thursday, 27 February 2025, expressing gratitude to the organisation for endorsing Uganda’s nomination.
“This is a vote of confidence within the Parliament of Uganda. We are grateful that our nomination was accepted, and we congratulate the Deputy Speaker on this particular achievement,” she said.
She additionally prolonged appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for his function in guaranteeing Uganda’s continued engagement in worldwide affairs.
Tayebwa’s election positions Uganda on the helm of an influential multilateral physique that brings collectively 79 nations from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. He additionally serves because the First Vice Chairperson of the Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, congratulated Tayebwa, acknowledging Uganda’s rising worldwide affect.
“This is an enormous achievement for our Parliament, and we ship our congratulations to the Right Honourable Deputy Speaker,” he mentioned.
Hon. Lawrence Biyika (NRM, Ora County, Zombo) highlighted the importance of Tayebwa’s new function, noting that the ACP Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States consists of 48 African nations, 16 Caribbean states, and 15 Pacific nations, lots of which had been former colonies of European powers. He referred to as on European nations to help ACP nations by way of infrastructure funding, honest commerce phrases, and mobility agreements.
“Favourable phrases of commerce will probably be essential for these ACP nations to commerce with the northerners in order that as a substitute of getting high-interest loans, we will now commerce with these companions. The European powers ought to have the ability to put a basket fund for infrastructure growth in Africa,” he mentioned.
Laroo-Pece Division MP, Hon. Charles Onen, additionally lauded the achievement, urging the brand new ACP President to make use of his place to uphold Uganda’s values and traditions in worldwide engagements.
Tayebwa’s appointment is predicted to strengthen Uganda’s diplomatic standing and contribute to the ACP Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States Assembly’s mission of fostering cooperation and growth amongst member states.
