..but Dodoma Legislators pay back in kind in Netball
East African Legislative Assembly, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 6th December 2017:
The EALA footballing fraternity was all smiles after beating Parliament of Tanzania 6-0 in another high scoring match played at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam as the 8th Inter-Parliamentary Games entered Day 3.
Striker Ibrahim Jamal was the toast of the team, going five past Parliament of Tanzania’s Hamidu Bobali while Ahmed Mwampambe dazzled with a characteristic classical finish to give his team resounding victory.
But it was not all a smooth day for EALA who were handed a pay back of sorts in netball. To that end, Parliament of Tanzania were better, whitewashing EALA 74-8 at the indoor stadium. Tanzania’s Goal shooter, Lweli Lupondo made for 62 points in a fast-paced match. EALA’s top shooter was Aida Nakabugo who nipped in 6 goals.
At end of quarter one, Tanzania led 19-0. In the second quarter, EALA came back slightly more rejuvenated but could not match the swift netballers from Dodoma. At end of second quarter, Parliament of Tanzania had stretched to 36-5 and 57-5 by end of the 3rd Quarter with Lweli Lupondo and Hon Angelina Mabula notably outstanding.
Both the football and netball games however, have no bearing in terms of points in the league standing given the fact that EALA is playing in the tournament as a guest team. In the second match of the day, Parliament of Uganda earned 2-0 points (60-0) over Burundi who did not raise a team.
But at the Uhuru Stadium, EALA played flawless and crisp passes with a well-oiled midfield marshalled by the General himself, Wyclif Ketto. Time and again, Ketto sprayed the passes down the path of Ahmed Mwapambe. Meanwhile, the backline of Peter Asiimwe, Lawrence Munenzero and Boniface Ogoti held the backline superbly. It was little wonder when Ibrahim Jamal raced down the right flank to tap the ball past Keeper Bobali.
A neat combination between midfielder Ahmend Mwapambe and Jamal saw the latter lob in the second goal. Thereafter, it was payback time. Ibrahim Jamal donning shirt number three, raced down the middle and cleverly curved a chance for Ahmed Mwapambe. Mwapambe did not disappoint – but rounded off the defence line of Hon William Ngeleja and Salum Rehani to tap in the net, past an advancing Bobali.
On resumption, Tanzania came in more purposeful through the likes of Hon Rev Peter Msigwa and Mnubi Kajobi who tried a few moves – but the defence line of EALA remained solid.
In an earlier match, Parliament of Uganda returned to haunt Parliament of Burundi 3-1 to go up the table with 6 points. Muhammad Nsereko once again scored twice – including a brilliant 1-2 combination with left winger, Brian Arinaitwe. Arinaitwe later scored the third goal – while Dennis Karera scored the all-consolation goal for Burundi.
In the second netball match, Uganda earned two points and 60 goals over Parliament of Burundi who did not feature in the tournament.
Wednesday will see Kenya face off with EALA in netball and Tanzania lock horns with Uganda in Men’s volleyball. In women’s volleyball, Uganda is set to go hammer and tongs with Tanzania in what is expected to be an exciting match while Kenya will square off with EALA in football.
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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 Legislative Assembly, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 5th December 2017:
Uganda has made clear its intention of retaining the football trophy. Star striker, Hon Mohammed Nsereko got the first hat trick of the tournament while Hon Peter Ogwang and and Brian Arinaitwe scored a brace each to rout Parliament of Kenya 7-0 in a one-sided match played at the Main Stadium in Dar Es Salaam.
The match graced by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Rt Hon Kassim Majaliwa, was the highlight of the second day of the 8th Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament which returned mixed results in various disciplines.
In the first football match, Parliament of Tanzania pipped Parliament of Burundi 3-2 in a close encounter. Mohammed Mchengerwa scored two goals and midfield dynamo, Yusuf Gogo added another before Parliament of Burundi reduced the deficit through Jean Marie Cimaye and Etienne Ndimubandi. It was a balanced game with Parliament of Tanzania’s Yusuf Gogo and Hon William Ngeleja controlling the midfield and spraying the passes at will.
In netball, Parliament of Tanzania earned a walk-over (60-0) and two points without knocking a ball following the absence of Parliament of Burundi. On its part, Parliament of Uganda were too good for Parliament of Kenya routing them 44-11. Uganda’s Hon Susan Babirye scooped 29 points while Alcas Wasike of Kenya netted 9 points
In Men’s volleyball, Kenya beat Tanzania 3-1 in sets of (25-21), (19-25) (25-20) and (25-20) in a closely contested match – graced by former First Lady, Mama (Hon) Salma Kiwete.
