The Inter-University Council for East Africa, Kampala, Uganda, 12th March 2018:
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), the East African Business Council (EABC), the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), and the East African Development Bank (EADB) are jointly organizing the Academia-Public-Private Partnership (APPP) Forum and Exhibitions 2018.
The forum’s theme is The East African Common Higher Education Area: Opportunities for Industrialization through Academia-Public-Private Partnerships. The forum seeks to explore the status and potential for linkage between the three sectors in utilizing opportunities brought about by the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol. The forum will take place at Catholic University of East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya on 21st to 22nd March 2018.
The APPP focuses on (i) enhancing linkage between the academia, research institutions, and public and private sector enterprises; (ii) promoting the utilization of higher education research output and innovations by the private sector/business community; (iii) promoting consultative engagement in curriculum and research development and implementation and (iv), jointly organizing dialogue forums and exhibitions. The pioneer Forum organizers – IUCEA and EABC were joined by EADB in 2013 and EASTECO in 2017.
The key themes of discussion will include Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a catalyst for transformation of the production systems and outputs, contribution of medium, small and macro enterprises (MSMEs) to ensure optimization of productive potential for sustainable economic growth; education ecosystems for knowledge management and information sharing within the EAC industrialization processes; role of centers-of-excellence initiatives in the EAC Partner States in industrialization; and the role of media and creative arts in promoting APPP and EAC integration.
The plenary and breakaway sessions will be run in parallel with exhibitions, in which products, systems and services emanating from research and innovations from universities, research institutions and the private sector will be showcased as a way of promoting and enhancing academia-public-private partnerships.
“Academic-Industry linkages have become critically important at this stage when we know that the convergence between academic, public and private institutions both productive and service providers can drive innovative development,” said Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje, Executive Secretary, IUCEA. “Whereas publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals is good, translating these research findings into innovative products and services that can be commercialized and used in everyday life is greater,” he said.
He encouraged academics, researchers, innovators, students, SMEs and all interested members of the public to attend the forum for sharing experiences and use the forum as opportunity for learning.
Registration for the Forum and Exhibitions
The Forum which has been in place since 2011, is open to all stakeholders in East Africa and beyond from the academia, public and private sectors, higher education institutions, Africa Centers of Excellence (ACEs), employers, manufacturers and other players in the wide industry value chain and business community in general, national commissions and councils for higher education and national commissions and councils for science and technology as well as organizations responsible for research, development and industrialization and the media. To register to participate as an exhibitor, visit the website www.iucea.org/forum. Deadline for registration is 5th March 2018.
For more information, please contact Ms. Wilhelmina Balyagati, Inter-University Council for East Africa, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +256774165467/ +255 788 497339
About the Organisers
Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA): IUCEAis an EAC Institution whose mission is to promote strategic and sustainable development of higher education systems and research for supporting East Africa’s socio-economic development and regional integration. www.iucea.org
East African Business Council (EABC): EABC is the umbrella organization of the Private Sector in East Africa and is at the forefront in facilitating Private Sector participation in the EAC integration process. EABC members are drawn from the Private Sector in the EAC Partner States, consisting of companies, business associations and government agencies involved in facilitating trade. www.eabc-online.com/
East African Development Bank (EADB). Established in 1967 under the Treaty of the then East African Co-operation that established the former EAC, and re-established under its own Charter in 1980, the role and under its mandate, EADB offers a broad range of financial services in the Member States of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, with an overriding objective of strengthening socio-economic development and regional integration. The four Member States own EADB. www.eadb.org
East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO): EASTECO is a specialized EAC Institution with a mandate to promote and coordinate the development, management and application of science and technology to support regional integration and socio-economic development. https://easteco.org/
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: 9 March, 2018:
Hon Dr Aman Walid Kabourou, former EALA Legislator who passed away this week at the Muhimbili Hospital in Dar es Salaam, was laid to rest this afternoon in Kigoma region.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Ngoga, led EALA Members in condoling with the family and friends of the late Hon Dr Kabourou.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the late Hon Dr Kabourou. He was a great debater during the 2nd EALA (2006-2012) and contributed immensely to strengthening EALA and the regional integration process. We shall hold fond memories of Hon Dr Kabourou for his selfless contribution to EALA in particular and the EAC in general”, Rt Hon Ngoga said. “EALA Members and I join the family at this time of grief and pray to Allah, to strengthen them”, he added.
