Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has accused the European Union of interfering in Uganda’s political affairs.
His complaint follows reports that the European Parliament summoned Uganda’s Ambassador over complaints linked to violence during the January 2026 general elections.
Speaking at the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group meeting of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS-EU) in Eswatini, Tayebwa accused the EU of undermining African sovereignty and disrespecting independent states.
“One of the key issues I raised is the need to demand respect for African countries from our EU counterparts. For instance, Uganda recently held elections that were free, fair, and successful. However, the European Parliament summoned Uganda’s Ambassador over the election; this was not right, and we rejected it,” Tayebwa said.
He added that Uganda was not alone, saying Tanzania had also faced similar treatment from the European Parliament.
“In our engagements with EU colleagues, we will be seeking firm guarantees that such incidents will not happen again,” he added.
Tayebwa further accused the European Union of repeatedly meddling in Uganda’s affairs, recalling the European Parliament’s earlier push to halt the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project.
“We opposed it strongly, and the resolution was later rescinded during an OACPS meeting in Maputo. This demonstrates the value of standing firm for Africa’s sovereignty,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker urged African legislators to unite and negotiate with stronger bargaining power, warning that Africa risks exploitation if leaders fail to scrutinize agreements carefully.
“I also told my colleagues that we must unite around clear and strategic priorities to strengthen our collective voice in global negotiations,” Tayebwa noted.
He also called for transparency in climate financing and demanded partnerships based on mutual respect rather than external pressure from Western countries.
