Deputy Speaker Urges Caution on International Treaties

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has strongly advised the Attorney General to provide thorough advisories on all international treaties before they are presented to the Cabinet and Parliament for approval. This call comes after observations that some treaties contain complex and potentially problematic clauses that could impact Uganda’s national laws and interests.

Tayebwa specifically referenced the Samoa Agreement, noting that Uganda had initially agreed to it. However, upon closer scrutiny by lawmakers, certain provisions were flagged for review by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He revealed that the draft agreement included stipulations regarding financial contributions for abortion services and amendments to Ugandan laws to accommodate LGBTQI rights, with the treaty’s terms potentially overriding national legislation.

He commended members of the 11th Parliament for their diligence in identifying and challenging clauses that were not in Uganda’s best interest. Tayebwa recounted an instance where he had to thoroughly review a treaty overnight after confronting it in Brussels, discovering that the Attorney General had not been involved in its negotiation.

“So, Attorney General, I request you to put your foot on the ground so that nobody negotiates and commits our country without your involvement,” Tayebwa urged. He also reminded Parliament of Rule 41 of its Rules of Procedure, which mandates the responsible minister to present treaties to the House within ninety working days of their conclusion or signing.

During the plenary sitting, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs tabled several ratified treaties and protocols. Tayebwa then tasked the Committee on Foreign Affairs to meticulously examine these documents and present a report within 45 days. He also encouraged MPs on international delegations to coordinate closely with Ugandan missions abroad to ensure declarations made align with the knowledge and consent of Ugandan lawmakers. This ensures better transparency and alignment with national interests in international engagements.