Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has criticised what he described as external interference in African electoral processes, questioning the European Parliament’s decision to summon Uganda’s ambassador following the January elections.
He made the remarks while addressing regional delegates in Eswatini ahead of the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
He said the issue highlights the need for more balanced diplomatic engagement between Africa and European.
Speaking during a meeting of the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States–European Union (OACPS–EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Eswatini, Tayebwa said Uganda’s elections were conducted in a free and orderly manner, adding that the diplomatic summons undermined mutual respect between partners.
"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."
He noted that a similar diplomatic incident had been recorded in Tanzania, warning that such actions risk straining cooperation between Africa and Europe unless addressed through clear diplomatic frameworks.
The OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly brings together legislators from Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific states with members of the European Parliament to discuss trade, development cooperation, governance, and global policy priorities.
This week’s meeting in Eswatini is expected to focus on economic partnership agreements, climate finance, and market access frameworks, with African delegations pushing for more balanced trade terms and stronger respect for sovereignty in diplomatic engagement.
Tayebwa also revisited a past resolution by the European Parliament seeking to halt the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, saying African legislators successfully pushed back against it during engagements in Maputo, where it was eventually rescinded.
"This demonstrates the value of standing firm for Africa’s sovereignty."
He urged African legislators to consolidate their positions ahead of negotiations with EU counterparts, stressing the need to fully utilise the African Continental Free Trade Area while removing non-tariff barriers limiting market access.
He further called for transparency in climate financing agreements and encouraged first-time delegates to carefully study all negotiation documents in detail to strengthen Africa’s bargaining position in global talks.
He reiterated that parliamentary diplomacy remains a key tool in shaping international agreements, noting that stronger coordination among African legislatures will improve negotiation outcomes and ensure that development partnerships translate into measurable benefits for citizens across the continent this week.