By Buwule Joseph Mary
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called on African legislators to remain united and resolute against what he described as increasing interference by the European Parliament in the internal affairs of African nations.
Tayebwa made the remarks while addressing members of the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States–European Union (OACPS-EU) during ongoing meetings in Eswatini ahead of this week’s OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
Speaking in his capacity as President of the OACPS and Co-President of the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Tayebwa urged African lawmakers to defend the sovereignty and dignity of their countries during engagements with European counterparts.
He cited Uganda’s recent elections, which he described as free, fair and successful, noting that the European Parliament’s decision to summon Uganda’s ambassador over the polls was unacceptable.
“For instance, Uganda recently held elections that were free, fair, and successful. However, the European Parliament summoned Uganda’s Ambassador over the election; this was not right, and we rejected it,” Tayebwa said.
He added that Tanzania had faced a similar situation, emphasizing that African legislators would seek firm assurances from their EU counterparts to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Tayebwa also referenced the European Parliament’s earlier resolution seeking to halt the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, saying African leaders strongly opposed the move until the resolution was eventually rescinded during an OACPS meeting in Maputo.
“This demonstrates the value of standing firm for Africa’s sovereignty,” he noted.
The Deputy Speaker further urged African legislators to unite around clear strategic priorities in order to strengthen the continent’s collective bargaining power in global negotiations.
He stressed the importance of legislators exercising their oversight role to ensure that international agreements yield tangible benefits for African citizens.
Tayebwa also called for the full implementation and utilisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, while addressing non-tariff barriers that continue to hinder trade and market access within Africa and abroad.
On climate issues, he demanded greater transparency and accountability in climate financing commitments, urging for partnerships between Africa and Europe to be built on mutual respect and equality.
He also advised first-time delegates attending the meetings to carefully study all negotiation documents in detail to ensure African representatives negotiate from an informed and strong position.
“For colleagues participating for the first time, I urged them to read all documents thoroughly and understand every detail, even down to a comma, so that we can negotiate from a position of strength,” he said.