BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – The Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has held high-level bilateral talks with Hon. Hilde Vautmans, Chair of the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly, at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The meeting focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership between Uganda and the European Union, while exploring areas of mutual interest aimed at promoting sustainable development, peace, and stronger parliamentary cooperation.
Rt. Hon. Tayebwa was accompanied by Uganda’s Ambassador to the European Union, H.E. Mirjam Blaak, during the discussions.

During the meeting, Tayebwa conveyed warm greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom he described as a steadfast advocate for global peace and stability. He also extended an invitation to Hon. Vautmans to visit Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, to further deepen cooperation and strengthen strategic partnerships between Uganda and the European Union.
Tayebwa highlighted Uganda’s governance journey and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional peace and security. He underscored Uganda’s significant contribution to supporting efforts against the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its continued role in promoting dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts across the region.

He noted that Uganda remains committed to working with international partners to advance peace, stability, and socio-economic transformation.
Speaking after the meeting, Tayebwa praised the enduring relationship between Uganda and the European Union, describing it as one built on trust, mutual respect, and shared development goals.

“The European Union has proved to be a very reliable partner for Uganda over the last 50 years, and with the Samoa Agreement realigning our relationship from aid to partnership, I only see this relationship growing stronger and stronger with a clear impact on our people,” Tayebwa said.
The meeting comes as Uganda and the European Union continue to strengthen cooperation under the Samoa Agreement, which seeks to promote a modern partnership focused on sustainable development, trade, investment, peace, security, climate action, and inclusive economic growth.

The bilateral engagement is expected to further enhance parliamentary diplomacy and reinforce Uganda’s commitment to building stronger international partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to citizens while contributing to peace and stability across Africa and beyond.