In women’s volleyball, Tanzania vs Kenya, Parliament of Kenya dismissed Parliament of Tanzania 3-1 in sets of (25-15), (25-19), (25-17) and (25-11).
Back to soccer, the Kenya versus Uganda match was the talk of the town. It was a fine day for Parliament of Uganda who exhibited crisp passes and were clearly superior in all departments. Brian Arinaitwe, Hon Dennis Obua, Hon Peter Ogwang and right winger, Hon Odonga Otto, freely roamed running rings around the Kenya defense at will. Parliament of Kenya’s keeper Jimmy Okwiri pulled some fine saves to keep the marauding strikers at bay – despite having suffered a 3-0 loss at halftime.
The defense line of Hon Gideon Keter and Hon Peter Kaluma was constantly under pressure. The entry of Hon Dr Victor Munyaka somehow renewed the spirit of Parliament of Kenya, albeit momentarily.
The second half however witnessed total collapse in all departments of Parliament of Kenya, coached by Sylvester Ocholla, save for a few flashes of brilliance in the midfield by Senator Cleophas Malala of Kakamega, Hon Dan Wanyama and Nyali MP, Hon Mohammed Ali. In fact, Uganda’s Keeper, Ssekide Daniel, was hardly tested between the posts.
Tuesday will see Burundi face off with Uganda in the first match before Tanzania square it out with EALA in football. In netball, Tanzania shall take on EALA before Uganda lock horns with Burundi in netball.
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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, 4th December, 2017:
The 36th meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers ended at the Coordination Committee level following a request from one of the Partner States to conduct the Ministerial session at a later date preferably in the month of January 2018.
Themed Enhancing Socio-Economic Development for Deeper Integration of the Community, the 36th meeting of the Council had the Session of Senior Officials running from Monday 27th November to Wednesday 29th November, 2017 and the session of the Coordination Committee (Permanent /Principal/Under Secretaries) from 30th November to 1st December, 2017 at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
The Council of Ministers is the Policy Organ of the Community. It consists of the Ministers responsible for East African Community/regional cooperation of each Partner State and such other Ministers of the Partner State as each Partner State shall determine. Among its functions, the Council promotes, monitors and keeps under constant review the implementation of the programmes of the Community and ensures the proper functioning of the regional organization.
For the Council to be well-constituted and conduct business, all the six EAC Partner States – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda – must be represented. At the time of the 36th meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers, the Republic of Kenya was in the process of forming a new Cabinet following the swearing-in of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday 28th November, 2017 following his re-election for a second term as the President.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the EAC, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko on 30th November, 2017 received the Report of the EAC Election Observation Mission to the 26th October Repeat Presidential Election In Kenya, from the Head of the Mission, Hon. Prof. Edward B. Rugumayo.
In a brief hand-over ceremony held at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Hon. Prof. Rugumayo commended the Community for entrusting him with such a task and hoped that the observations and recommendations contained in the detailed report will be considered and acted upon by the appropriate authorities at the EAC with a view to strengthening democracy and election processes in the region.
On his part, Amb. Mfumukeko commended the Head of the Mission for his dedicated work that enabled the Community to receive the Report in a timely manner. He disclosed that the Report will be submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration and guidance.
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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, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 4th December 2017:
The 8th Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament has kicked off in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, with legislators getting off the blocks on a sure footing, winning a good number of the track and field events.
In athletics, Parliament of Uganda’s Hon Julius Alhon Bua lit the Uwanja wa Taifa (main stadium) in the 1500 metres Men finals to capture gold returning 04.36 minutes as compatriot, Hon Mbwatekamwa Gaffa settled for 2nd place after rescuing 5.25 minutes.
The third place went to Kenya’s Hon John Paul Mwirigi. In the women’s race, the tide changed as Hon Josefa Komba of the Parliament of Tanzania returned 7.28 minutes, few seconds earlier than Hon Adeke Anna of Parliament of Uganda who came in second. Third place went to Hon Kinyamatama Juliet of Parliament of Uganda who managed 8.19.
The 100 metre dash had a scintillating final. In the Men’s race, Hon Vincent Musyoka of Parliament of Kenya made 11.61, forty-five seconds ahead of Hon Mbwatekamwa Gaffa of Parliament of Uganda – who realized 12.43. Third place went to Hon Nixon Korir of Kenya who returned 13.05.