Hon Dr Kabourou was a Member of the 2nd EALA between the period of 2006-2012. At EALA, he served on the Accounts Committee and the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution. Prior to joining the regional Assembly, Hon Dr Kabourou was a Member of Kigoma Urban Constituency having been elected in 1995. He won the re-election in 2000 and 2005.
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For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 9th March, 2018:
The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is keen on helping Africa to improve its healthcare systems, a delegation of South Korean MPs who visited the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, disclosed today.
Jun Hye Sook, a Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, who led the delegation of three MPs who visited the EAC Secretariat, said that the country had put in place a programme to train African doctors, medical experts and nurses in South Korea.
“Korea is aiming at teaching doctors and medical experts who will return home to serve their people,” she said.
“We also have Korean experts coming to African to build capacity among their African counterparts,” adding that the country was also contributing towards the upgrading of health infrastructure on the continent.
Hon. Sook and her team who held talks with the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, and other EAC officials, said South Korea was currently assisting in the construction of additional facilities at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Hon. Sook said her country was particularly keen on assisting African families who can’t afford to access quality healthcare due to abject poverty. The legislator said that Korean medicines were of world class quality.
The delegation, however, informed the Secretary General that Korean experts coming to East Africa were facing challenges in acquiring visas and work permits which would enable them to volunteer their services in the region.
Hon. Sook disclosed that South Korea had consistently increased her development assistance to Africa over the years with total aid quadrupling from US$107 million in 2008 to US$421 million in 2016.
“Most of the Korean aid to African countries goes towards water, health, education, energy and infrastructure development projects,” said the lawmaker.
In his remarks, EAC Secretary General Amb. Mfumukeko assured the Korean delegation that the Community would work closely with Partner States’ governments to address the issue of visa and work permits being encountered by Korean experts coming to the region to build capacity among doctors and other healthcare personnel.
He thanked South Korea for her generous assistance to the health sector, adding that the training of doctors, nurses and other medical specialists was crucial to the EAC.
“We have an ongoing programme for training of doctors, medical experts and nurses in Nairobi and Kampala. We also have programmes for strengthening the capacity of medical testing laboratories in the region. Also high on our agenda are vaccination programmes and manufacture of pharmaceuticals,” said Amb. Mfumukeko.
The SG said that the Community was keen on decentralizing health facilities from the Partner States capitals to secondary cities.
The SG said that East Africa looks up to Korea as an inspiration for development particularly in industrialization. He urged Koreans to seek partnerships and invest in the region noting that East Africa was ready to work with Korea in skills development and technology transfer.
He informed the Korean delegation that the Community had unveiled its 5th Development Strategy two weeks ago, adding that among the highlights in the Strategy are industrial development through increased investment, skills and technology transfer, and the creation of employment for the youth.
Also in the Korean delegation were MPs Kim Gyu Hwan and Song Ok-Joo and Ms. Jiin An, the First Secretary and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Korean Embassy in Dar es Salaam.
Amb. Mfumukeko was accompanied at the meeting by Eng. Steven Mlote, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Ms. Suma Mwakyusa, Principal International Relations Officer, Mr. Julius Birungi, the Partnership Fund Manager, and Ms. Beata Mukabaranga, Principal Resource Mobilization Officer.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Court of Justice Arusha, 8th March 2018:
The First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) today struck out an Application filed by one Rashid Salum Adiy and 39,999 others Zanzibar Citizens versus the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Chief Secretary of Revolutionary Council of Zanzibar and United Republic of Tanzania others.
The Application was seeking the EACJ to allow the case challenging the legality of the Union of Tanzania, to be heard in Zanzibar. This meant that the EACJ would shift its base from its headquarters in Arusha to Zanzibar for the hearing of the case.
