Alex Esagala retweeted
Last evening, we concluded the week-long OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meetings in Brussels, Belgium. We had candid and constructive discussions on strengthening cooperation between our regions.
We look forward to translating the ideas we discussed into practical outcomes for our people. These include promoting local processing of critical raw materials, mobilising investment, facilitating technology and skills transfer, addressing climate challenges without deepening debt, and strengthening peace and respect for international law.
Excitingly, Uganda will host the OACPS - EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in November 2027. We look forward to this important occasion and we will give our guests a taste of the warmth and generosity of the Pearl of Africa.
Many thanks to the European Parliament for hosting us in Brussels. I am grateful to my co-president of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, H.E. Francisco Assis, and all colleagues who contributed to the successful conduct of the sessions.
I also extend my appreciation to my colleagues; Hon. @PaulOmara19 (Otuke County), @NamutaaweJoan (Masaka District), Hon. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki (Masindi District), @HonKateshD (Sheema Municipality), @RuthRujokiM (Kiruhura District), Hon. Nabirye Annet (Luuka District), Hon. Kabarokole Sarah (Bunyangabo District), and Hon. @shyamtanna_ (Tororo Municipality), for their wonderful representation.
Alex Esagala retweeted
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, calls for stronger multilateral cooperation, dialogue and collective action to address emerging global security challenges
#NTVNews
Alex Esagala retweeted
Tayebwa asks mineral-rich countries to stop exporting raw minerals
monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/na…
Alex Esagala retweeted
He made our country proud here in the corridors of EU Parliament. Very proud of you @shyamtanna_
Alex Esagala retweeted
Rt. Hon.@Thomas_Tayebwa argued that security and development are closely interconnected, noting that conflicts disrupt public services, destroy livelihoods and divert resources away from national development priorities. He added that organised crime and instability increasingly transcend national borders which make international cooperation more necessary than ever.
#TayariWestUpdates
PHOTOS: Deputy Speaker @Thomas_Tayebwa has called for stronger multilateral cooperation, dialogue and collective action to address growing global security challenges.
He made the remarks while chairing the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday, where he highlighted the impact of conflicts, organised crime and geopolitical tensions on global stability and development.
#TayariWestUpdates
Alex Esagala retweeted
Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa: "Our partnership should help strengthen respect for sovereignty, international law and the protection of civilians. It should also support international institutions in which developing countries and smaller states have a meaningful voice."
#TayariWestUpdates
Alex Esagala retweeted
Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa challenged parliamentarians from both regions to strengthen dialogue, support mediation and hold their respective governments accountable for commitments towards preventing crises and sustaining peace.
#TayariWestUpdates
Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa: "Our partnership should help strengthen respect for sovereignty, international law and the protection of civilians. It should also support international institutions in which developing countries and smaller states have a meaningful voice."
#TayariWestUpdates
Alex Esagala retweeted
Omuhwezi wa Sipiika, Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa ahabwire amahanga kukwatanisa hamwe kutunguuma n'okumaraho entaro.
#Agenshonga
#TayariWestUpdates
Alex Esagala retweeted
VIDEO: The President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and Co-President of the OACPS-EU, @Thomas_Tayebwa , has called for stronger multilateral cooperation, dialogue and collective action to address growing global security challenges.
Alex Esagala retweeted
𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐛𝐰𝐚 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has called on African, Caribbean and Pacific (OACPS) countries to prioritise local processing of critical raw materials to generate greater economic value, create skilled jobs and accelerate industrial development.
Tayebwa made the call while chairing a session of the ongoing OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, which examined opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in the critical raw materials sector.
He noted that growing global demand for critical minerals presents an opportunity for OACPS member states to strengthen their economies by moving beyond the export of unprocessed resources and investing in domestic processing industries.
He cited the Democratic Republic of Congo's significant contribution to global cobalt production and highlighted the mineral potential of countries including Uganda, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
Tayebwa emphasised that mineral-producing countries should secure a greater share of the value generated from their natural resources through local industries, skilled employment and opportunities for domestic businesses.
He also called for stronger cooperation between OACPS and European Union countries in mineral production, processing, environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
The discussions highlighted the need for partnerships that translate mineral wealth into tangible benefits for citizens, including employment, local business opportunities and investment in public services. @Thomas_Tayebwa @PressACP @OacpsProgramme
Alex Esagala retweeted
𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐛𝐰𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa , has called on parliamentarians to strengthen oversight of critical raw materials agreements to ensure that mineral partnerships deliver lasting benefits to producing countries and their citizens.
Tayebwa made the call during a session of the ongoing OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, where members discussed building mutually beneficial cooperation between OACPS and European Union countries in the critical raw materials sector.
He said legislators have a responsibility to scrutinise agreements, monitor implementation, examine public costs, safeguard workers' rights and the environment, and promote transparency in the management of mineral revenues.
Tayebwa emphasised that the success of mineral partnerships should be reflected in tangible outcomes, including local employment, opportunities for domestic businesses and improved public services.
Contributing to the discussion, Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. @shyamtanna_ , urged European partners to support Africa's ambition to develop local mineral processing industries rather than rely on the continued export of raw materials.
