EALA to hold Plenary beginning March 7
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) shall hold its sitting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this week. The Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, March 7-18th, 2016.
The Assembly is to be presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega. Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Rt Hon. Kassim Majaliwa will open the Plenary on behalf of the Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, H.E. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli at a Special Sitting on March 8th, 2016, where he will also deliver the State of EAC Address.
Top on the agenda during the two week period is debate on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2012, the EAC Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2015, as well as reports emanating from various Committees following deliberations with key stakeholders in the integration process.
The Objective of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2012 is to provide a legal framework at regional and national level for timely intervention in disaster situations and to protect the people and the natural environment affected by disaster through comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management.
The debate on the Bill was adjourned during the 4th meeting of the 2nd Session in Kampala, Uganda in January 2014, at the request of the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers then cited the need to consult the relevant provisions of the Treaty and to allow for pursuit of the ratification of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security. The said Protocol among other objectives, provides for co-operation in DRR management and crisis response.
Another key Bill is EAC Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2015. The Bill moved by Hon. Dr James Ndahiro seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the rights of persons with disability in the Community in line with Article 120 (C) of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community. The Bill envisages development and adoption of a common approach towards disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including children, the youth, the elderly and persons with disability through rehabilitation and provision of, among others, foster homes, healthcare, education and training.
The Assembly is also expected to debate and pass the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill to anchor the EAC Supplementary Budget for FY 2015/2016.
On its part, the State of EAC Address is delivered annually by the Sitting Chair of the EAC and it reflects on matters of policies related to the Community. The State of EAC Address focuses on matters of general policies relating to the progress that the Community is realising while providing impetus for the Community to pick on. Last week, EAC held the 17th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State during which it admitted the Republic of South Sudan to the EAC fold.
EALA Sittings are held under the principle of rotation in line with Article 55 of the EAC Treaty. EALA held its last Sitting in Arusha on January 24th - February 5th, 2016.