ANGOLA (April 25, 2025)-In a momentous achievement for Tanzanian diplomacy and regional cooperation, Tanzanian Dr. Deo Mwapinga has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the Forum of Parliaments of Member-States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR). 
He assumes this role following a unanimous endorsement by Speakers of the National Parliaments of the ICGLR member state.
He assumes this role following a unanimous endorsement by Speakers of the National Parliaments of the ICGLR member state.The endorsement of Dr. Mwapinga took place during the FP-ICGLR plenary Assembly held in Luanda Angola today 25th April 2025 where representatives from member parliaments of the Great Lakes Region convened to deliberate on issues of peace, security, and democratic governance including the endorsement of the speaker’s decision on the election of the new Secretary General the FP-ICGLR.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Mwapinga expressed gratitude to the member states for the honor, pledging to uphold the values of the FP-ICGLR and to strengthen parliamentary cooperation in the region.
"This is not only a personal honour but a recognition of Tanzania’s continued commitment to peace, stability, and regional integration. I accept this role with fully aware of the important work ahead of us: championing peace and security, strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, fostering regional integration, and promoting democracy, and good governance across our region." he said.
The FP-ICGLR brings together parliaments from the 12 member states of the ICGLR to support the implementation of protocols on democracy, good governance, and human rights.
As Secretary General, Dr. Mwapinga will be responsible for coordinating the forum's programmes and activities based in Kinshasa Congo, which among other things include, enhancing inter-parliamentary dialogue, and mobilizing support for the region’s key development goals.
Dr. Mwapinga garnered overwhelming support from the participating Speakers of the National Parliaments of the ICGLR Countries, a clear testament to the trust and confidence the region places in Tanzania's leadership.
The position of the new Secretary General of the Forum of Parliaments of Member-States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) were being contested by three member states of Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania where decision were made by Speakers that Tanzania deserve this position to steer the agenda of the ICGRL for the next three years with provision of being renewed once making Kenya and Burundi to withdrawn from contesting.
The Government of Tanzania has welcomed the election with pride, with the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Mussa Azzan Zungu who led the Tanzania delegation to Angola calling it “a proud moment for our country strong diplomacy in the great lake region and a testament to our leadership in regional affairs championed by His Excellence Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.”Dr. Mwapinga succeeds Hon. Amb. Onyango Kakoba from Uganda who served the forum since March 2018. Hon. Kakoba is a former Member of Parliament for Buikwe North in Uganda. He also assumed the role following a unanimous selection by the Speakers' Conference until October 2024.
The appointment n marks a historic chapter not only for Tanzania but for the FP-ICGLR as it marks a new era of leadership and cooperation.
Speaking after the Victory, Hon. Elibarick Kingu (MP) who led the Bilateral engagement with head of delegation from Parliamentarians of Member State to seek for their support in Luanda Angola says “This is not just a personal victory for the elected official, but a strategic gain for Tanzania as a whole. It puts the country at the heart of decision-making in one of Africa’s most geopolitically significant regions,” said
Hon. Kingu who is an experienced Lawmaker in bilateral engagement with parliamentarians with his diplomatic and persuasion skills, was appointed by right Hon. Speaker to lend support to the Tanzania delegation that was campaigning for Dr. Deo Mwapinga.
The Forum of Parliaments of Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) was established on December 4, 2008, in Kigali, Rwanda by Head of States of the ICGLR and the forum plays a crucial role in ensuring that the legislative bodies of member states are actively involved in the regional peace and development processes.
It is also a platform that facilitates effective engagement of parliamentarians in the implementation of the ICGLR Pact on Security, Stability and Development and its associated protocols with its objective focusing on Promoting Peace and Security, Advancing Democracy and Good Governance, Enhancing Regional Integration, and Addressing Economic Development and Natural Resource Management.
Earlier commenting on this election, the Member of the Executive Committee of the FP-ICGLR from Tanzania Hon. Eng. Ezra Chiwelesa has warmly welcomed the election of the new Secretary General of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) from Tanzania, describing it as a positive development for our parliamentary diplomacy through the leadership of Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson, Speaker of Parliament of Tanzania and President of the Inter Perliamentary Union.
"This election reflects the collective desire of our Speaker Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson (Mp) to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation across the Great Lakes Region by conducting bilateral engamenet with Speakers from other Member States to support Tanzania in this position.
"Under the new leadership of Dr. Deo Mwapinga, we believe the forum will grow even stronger in addressing issues of Peace and security, transparency, rule of law, and inclusive development," said Hon. Ezra Chiwelesa.