Tanna observed that Africa's vast mineral wealth has not always translated into corresponding economic prosperity for its people. He called for fair partnerships and affordable financing to help countries establish processing facilities, expand industrial capacity and retain more value from their natural resources.
He also encouraged alignment between Europe's critical raw materials ambitions and Africa's industrialisation priorities, noting the importance of ensuring that cooperation supports the development aspirations of both partners.
The discussions underscored the importance of sustained parliamentary engagement, including through the Africa-EU and OACPS-EU Working Groups on Critical Raw Materials, to follow up on commitments and strengthen accountability.
@PressACP @OACPS_PA @Parliament_Ug
Alex Esagala retweeted
Tayebwa urges OACPS countries to process minerals locally
ubc.go.ug/2026/11/12/tayebwa…
Alex Esagala retweeted
𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐛𝐰𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Rt. Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa , has called for increased investment in infrastructure, skills development and financing to enable African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to establish viable critical mineral processing industries.
Addressing a session of the ongoing OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Tayebwa observed that although global demand for critical raw materials continues to grow, mineral-producing countries need deliberate investment to move into higher-value stages of production.
He identified reliable energy, efficient transport networks, skilled workers and access to affordable financing as essential requirements for developing competitive local processing industries.
The discussion also highlighted concerns over declining investment in critical minerals. Citing International Energy Agency figures, the session noted a 9 per cent decline in global critical mineral investment in 2025, despite rising demand for these resources.
Tayebwa called for stronger OACPS-EU cooperation to mobilise investment and support the development of local industries capable of processing mineral resources within producing countries.
He emphasised that such partnerships should generate measurable economic benefits, including employment, business opportunities for local enterprises and increased national revenues.
The engagement forms part of broader parliamentary efforts to advance cooperation on critical raw materials and ensure that resource-rich countries participate more meaningfully in the global value chains.
@PressACP @OACPS_PA @Parliament_Ug
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🇺🇬 “WE WILL NEVER CLOSE OUR BORDERS” — TAYEBWA WARNS OF REFUGEE FUNDING GAP
Uganda hosts more than two million refugees and receives only about 12.5% of the funding needed to support them, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North County) has said.
Speaking in Brussels on 11 November, he said the shortfall was forcing government to divert money from national development priorities to humanitarian assistance. He pledged that Uganda would keep its borders open to people fleeing conflict.
Read more:
parliamentwatch.ug/news/taye…
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Tayebwa Calls for Global Action as Uganda Struggles with Refugee Funding Shortfall kampalapost.com/articles/tay…
Alex Esagala retweeted
During the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, I challenged European partners on the EU Critical Raw Materials Act and its implications for Africa.
If Europe aims to process 40% of its strategic raw materials locally by 2030, how do we ensure Africa’s ambition for value addition is not undermined by competing interests? Can Europe’s drive for recycling also create a conflict of interest with Africa’s mineral ambitions?
Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials. We need fair partnerships, affordable financing and the opportunity to process our own resources, create jobs and build industries.
The session was chaired by our own @Thomas_Tayebwa , Co-President of the Assembly. I had the honour of being part of the Ugandan delegation, and we are extremely proud of him for flying the Ugandan flag high on the international stage. 🇺🇬
Alex Esagala retweeted
Happy birthday Right Honorable. May God always bless you.
Thank you dear friends for the warm birthday wishes. At the European Parliament, colleagues led by my co-President H.E. Francisco Assis led the EU-ACP Joint Parliamentary Assembly in the celebrations. I’m not able to respond to each one of you personally, but my family and I hold you dearly at heart. May God bless you all.
Alex Esagala retweeted
Stronger Multilateralism, Global Cooperation Can Address Rising Security Challenges, Says Tayebwa*
The Deputy Speaker of @Parliament_Ug Rt. Hon. ,@Thomas_Tayebwa, has called for stronger multilateral cooperation, dialogue and collective action to address growing global security challenges.
@Thomas_Tayebwa, who is also president of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly and co-president of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, said conflicts, organised crime and geopolitical tensions continue to undermine development and threaten international stability.
@Thomas_Tayebwa made the call while chairing a joint parliamentary assembly of the OACPS and the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday, under the theme Global Security and Multilateralism in a Highly Interconnected, Multipolar and Fragmented World.
He argued that security and development are closely interconnected, noting that conflicts disrupt public services, destroy livelihoods and divert resources away from national development priorities. He added that organised crime and instability increasingly transcend national borders which make international cooperation more necessary than ever.
“Our partnership should help strengthen respect for sovereignty, international law and the protection of civilians. It should also support international institutions in which developing countries and smaller states have a meaningful voice,” Tayebwa said.
He challenged parliamentarians from both regions to strengthen dialogue, support mediation and hold their respective governments accountable for commitments towards preventing crises and sustaining peace.
Uganda's refugee open-door policy
Highlighting Uganda's experience in hosting refugees, Tayebwa said that the country currently accommodates more than two million refugees, mainly from neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sudan, Burundi and South Sudan.
However, he expressed concern that Uganda receives only 12.5 per cent of the funding required to support the refugee population, forcing the government to divert resources intended for national development towards providing humanitarian assistance.
“As a country, we will never close our borders to anyone seeking refuge because of conflict,” he said.
