Uganda’s representative to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and Busujju County Member of Parliament, Hon. David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga, has called on African leaders to strengthen cooperation, uphold human rights and improve the continent’s image internationally.
Kalwanga says African leaders have a responsibility to present a positive image of their countries to the rest of the world, arguing that the conduct of leaders and institutions can significantly influence how Africa is perceived internationally.
The Pan-African Parliament is an organ of the African Union established in 2004 to provide a continental platform through which African peoples and their representatives can participate in discussions and decision-making on issues affecting the continent. It is based in Midrand, South Africa, and brings together representatives from AU Member States. (Pan-African Parliament)
Unlike a national parliament that directly legislates for one country, the PAP currently operates primarily as a continental deliberative, consultative and oversight institution. Its mandate includes discussing matters affecting Africa, making recommendations, promoting human rights and democracy, encouraging good governance, supporting the harmonisation of laws and policies, and contributing to Africa’s integration and development. (Pan-African Parliament)
The Parliament conducts much of its detailed work through its Permanent Committees, which examine emerging issues facing the continent and contribute to parliamentary debate and recommendations. The PAP has eleven Permanent Committees, alongside its Plenary and other parliamentary structures. (Pan-African Parliament)
Against this background, Kalwanga says Uganda and other African countries must use the continental platform to advance cooperation and address challenges collectively.
He says his recent engagements at the Pan-African Parliament, including discussions involving South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, have produced encouraging outcomes and could help deepen relations among African countries.
Kalwanga says the discussions have demonstrated the importance of African countries working together rather than approaching continental challenges in isolation.
He notes that Africa is endowed with enormous natural resources, including minerals, gold and oil, but argues that greater continental cooperation is necessary if African countries are to translate these resources into tangible improvements in the lives of their people.
According to Kalwanga, stronger cooperation should enable African countries to increase their collective bargaining power, promote trade and investment, and pursue development strategies that ensure the continent benefits more from its own resources.
His message comes at a time when the Pan-African Parliament is seeking a stronger role in advancing African integration. Addressing the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature in July 2026, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also called for a stronger and more empowered PAP, deeper continental integration and greater implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. (Pan-African Parliament)
Kalwanga, however, says Africa’s development agenda must go hand in hand with respect for human rights and democratic values.
He has therefore urged Ugandan leaders and citizens to avoid actions that violate human rights, warning that such conduct can damage Uganda’s international reputation and create a negative perception of the country.
He says African leaders should instead demonstrate responsible leadership, respect for the rule of law and commitment to the dignity and rights of citizens.
For Kalwanga, the Pan-African Parliament provides an important opportunity for Uganda to contribute to continental conversations while also bringing African perspectives and priorities into discussions on governance, development, peace, security and economic integration.
He has consequently urged Ugandans to have confidence in their representatives at the continental level, saying Uganda’s delegation has already made significant progress within a relatively short period and remains committed to advancing the country’s interests while contributing to Africa’s broader development agenda.
The PAP’s official mandate includes promoting human rights and democracy, good governance, transparency and accountability, peace and stability, continental solidarity, economic recovery and cooperation among African countries and regional economic communities. (Pan-African Parliament)
Kalwanga says the ultimate objective should be to build an Africa that speaks with a stronger collective voice, protects the dignity of its people and makes strategic use of its resources to deliver prosperity for its citizens.
