Tayebwa Pushes for Greater Mandate and Financial Independence in OACPS

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has urged regional parliamentary groups to adopt stronger mandates and pursue financial independence to enhance the effectiveness of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly.

While meeting with the Pacific Parliamentary Group in Brussels, Tayebwa—who serves as OACPS President and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly—emphasized the need for reforms that empower the three regional groups. A central proposal tabled during the discussions involves establishing a common fund supported by contributions from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

According to Tayebwa, heavy reliance on external funding has historically hampered strategic planning and restricted the assembly’s ability to execute independent priorities. He noted that without independent financial means, the institution risks remaining limited to mere rhetoric rather than impactful action.

Beyond financial autonomy, the proposed reforms aim to strengthen regional representation within the assembly’s leadership, optimize committee functions, and broaden international partnerships. Tayebwa highlighted specific areas of cooperation where Pacific lawmakers can contribute significantly, including climate resilience, fisheries, ocean management, and digital connectivity.

He further stressed that the assembly must develop an independent agenda that reaches beyond traditional meetings with the European Parliament, fostering deeper cooperation with global parliamentary bodies.

These consultations in Brussels precede the upcoming 65th session of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meetings, which Tayebwa is scheduled to co-chair.

Read more about these developments at the Parliament of Uganda.