Parliament of Kenya’s Hon Mercy Chebeny scooped gold in 400 metres returning 1.23 minutes, 3 seconds head of Hon Esther Matiku as Hon Achen Christine finished third clocking 1.29 seconds. The script was the same as in the Men’s 400 metres with Parliament of Kenya’s Hon Victor Munyaka (1.00) and Hon Moses Kajwang (1.02) taking a 1-2 finish. Parliament of Uganda’s Hon Mbwatekamwa Gaffa managed 1.04 to take the third place.
A similar exciting race was the 200 metrres where Uganda’s Hon Katwesigye crossed the line first on 35.0 while Hon Rose Tweve (36.24) and Hon Esther Matiku (37.16) finished in second and third place respectively. In the men’s category, Hon Dan Wanyama of Parliament of Kenya (26.28) led compatriot, Hon Charles Nguna (27.44) while 3rd place went to Parliament of Uganda’s Hon Alero Tom Aza (27.68).
Team Uganda’s Hon Julius Achon scooped the 800 metre race managing 2.16 as Hon Patrick Malilo from Kenya crossed the line on 2.29, just twenty seconds ahead of Tanzania’s Hon Hassan Masala.
In the 4 x 100 metre dash, Team Kenya consisting of Hon Dan Wanyama, Hon Victor Munyaka, Hon Nixon Korir and Hon Vincent Musau made for the tape at 51.53 to scoop gold. Parliament of Uganda’s Hon Atiku Benaro, Hon Mbatekamwa Gaffa, Hon Alero Tom Aza and Hon Pentagon Kamusiime took the third slot.
The 400 x 4 dash also lit the crowd of spectators who braved the early afternoon heat. In the Men’s category, Hon Dan Wanyama of Kenya led compatriot to a comfortable 4.08 strong finish over Parliament of Uganda led by Hon Alero Tom Aza. Hon Stephen Masele and teammates returned third. In the women’s category, Hon Zubeda Sukuru and team managed 6.41 narrowly beating Hon Adeke Ann and team who came second thirteen seconds later. Parliament of Kenya was third.
In men’s tug of war, Parliament of Tanzania scooped 6 points after recording 2 pulls to nil in similar score over Kenya and Uganda respectively. Parliament of Uganda scooped 3 points after stopping Parliament of Kenya 2-0. In the women’s category, Parliament of Kenya and Parliament of Uganda all scored 4 points after a win and draw a piece to set themselves for a re-match to determine the champions. Parliament of Kenya ensured 2 pulls to zero over Parliament of Kenya before settling to a 1-1 pull with Parliament of Uganda. In the subsequent match, Parliament of Uganda walloped Parliament of Tanzania 2-0.
Earlier on, the ten-day extravaganza was preceded by a Pre-Tournament Conference opened by the Speaker of Parliament of Tanzania, Rt Hon Job Ndugai. The Speaker reiterated the importance of holding the annual Games, saying it enhanced inclusiveness and bonding. He remarked that as hosts, the United Republic of Tanzania was committed to ensuring all Partner States benefit from the games and enhance the relationships with the citizens.
Others who addressed the meeting were the President of the Senate of Burundi, Rt. Hon Revering Ndikuriyo, Hon Moses Cheboi, Deputy Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly and the Leader of Official Opposition (LOP) in the Parliament of Uganda, Hon Winnie Kiiza. Further presentations were made by former Members of EALA, Rt Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema on Discipline and Etiquette, Hon Chris Opoka on the Milestones of the EAC and by Mr Jeremiah Nyegenye, CBS, on the way forward for the Inter-Parliamentary Games as it heads towards a decade.
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, 1st December 2017:
The 18th edition of the annual EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition is set for 4th to 10th December 2017 at the Jardin Public in Bujumbura, Burundi. The theme of the Exhibition is “Buy East African Medium and Small Enterprises’ (MSEs) products to build East Africa” and portrays the role of East Africans in building their economy. Over 1,000 artisans have so far registered and confirmed their participation in the event.
The 18th EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Exhibition will be officially opened on 6th December 2017.
To participate in the Exhibition, exhibitors from Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda are required to register with the respective Ministries of Trade and Industry, while those in Kenya must register with the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority.
