Tayebwa Meets Africa-EU Parliamentary Chair to Deepen Uganda-EU Ties

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa held bilateral talks with Hilde Vautmans, Chairperson of the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly, at the European Parliament in Brussels. The meeting aimed to deepen the relationship between Uganda and the European Union, focusing on areas of mutual interest including enhanced cooperation, regional peace, and governance.

Tayebwa, who also serves as President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly, conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Museveni. He extended an invitation to Vautmans to visit Uganda, underscoring the desire to further strengthen collaboration and strategic partnerships. Tayebwa highlighted Uganda's advancements in governance, its crucial role in containing the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and its ongoing efforts to promote peace in the Great Lakes region.

Tayebwa expressed optimism about the future of Uganda-EU relations, particularly under the Samoa Agreement. "The European Union has proved to be a very reliable partner for Uganda over the last 50 years, and with the Samoa Agreement realigning our relationship from aid to partnership, I only see this relationship growing stronger and stronger with a clear impact on our people," he stated. This agreement signifies a shift from traditional aid-based relationships to a more equitable partnership focused on shared priorities.

Uganda and the European Union have a long-standing history of cooperation spanning governance, trade, development, health, and infrastructure. Both parties are committed to expanding this relationship, with the Samoa Agreement serving as a framework for deeper engagement based on mutual respect and shared objectives.

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The European Union has proved to be a very reliable partner for Uganda over the last 50 years, and with the Samoa Agreement realigning our relationship from aid to partnership, I only see this relationship growing stronger and stronger with a clear impact on our people.