Rashid Salum Adiy and 39,999 others Zanzibari Citizens had earlier filed the case before the First Instance Division challenging the Union of Zanzibar with the mainland under the United Republic of Tanzania. The Respondents to the case were the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, the Chief Secretary Revolutionary Council of Zanzibar, the United Republic of Tanzania.
The Court in its ruling read by the Principal Judge, Justice Monica Mugenyi, said that, “We have carefully listened to both parties, we are concerned by the lacklustre and unprofessional manner in which the Applicants have approached so serious the matter.”
Further the Court said that, the Applicants purported to file a notice of appointment of an agent while knowing that it was premised on unregistered and therefore defective Power of Attorney.
“We find this not to be only the waste of the Court’s time and occasioning undue delay of the hearing of the matter, but also find it to be abuse of the Court’s process,” said Justice Mugenyi, for the bench. The Court therefore ruled that under Rule 47 (1) (a) and (c) of the Court Rules of Procedure, it had dismissed the application with no costs.
Before the ruling, there were arguments by the Representatives of the Attorney General of Zanzibar and URT, submitting that the Applicants have shown lack of seriousness in this important case which is of a public interest and that it shows disrespect of the Court and waste of its time.
Mr. Rashid Salum Adiy (Applicant) who appeared in person with other few Applicants in court had earlier filed with the Court a notice of appointment of an Agent which Court rejected because it was not supported by the valid Power of Attorney. The Applicant also attempted to use Swahili language in Court which court interpreted as against Article 46 of the Treaty which provides for English as the official language of the Community.
The other Applicants present in Court were Suleyman Mustafa, Khamis Hassan Hamad with the Purported Agent by the name Japhet Chidzipha Chigumba. While the representatives of the Respondents were Mzee Ali Haji, Deputy Attorney General of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Alesia A. Mbuya Principal State Attorney & Asst. Director Attorney General and Constitutional Affairs, Mark Mwambo, Principal State Attorney and others.
All appeared before Hon. Justices: Monica Mugenyi (Principal Judge), Fakihi Jundu and Dr Charles Oyo Nyawello all of the First Instance Division.
Notice for Editors:
Rule 47 (1) (a) and (c) provides that;
(1) The Court may, on application of any party, strike out or expunge all or part of a pleading or other document, with or without leave to amend, on the ground that the pleading or other document—
(a) may prejudice or delay the fair trial of the case; or
(C) is an abuse of the process of the Court.
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For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 2162149 mail: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 8th March, 2018:
The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko concluded a one-day working visit to the Republic of Kenya yesterday 7th March, 2018.
During the visit, the Secretary-General met and held talks with the newly appointed EAC and Northern Corridor Cabinet Secretary, Mr Peter Munya at the Ministry's Head Office, the Cooperative Bank Building, Haile Selassie Avenue.
The objective of the visit was to brief the newly appointed EAC and Northern Corridor Cabinet Secretary, Mr Peter Munya on the status of the EAC integration process, the key issues around the Northern Corridor infrastructural projects and other useful insights into the integration process.
Amb. Mfumukeko and his host discussed in details on the key issues of integration, including reform efforts at the Secretariat, and key achievements so far realized along the integration journey.
The two officials also discussed the progress so far made under the EAC Common Market, especially cross border movement and trade; regional infrastructural development , updates on implementation of the Customs Union and Monetary Union Protocols as well as the planned official launching of the Namanga One Stop Boarder Post on 20th April, 2018.
The Cabinet Secretary commended the good organization of the just ended EAC Summit of the Heads of States and the Joint EAC Heads of State Retreat on Infrastructure and Health Financing and Development, the work done by EAC to increase support by development partners to the EAC as well as the efforts to reduce operation cost at the EAC Secretariat
The Secretary General was accompanied by his Deputies Eng Steven Mlote in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, and Mr. Charles Njoroge, in charge of Political Federation.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, March 7, 2018:
The East African Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution granting leave to Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde and any other Member of the Assembly who may want to intervene, and/or appoint lawyers to represent it in the case Reference No. 02 of 2018 in the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). In the same vein, the Assembly further agreed that Hon Mbidde makes use its records at the Court for the Reference which is challenging the election of the Speaker.
