Thursday, 27th February 2025
Uganda has secured a major diplomatic victory as Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, is elected President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly.
Tayebwa’s election on 25th February 2025, is a landmark achievement that elevates Uganda’s global standing. His new role automatically makes him Co-chair of the OACPS-European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA), a high-profile forum where ACP and EU countries engage on democratic governance, trade, and development cooperation.
Announcing the milestone during Thursday’s plenary session (27th February 2025), Speaker of Parliament Anita Among hailed the election as a vote of confidence in Uganda’s leadership on the international stage.
“This is a great honour for Uganda and a testament to the credibility of our Parliament. We are grateful that our nomination was accepted, and we congratulate the Deputy Speaker on this well-deserved achievement.”
She also extended appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for his unwavering support in advancing Uganda’s diplomatic influence.
A Diplomatic Win for Uganda
Tayebwa’s election positions Uganda at the helm of one of the most influential multilateral parliamentary bodies, uniting 79 nations across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The OACPS plays a pivotal role in fostering economic cooperation, trade negotiations, and sustainable development among its member states.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi and several legislators from both opposition and ruling party joined in congratulating Tayebwa, acknowledging the significance of the appointment.
“This is a proud moment for our Parliament. Uganda’s growing influence on the international stage is something we all celebrate.” noted Ssenyonyi.
Hon. Charles Onen (Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu) urged Tayebwa to use his new position to advance Uganda’s values and interests on the global stage.
Tayebwa’s Global Influence
Tayebwa is no stranger to high-stakes diplomacy. As First Vice Chairperson of the Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference, he has been a strong advocate for Uganda’s interests.
In 2022, during an OACPS Assembly in Maputo, Mozambique, Tayebwa led efforts to overturn a European Parliament resolution that sought to block funding for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). His diplomatic intervention successfully convinced European legislators to withdraw the resolution, safeguarding Uganda’s multi-billion-dollar oil project.
With his election as ACP President, Tayebwa is now in an even stronger position to champion Uganda’s interests on the world stage. His leadership is expected to bolster Uganda’s bargaining power in trade, investment, and policy negotiations at an international level.
Uganda’s presence at the top of a key global assembly signals a new chapter in the country’s diplomatic engagements—one where it shapes conversations rather than merely participating in them.