In order to support promotion of the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi sector of the regional economy, the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the Partner States and Confederation of Informal Sector Organization East Africa (CISO-EA) has organized the annual exhibitions since 1999. The exhibitions have proved to be strategic avenues for promoting the sector’s products, transfer of technologies, and promotion of the regional integration 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 Community Headquarters, Arusha, 30th November 2017:
A three-day EAC Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP) Regional Validation Workshop is taking place from 30th November to 2nd December, 2017 at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala, Uganda
The validation workshop is being attended by Heads of Delegations from the EAC Partner States, Representative of USAID East Africa and USAID Trade and Investment Hub, Executive Secretary- ASARECA, Chief Executive Officer- East African Business Council, Representative of the Executive Director Eastern Africa Grain Council, Coordinator CAADP Non State Actors Coalition, Chief Executive Officer- East African Civil Society Organizations Forum, and Chief Executive Officer- Eastern Africa Farmers Federation
Addressing the official opening session of the workshop, the EAC Deputy Secretary General- Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo acknowledged the commitment and tremendous contribution of EAC Partner States to the CAADP agenda and recognized the invaluable technical and financial support provided by USAID, African Union Commission and the NEPAD Planning and Coordination Agency to the programme.
The Deputy Secretary General disclosed that the process leading to the regional validation of RAIP had been lengthy, rigorous, inclusive and consultative and that over 10 technical meetings, national and regional workshops were held.
“The process elicited the participation of a wide range of stakeholders including EAC Partner States, Development Partners, Private Sectors, Civil Society, the African Union Commission and the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA)” and “all this was aimed at building consensus and securing ownership among stakeholders” noted the EAC official.
Notes to Editors
The East African Community (EAC) long-term vision and commitments towards social and economic development are anchored in the Treaty for the establishment of the Community. The Treaty has the strategic vision to attain a prosperous, competitive, secure and politically united East Africa. Agriculture and Food Security is among the key areas of cooperation prioritized in the Treaty, the EAC Common Market Protocol, EAC Vision 2050 and the EAC 5th Development Strategy. These instruments informed and inspired the formulation of EAC RAIP.
The African Union Heads of State and Government were visionary and pragmatic in adopting the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods. This is indeed a hallmark in efforts to reduce hunger and poverty on the continent and in the EAC in particular. The commitments that occupy a central place in the EAC integration process include ‘Commitment to Ending Hunger in Africa by 2025 and the Commitment to Boosting Intra-African Trade in Agricultural commodities and services.
The EAC RAIP is anchored on the EAC CAADP Compact, the EAC CAADP Results Framework and other key regional Agriculture Sector Instruments. The RAIP is aligned to Malabo Declaration goals and commitments. It is designed to facilitate coordination of regional and crosscutting programmes that are best handled regionally and those that compliment interventions in the National Agriculture investment Plans. The EAC RAIP seeks to catalyze the realization of the CAADP goals in the following five investment thematic areas:
Increasing regional agricultural production and food supply
Enhancing food utilization
Promoting agribusiness, value addition and agro-industry
Promoting sustainable natural resource use and management
Strengthening capacities of EAC regional agricultural institutions
…legislators to momentarily drop debating skills, exhibit athletic prowess and ball juggling
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: November 29th 2017:
As the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Senior Challenge pitting National Soccer teams start in Nairobi, Kenya on December 3, 2017, all roads similarly lead to Dar Es Salaam for the 8th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games (December 2-11th, 2017). The Games themed: “Integrating Citizens and Strengthening Inter-Parliamentary Relations through Sports”, brings together the National Parliaments of Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya and Uganda. Parliament of Rwanda and the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan have sent their apologies while at the regional Assembly (EALA), staff shall participate as a guest team at the ten-day tournament.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Rt Hon Job Ndugai, is expected to officiate at the commencement and flag-off the ten-day extravaganza. The tournament takes place at the Main Stadium and the adjacent Uhuru Stadium in Temeke District as well as at the Jakaya Kikwete Youth Stadium in the City Centre. The tournament is to be preceded by a half-day Pre-Tournament Conference on December 3rd, 2017, to nurture networking and bonding among the legislators.
The tournament shall for the first-time feature a walk-race –a newly introduced sporting discipline. Other disciplines include football, netball, golf, athletics, tug-of-war and volleyball. Athletics will feature races in 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 and 1500 metres respectively for men and women. The 400 x 4 relay is also on the cards.