The motion moved by Hon Mbidde himself, received support as the House convened this morning. Reference No. 02 of 2018 filed by the Attorney General of the Republic of Burundi versus the Secretary General of the Community is challenging the election of the Speaker done in December 2017.
Hon Mbidde stated in his Motion that EALA duly met from 15th - 23rd December 2017 to perform its inaugural activities in line with the provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, specifically Rules 4, 5, and 6 that concern the notification of the First Sitting of a new Assembly (Rule 4), List of Members and Administration of Oath (Rule 5) and Election of Speaker (Rule 6).
The Assembly was further told the matters raised in the Reference before Court touch on the sanctity of the Assembly within its jurisdiction and therefore it should be well represented in Court, the absence of which may lead to misrepresentation of the Assembly.
The legislator sought permission from the Assembly as is stipulated in the Act and attendant EALA Rules of Procedure. Article 40 of the Treaty and Section 20(1) of the Assembly Powers and Privileges Act 2003 states thus:
“Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, no Member or Officer of the Assembly and no person employed to take minutes or record evidence before the Assembly or any Committee shall, except as provided in this Act, give evidence else-where in respect of the contents of such minutes or evidence or of the contents of any document laid before the Assembly or such a Committee, as the case may be, or in respect of any proceedings or examinations held before the Assembly or such a Committee, as the case may be without the special leave of the Assembly first had and obtained in writing”;
The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, (Rule 23) further stipulate the manner and processes through which Journals and Records of the House, including all papers and accounts presented to or belonging to the House, are kept, processed or transmitted only under the express leave of the House, or order of the Speaker.
Several Members rose in support of the Resolution before it was put to a vote. Hon George Odongo reminded the Members that EAC citizens are expecting a lot from the legislators and urged the House to move on with haste.
Hon Fatuma Ibrahim remarked that the House had elected its Speaker and therefore supported the Motion to grant the mover of the Resolution leave to defend the Assembly in the Reference. Others who rose in support were Hon Kasamba Mathias, Hon Dennis Namara who said it was necessary to support the Motion in line with the decision (election of Speaker) in December 2017.
Hon. Rose Akol, called for clarity with respect to who will represent EALA to avoid situation of misrepresentation of facts while Hon. Simon Mbugua urged Members to continue with the House business before it in its quest to be advocates of integration.
Hon. Mary Mugyeni also supported the motion. Prior to the motion by Hon Mbidde, the Assembly moved a motion under Rule 30(d) and the corresponding Rule 84(1) on suspension of a rule and in this particular case that on Rule 12 on quorum of the House. The motion was moved by Hon Chris Opoka and seconded by many Members including Hon Susan Nakawuki, Hon Abdikadir Aden, Hon Fatuma Ibrahim among others. Only two Members from the Burundi Chapter, Hon Sophie Nsavyimana and Hon Christopher Nduwayo were in the House then.
Yesterday, the First Instance Division of the EACJ convened and struck out the Application No 3 of 2018, arising from Reference No 2 of 2018, filed by the Attorney General, Republic of Burundi, seeking Court’s order to stay recognition of the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). A media release dispatched by the EACJ stated a three Judge Bench (Honorable Judges Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi (Principal Judge), Justice Isaac Lenaola (Deputy Principal Judge), and Justice Fakihi A Jundu) in their Ruling, reiterated that the Application had since been overtaken by events and that the real dispute would be conversed in the substantive Reference.
According to the media dispatch, the Court added that though Counsel for the Applicant (Burundi) did understand that an order for non-recognition of the Speaker entails suspension of the Assembly, that it was neither argued that/ nor the Assembly was an issue in the matter, that it is the view of the Court that the Office of the Speaker is the issue in the Application and that the holder thereof has since duly commenced his functions.
“The Court therefore struck out the Application and ordered that the Reference (main case) challenging the entire elections process of Speaker of the Assembly be heard expeditiously”, the statement from the EACJ, said in part.
Meanwhile, the House resumes on March 13th, 2018 with Committee Sittings resuming tomorrow, through to Monday, March 1th, 2018, in the interim.
