Uganda’s Ambassador to Belgium hails Tayebwa’s election as OACPS President

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Uganda’s ambassador to Belgium, Mirjam Blaak, has welcomed Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa’s election as President of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly.

In a telephone conversation with New Vision Online, Blaak described the development as a landmark achievement for Uganda on the global stage.

“The election of the Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa heralds a new first, reflecting his exceptional leadership qualities and reinforcing Uganda’s prominence in regional and international affairs,” Amb. Blaak stated.

She emphasized that Tayebwa’s leadership aligns with the six key priorities of the Samoa Agreement, including upholding human dignity, democracy, and governance; fostering global peace and security; promoting inclusive human and social development; protecting the environment for future generations; and addressing migration and mobility.

Blaak also highlighted the critical role OACPS plays in relations with the European Union, noting that Tayebwa’s presidency presents an opportunity to enhance trade, investment, infrastructure, and green technology collaboration between the 79-member bloc and the EU.

“With his excellent diplomatic skills, there could not be a better choice to navigate the complexities of international politics. His leadership will strengthen OACPS-EU relations, ensuring mutual respect and shared prosperity,” she added.

Blaak also reaffirmed the Uganda Mission in Brussels’ commitment to supporting Tayebwa in his new role.

“We are immensely proud of Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker for attaining such a high-level elected office. As he noted, this milestone will raise Uganda’s flag to greater heights. Over the next two years, we stand ready to support him in fulfilling this important mandate,” she said.

Blaak joins a chorus of other leaders who have welcomed the development. These include Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, state minister for industry David Bahati and Noeline Basemera (Kibale District Woman MP, NRM).

“I would like to express special thanks to His Excellency, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the President of the Republic of Uganda, for his unwavering support of his candidature and for his commitment to providing the necessary assistance during his tenure. On behalf of the Parliament of Uganda, and personally, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa and I wish him a remarkably fruitful tenure,” Among shared on X on Thursday.

Bahati noted that this is a vote of confidence in Uganda as a country and the prevailing leadership.

“This particular presidency of the OACPS opens up opportunities for Uganda in areas of trade, investment and for collaboration of countries involved and when countries collaborate, then so much happens. In areas of trade, diplomacy and tourism. So, we see all these are going to emanate from what we have been able to get, because Rt Hon. Tayebwa will be opening doors for us in all these countries using this position,” Bahati stated.