Deputy Speaker Urges Caution on International Treaties

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has sounded an alarm over the potential pitfalls of international treaties, stressing the critical need for thorough vetting before Uganda commits to them. He specifically advised the Attorney General to provide advisories on all treaties submitted to Cabinet and Parliament.

Tayebwa highlighted the controversial Samoa Agreement as a case in point. He revealed that the initial draft contained clauses that would have required Uganda to facilitate abortion and amend its laws to accommodate LGBTQI rights, even stipulating that the agreement would supersede national legislation. He commended members of the 11th Parliament for their robust opposition to these objectionable clauses.

He recounted an incident where he discovered concerning provisions in the Samoa Agreement overnight while in Brussels. Upon inquiry, he found that neither the relevant minister nor the Attorney General had been adequately consulted, prompting his directive for the Attorney General’s direct involvement in all future treaty negotiations.

Tayebwa also referenced Rule 41 of the Rules of Procedure, which mandates the responsible minister to present treaties to Parliament within ninety working days of their conclusion. He further requested the Minister of Foreign Affairs to provide biannual reports on commitments and payments made to international organizations.

During a plenary session on August 4, 2026, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs tabled several ratified treaties, including those related to intellectual property, audiovisual performances, the African Medicines Agency, and ICT networks within the East African Community. Following a proposal by Hon. Patrick Nsamba, the Deputy Speaker tasked the Committee on Foreign Affairs with scrutinizing these documents and reporting back within 45 days.

Tayebwa also urged MPs participating in international delegations to coordinate closely with Ugandan missions abroad, addressing concerns about declarations made without the knowledge of attending lawmakers.

Source: Parliament of Uganda