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For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly is the Legislative Organ of the East African Community. Its Membership consists of a total of 62, of whom 54 are elected Members (9 from each Partner State) and eight ex-officio members (the Ministers responsible for EAC Affairs from the Partner States, the Secretary General of the Community and the Counsel to the Community).
The East African Legislative Assembly has legislative functions as well as oversight of all East African Community matters. The enactment of legislation of the Community is effected by means of Bills passed by the Assembly and assented to by the Heads of State, and every Bill that has been duly passed and assented to become an Act of the Community and takes precedent over similar legislations in the Partner States. EALA has to date passed 79 pieces of legislation.
East African Court of Justice Arusha, 7th March 2018:
The First Instance Division resumed its March sessions and struck out the Application filed by the Republic of Burundi, seeking Court’s order to stay recognition of the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The Court in its Ruling said that the Application has been overtaken by events and that the real dispute will be conversed in the substantive Reference.
The Court added that though Counsel for the Applicant (Burundi) did understand that an order for none recognition of the Speaker entail suspension of the Assembly, that it was neither argued nor the Assembly was an issue in the matter, that it is the view of the Court that the office of the Speaker is the issue in the Application and that the holder thereof has since duly commenced his functions.
The Court therefore struck out the Application and ordered that the Reference (main case) challenging the entire elections process of Speaker of the Assembly be heard expeditiously.
Before the ruling was delivered, Court also had disallowed the Application filed by Hon. Mukasa Fred Mbidde, seeking to amend his application to join the matter as an intervener opposing the Applicant instead of joining as amicus curiae (friend of the Court). Hon .Mbidde before had applied to join the matter an amicus curiae, however he was changing the position from amicus curiae to intervener because he has interest in case him being an EALA Member which the Court declined to allow and he later withdrew because he would not proceed without amendments.
This case is the 1st one being filed by a Partner State against the Community, under Article 28 which provides mandate to Partner States to file a case to Court. All the cases the Court has handled are matters brought by Individuals or None Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or the Bar Associations under Article 30 of the Treaty (Natural or Legal person).
The Republic of Burundi in the Reference is challenging the election of the Speaker of EALA, arguing that, the Assembly did not follow Rule 12 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, which requires the quorum of one third (1/3) of the elected Members from each Partner State, yet Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania did not participate in the elections. Burundi is therefore asking court to declare that the election violated rule 12 (1) of EALA Rules of Procedure and order for re-election of the Speaker in accordance with the Rules of procedure.
The matter was brought before Honorable Judges Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi (Principal Judge), Justice Isaac Lenaola (Deputy Principal Judge), and Justice Fakihi A .Jundu,
Notice for Editors
Rt. Hon Martin Ngoga (current Speaker) from the Republic of Rwanda who was elected Speaker of EALA on 19th December 2017. Rt Hon Ngoga polled 33 votes in the second round of voting against Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana of Burundi who amassed 3 votes and Hon Adam Kimbisa of the United Republic of Tanzania did not receive any vote. Rt. Hon. Ngoga replaced Hon. Daniel Kidega from the Republic of Uganda whose term expired. According to the Treaty, the position of the Speaker of EALA is rotational.
For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 2162149 mail: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
…..theme: “Press for Progress’; Planet 50-50 by 2030
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 6th March, 2018: The East African Community will join the rest of the world in marking the 2018 International Women's Day on 8th March , 2018. The event will take place at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The International Women’s Day is held annually on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The UN drew global attention to women's concerns in 1975 by calling for an International Women's Year.
The International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made in women’s rights, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women’s rights. The theme for the International Women’s Day 2018 is Press for Progress; Planet 50-50 by 2030.
As provided for in Articles 121 and 122 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC, Partner States have undertaken various efforts to enhance the Role of Women in Business and Socio-Economic Development.
The EAC Partner States recognise that women make a significant contribution towards the process of economic transformation and sustainable growth and that it is impossible to implement effective programmes for the economic and social development of the Partner States without the full participation of women.
