Tayebwa Rallies OACPS Regions to Establish Independent Development Fund

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) is actively considering the establishment of a common fund financed by its three regional blocs. The initiative aims to reduce heavy reliance on external financing and strengthen the overall implementation of parliamentary activities across member states.

While addressing Pacific parliamentarians during high-level consultations in Brussels, Uganda’s Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa stressed the urgent need for financial self-reliance. Tayebwa, who serves as the President of the OACPS and Co-President of the OACPS-European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly, warned that financial vulnerability severely undermines the organization’s core mission.

“Our reliance on external financing has made planning difficult and limited our ability to act on our priorities,” Tayebwa stated. He emphasized that without independent financial backing, the Assembly risks losing its operational impact and remaining confined to rhetoric rather than tangible action.

Under the proposed financial framework, the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific blocs would contribute to a central fund based on their respective capacities. The generated resources would finance joint Assembly activities while supporting tailored initiatives within individual regions, underpinned by strict accountability mechanisms.

Beyond financial autonomy, the reform package seeks to reinforce regional representation, optimize parliamentary committees, and institute dedicated technical support structures. Tayebwa also highlighted strategic areas like climate resilience, ocean conservation, and fisheries management where regional synergies can drive impactful policy.

Read more about this development on the Daily Monitor.