KAMPALA – Uganda’s Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has been elected President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly. This significant achievement marks a major milestone in Uganda’s diplomatic endeavors.
Tayebwa’s election was a testament to his leadership skills and diplomatic prowess. As President of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly, Tayebwa will play a crucial role in promoting the interests of African, Caribbean, and Pacific states on the global stage.
In his acknowledgment statement, Tayebwa expressed his gratitude to the delegates for electing him. “I take this opportunity to thank delegates of the Organization of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly for electing me as the President of the Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS – European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly for the next two years,” he said.
Tayebwa recognized that his election was not only a vote of confidence in him but also in the Parliament of Uganda, the government, and the country as a whole. “This is a vote of confidence not only in the Parliament of Uganda but in the government and country as a whole,” he noted.
He extended special thanks to the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among, for nominating him, and to President Yoweri Museveni for his support, which was critical to his success. “In a special way, I want to thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker of @Parliament_Ug @AnitahAmong for nominating me. Without your support, I would never have realized this dream,” Tayebwa said. “Special thanks go to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda @KagutaMuseveni for all the support he rendered towards my candidature, which was critical for us to realize this dream.”
As President, Tayebwa pledged to focus on implementing the Samoa Agreement, which is the major operating legal framework between OACPS and the European Union. He also promised to put special emphasis on promoting trade between the EU and ACP countries through the removal of non-tariff barriers. Additionally, he vowed to address key issues such as peace and security, promotion of social and human development, equality and social cohesion, climate change, and immigration.
“I promise to raise our flag high. During my presidency, I will focus on the implementation of the Samoa Agreement… I will put special emphasis on the promotion of trade between the EU and ACP countries through the removal of non-tariff barriers; peace and security, promotion of social and human development, equality and social cohesion, climate change, and immigration,” Tayebwa said.
He concluded by promising to work tirelessly to create a better world for all. “Working together, we shall create a better world for all,” he said.