To this end, the EAC has put the inclusion of women and girls at the centre of development programmes with Partner States ensuring affirmative action, constitutional and legal reforms, development of national gender policies; institutional mechanisms for implementation and accountability; economic empowerment measures, and sector-specific policies.
The EAC Secretariat is therefore committed to have a Community where women can participate as equal partners, decision makers, and beneficiaries in the development of their societies.
To mark International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2018, the EAC Secretariat has organized special events to celebrate the International Women’s Day as follows;
Events:
Together with the Arusha City Council, Women's Organizations, partners at the regional level, Staff of the EAC Secretariat and other guests, the EAC Secretary General, Amb Liberat Mfumukeko will lead all women and men in a ‘walk for gender equality’
Visit to Mount Meru Hospital to donate a package of materials in maternity ward and discuss with the administration the progress made so far since EAC visit to the hospital in 2014.
Celebrations at the EAC Headquarters:
This will feature talks and presentations:
A panel session on: Agriculture Sector: Jacqueline Mkindi from Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA); Finance- Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB); Tourism- Lady Tour Guides; Mining- Women in Mining
By Women Leaders in the EAC – Topic: ‘Press for Progress’
On progress made to achieve Gender parity in the EAC by 2030
Presentations from the IIDEA projects that focus on women and with success stories
Moderated interactive session
Some other initiatives that show tremendous progress
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 5th March, 2018:
The East African Community has embarked on a landmark Work-load Analysis and Job Evaluation exercise that could substantially alter the organizational structure of the Community.
The 15-day exercise which is being conducted by experts from the six EAC Partner States has been convened in line with the directive of the 35th Meeting of the Council of Ministers which was held on 4th April, 2017 in Arusha, Tanzania which approved the terms of reference for work-load analysis and job evaluation.
The experts are drawn from the Public Service Commissions as well Ministries of Public Service in the Partner States.
Speaking when he officially unveiled the exercise, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said that one of the expected outcomes of the exercise would be a new organizational structure for the Community.
Amb. Mfumukeko said that the desired structure should be flexible and decentralized to allow speedy decision-making at all levels of the Community using fewer resources.
“To explain the relationship between EAC and the Partner States, I wish to point out that the role of the Secretariat is to coordinate and not implement projects and programmes,” he added.
The scope of the meeting which has been convened by the EAC Ad Hoc Service Commission includes: Undertaking a comprehensive analysis of all positions in the Organs and Institutions; Undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the proposed structures for EAC Organs and Institutions; Proposing a new Grading Structure for the Community, and; Reviewing and updating Job Descriptions for staff in the proposed structures.
The meeting will also: determine optimal staffing levels for EAC Organs and Institutions, and; determine an appropriate salary structure for the Community.
The SG advised the experts that effectively undertaking the assignment requires proper understanding of the direction that the Community would take over the next five years as portrayed in the 5th EAC Development Strategy that was launched by the Heads of State at their 19th Ordinary Meeting held in Kampala, Uganda on 23rd February, 2018.
“The expected organization structure will assist in the implementation of the above strategy. The work-load analysis and job evaluation will cover all EAC Organs and Institutions,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Frank Musingiwiire, the Deputy Secretary in the Uganda Public Service Commission, on behalf the Chairperson of the EAC Ad Hoc Service Commission, emphasized that the exercise would transform the Community for betterment of EAC Citizens.
Mr. Musingwiire urged EAC Staff and other stakeholders to own the process which he said would be as transparent as possible. He called on EAC staff to prepare and actively participate in the exercise.
EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Hon. Jesca Eriyo, said that the work-load analysis and job evaluation is a continuation of the institutional review which has been ongoing at the EAC for some time.
The 19th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State resolved that there would only two Deputy Secretaries General (DSGs), down from four, at the EAC Secretariat who shall be recruited competitively on a rotational basis.
The Summit directed the Council to follow up on the issue and conclude the restructuring of the Community. The EAC currently has four DSGs whose functional roles are: Planning and Infrastructure; Productive and Social Sectors; Finance and Administration, and; Political Federation.
Consequently, Hon. Eriyo, the DSG in charge of Finance and Administration, whose second and final term expires in April 2018, will not be replaced.