In football, defending champions, Parliament of Uganda will face stiff competition from the other Parliaments keen to dethrone them. Last December (2016), Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Burundi 7-6 in penalties during a scintillating final played at the Mbaraki Sports Ground, Mombasa, to reclaim the trophy. In men’s Volleyball, Parliament of Kenya who are the champs will have to put up a good fight with all Parliaments –going out guns blazing for the title. In women’s volleyball, all Parliaments are expected give themselves a good outing in the absence of the trophy holders, Parliament of Rwanda. Last year, Parliament of Rwanda were declared champions after beating Parliament of Kenya 2 sets to 0 (25-19 and 25-19). In Netball, Parliament of Uganda is expected to renew rivalry with the Parliament of Tanzania. Last year in Mombasa, Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Tanzania 38-29 to retain the title for a second year running. The third place went to Parliament of Burundi who beat EALA 30-19.
In Athletics, Parliament of Uganda were declared the best overall team after capturing gold in a majority of the races. Parliament of Uganda also took the Tug-of-War titles in both the men and women’s categories while Parliament of Kenya bagged the golf trophy. On its part, Parliament of Burundi was feted as the most disciplined team in the entire tournament.
The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games is a key aspect building on relations between the EALA and the National Parliaments in the EAC region. The Games are held annually and on a rotational mode in the Partner States. Article 119 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community obliges the Partner States to promote close co-operation amongst themselves in culture and sports, with respect to the promotion and enhancement of diverse sports activities among other areas.
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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.
EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 28th November 2017:
The 43rd EAC Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC FAL), was held from 22nd to 24th November 2017 in Fort Portal, Uganda.
The meeting is a forum for discussion on issues that affect Air Transport in the region in order to comply with Annex 9 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (Air Transport Facilitation) which requires every State to adopt all required measures to prevent unnecessary delays to aircraft, crews, passengers, and cargo, especially in the administration of the laws relating to immigration, quarantine, customs and clearance.
The meeting refers to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices and proposes appropriate recommendations to be implemented by the Partner States at the various Airports especially those approved as EAC Priority Airports. It is hosted by EAC Partner States, two times a year, on rotational basis.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Katushabe, Commissioner, Transport Regulation and Safety, Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda on behalf of the Minister for Works and Transport, informed the meeting that air transport plays a key role in the promotion of trade, tourism and economic growth of the region.
He reminded the participants that Air Transport facilitation is an important aspect of aviation and the EAC airports have to continuously enhance capacity of existing infrastructure to be able to cope with future aviation demands, meet international requirements and to contend with the ever changing threats against Civil Aviation.
He pointed out that the solutions to the challenges civil aviation faces with regard to infrastructure, safety, security and environmental concerns require a consultative approach in a forum like this.
The 43rd EAC Consultative meeting started with a visit of the various facilities at the Entebbe International Airport. The participants commended the Republic of Uganda for improvements in Air transport facilitation including the capacity improvement of the immigration at arrival, expansion of space for the duty free area and at various lounges, improved baggage handling system with improved security system, full internet access within the Airport, upgraded passenger handling system, and the ongoing works for expansion and upgrading of the Airport including the cargo terminal.
The meeting further discussed and agreed among other recommendations, to ensure continuous improvement of clearance processes at the EAC Airports, to introduce online payment systems for all Air operators, to fully implement paperless immigration process, to share information on people involved in theft/losses/damages of baggage and other valuable items at EAC airports for monitoring purposes, and to increase their non-aeronautical revenue streams so as to reach a 30:70 ratio by 2020.
The meeting concluded with a tour to various tourist attractions of Fort Portal in Western Uganda including Semirik hot springs, kigere crater and Omukama’s palace.
Representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Aviation and Airport Authorities, Airlines, Customs, Immigration and other Aviation stakeholders from the EAC Partner States as well as representatives from the EAC Secretariat and Civl Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency attended the meeting.
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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, 27th November 2017:
The 36th meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers is taking place from 27th November to 2nd December, 2017 at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
Themed Enhancing Socio - Economic Development for Deeper Integration of the Community, the 36th meeting of the Council started today with the Session of Senior Officials which will run up to Wednesday 29th November, 2017. The session of the Coordination Committee (Permanent /Principal/Under Secretaries) is on 30th to 1st of December while the Ministerial Session will be held on Saturday 2nd December, 2017.
The meeting is considering several matters geared towards deepening and widening the regional integration agenda that include the: Report on the implementation of Previous Decisions of the Council; Report of the Office of the Secretary General; Report on Planning and Infrastructure, and; Report on Productive and Social Sectors.
Other Reports to be considered are: the Report on Political Matters; Customs and Trade; Report on the Finance and Administration Matters; and Reports of other EAC Organs i.e. East African Legislative Assembly and East African Court of Justice.
