The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has pledged to promote trade between the European Union (EU) and the Caribbean and Pacific States.
Tayebwa made this commitment shortly after being elected President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly. He expressed gratitude to the delegates for electing him as President of the Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS–European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly for the next two years.
He described his election as a vote of confidence not only in the Parliament of Uganda but also in the government and the country as a whole.
“In a special way, I want to thank Speaker Anitah Among for nominating me. Without your support, I would never have achieved this milestone. Special thanks also go to His Excellency, President Yoweri Museveni, for his invaluable support, which was crucial to realizing this dream. I promise to raise our flag high,” Tayebwa stated.
During his tenure, Tayebwa aims to focus on the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, the primary legal framework governing relations between the OACPS and the EU.
“I will prioritize promoting trade between the EU and ACP countries by addressing non-tariff barriers. Additionally, I will advocate for peace and security, social and human development, equality and social cohesion, climate change action, and immigration reforms. By working together, we can create a better world for all,” he affirmed.