The EAC Organs – EAC Secretariat (EACS), East African Court of Justice (EACJ) and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) – currently have a combined staffing of 314 officers, who are either established, project or short-term staff.
The Secretariat has the majority at 228, EACJ 53 while EALA has 33 members of staff.
NOTE FOR EDITORS:
The Council of Ministers, during its 33rd Meeting directed the EAC Secretariat to undertake a review of the proposed organizational structure for the initial phase and submit proposals to the 34th Meeting of the Council.
The 33rd Council further directed the Secretariat to determine the appropriate staffing levels for the EAC Organs and Institutions based on a detailed job evaluation process.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, March 5, 2018:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) resumes its Sitting in Arusha, Tanzania, this week. The Assembly convenes for the Third Meeting of the First Session of the 4th Assembly, which commences today March 5th , 2018 and runs until March 23rd, 2018.
Key items at the Sitting include the debate on the East African Community Oaths Bill, 2017. The Bill anticipates the provision for the taking and administering of Oaths in relation to the specific persons appointed to serve in the Organs or Institutions of the Community or required to take oath before giving evidence at the East African Court of Justice. The Bill moved by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Rt Hon Dr Ali Kirunda Kivejinja, avers that whereas there are specific persons who are required by the Treaty like in the case of the Judges and Registrars of the East African Court of Justice if in justice matters, or an Act of the Community like in the case of EALA Members, in all other cases, oaths of allegiance are administered and taken in accordance with staff rules and regulations or by practice. The Bill which sailed through the First Reading at the recent Sitting in Kampala (2nd Meeting of the First Session) therefore hopes to cure the lacuna by providing for the administration of an oath as a statute.
In addition, the Report of the EALA on the on-spot assessment (tour) of the Northern and Central Corridors shall also be tabled and debated. The report follows the recent 13-day (February 12th-23rd, 2018) assessment of the institutions, facilities and installations of the EAC programmes in the Partner States undertaken by the Assembly.
At the tour, one team inspected the Northern corridor, commencing in Mombasa port and covering a total of 1,444 Kilometres to Kigali – through Nairobi, and Kampala. Another delegation of Members traversed concurrently, through the Central Corridor, from Dar es Salaam through to Bujumbura and eventually Kigali. Both teams then convened in Kigali, to crystallize the findings and for a wrap-up of the two-week tour.
The tour was initialised to enable Members to appreciate the operations of EAC Institutions and Authorities/Agencies that provide services, and the corresponding gains and challenges of integration. The tour also provided several fora to receive requisite feedback and recommendations from the citizens on their perception of the integration efforts so far.
Upon debate and if adopted, the Assembly shall provide the way forward in recommendations to be forwarded to the EAC Council of Ministers.
The Assembly also anticipates resumption of debate on the Address of the Chairperson of the EAC Summit of Heads of State delivered on January 23rd, 2018 at the Sitting in Kampala, Uganda. Delivering the speech, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reiterated need for the bloc to go full throttle and to unite the markets for prosperity of the people.
The President remarked the region stood to gain much more as a unified front. He cited the strategic security as key in integration and called on the region to effect better use of the existing common natural resources for its own prosperity citing Lake Victoria as a case in point.
The Sitting is also to be interspersed in Week 1 by rigourous Committee work as well as further induction for Members largely on audited accounts and the EAC Budget processes and framework.
NOTE TO EDITORS ABOUT EALA
The East African Legislative Assembly is the Legislative Organ of the East African Community. Its Membership consists of a total of 62, of whom 54 are elected Members (9 from each Partner State) and eight ex-officio members (the Ministers responsible for EAC Affairs from the Partner States, the Secretary General of the Community and the Counsel to the Community).
The East African Legislative Assembly has legislative functions as well as oversight of all East African Community matters. The enactment of legislation of the Community is effected by means of Bills passed by the Assembly and assented to by the Heads of State, and every Bill that has been duly passed and assented to become an Act of the Community and takes precedent over similar legislations in the Partner States. EALA has to date passed 79 pieces of legislation.
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For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