Reports of EAC Institutions are also on the agenda namely the; East African Civil Aviation Safety, Security and Oversight Agency; Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization; Inter-University Council for East Africa; East African Development Bank; Lake Victoria Basin Commission; East African Science and Technology Commission; East African Kiswahili Commission, and; the East African Health Research Commission
The Council of Ministers is the Policy Organ of the Community. It consists of the Ministers responsible for East African Community/regional cooperation of each Partner State and such other Ministers of the Partner State as each Partner State shall determine. Among its functions, the Council promotes, monitors and keeps under constant review the implementation of the programmes of the Community and ensures the proper functioning of the regional organization.
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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.
EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 27th November 2017:
The East African Community Secretariat has embarked on conducting a series of capacity-building trainings for Partner States’ women Officers in security and the law enforcement agencies aimed at raising awareness on the provisions of the United Nation Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 specifically on the roles and requirements of women security Officers and law enforcement officers in implementing the UN Resolution at both national and regional levels.
The expected output of the capacity building is to further advance the EAC Secretariat’s role in Peace and Security interventions, and in particular strengthen the role of women and girls in Peace and Security in the regional bloc.
Addressing a 20th – 23rd November Training on Gender UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security for security and law enforcement officers from the Partner States at the Des Milles Collines Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, said over the years he had been at the helm of the EAC Peace and Security Sector, he was yet to see women security officers visibly involved in decision making within the sector.
“This has been so despite the fact that we see the visibility of women at the national level but I am yet to fathom as what stops women in the sector breaking the glass ceiling and it is against this background that we invite you to deliberate and share experiences on the practical issues affecting the advancement of women into decision making in the sector and how this can be promoted within the context of UNSCR 1325” affirmed Mr. Njoroge.
The Deputy Secretary General informed the trainees that in 2000, the United Nations Security Council formally acknowledged through the creation of Resolution 1325 the changing nature of warfare, in which civilians were increasingly targeted, and women continue to be excluded from participation in peace processes. “The UNSCR 1325 addresses not only the inordinate impact of war on women, but also the pivotal role women should and do play in conflict management, conflict resolution, mediation and sustainable peace”.
The EAC official disclosed that the region had developed a Framework for the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and that during the course of the training, it will be shared with the participants whose roles form a critical mass in the process of its implementation.
He urged the participants to pay great attention to the deliberations and come up with proposals that would facilitate placing women at the centre of decision making as victims and also as persons who play a critical role in amelioration of conflict situations and recovery effects in the region.
The Deputy Secretary General reiterated that there were also a number of initiatives made both within the Defence and Interstate Security Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, which include, among others, the Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution Mechanism, the Early Warning Mechanism; and Mediation Processes. “A number of these need your greater involvement and all this is being done to make the EAC Region a better place to live in”.
At the same occasion, Mr. Alex Mutamba, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community said that under the EAC framework, security is an area of cooperation and it is therefore through strengthening security cooperation that the EAC regional integration projects can be protected and continue to bring more growth and development to the Partner States.
He noted that security was a very sensitive sector and a serious business that the Partner States must invest in. “The training of Women Officers in peace and security is recognized as a human capital investment of which it’s expected outcome is meant to support the regional integration initiatives” concluded the Rwanda official.
Notice to Editors
This activity is funded under African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Support Programme. As a regional requirement, the EAC is committed to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 as a mechanism of strengthening women’s participation and involvement in the promotion of peace and security within the context of conflict prevention and resolution, eradicating sexual violence and ending impunity in conflict situations. The EAC Regional Framework on UNSCR 1325 sets out what the EAC will do at the level of the EAC Secretariat and in partnership with Partner States, to integrate a gender perspective into its peace and security, efforts to protect women and girls’ human rights, and promote their participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution.
Aim of Training Women in Peace and Security
The immediate aim is to raise awareness of EAC Women Security Officers on the UNSCR 1325; the existing Regional and International Instruments; so as to build a formidable force of women officers trained on Women Peace and Security. The outcome of this training will be the ability of trained officers to competently mainstream the EAC peace and security interventions and enrich the EAC Peace and Security Instruments including the EAC Strategy on Regional Peace and Security; and competently participate in the regional Peace and Security interventions and initiatives.
Participation
Participants in the training included Partner States’ In-service Women Officers from the disciplined forces and law enforcement such as the Military, Police; Prisons and Correctional Services, among others. Staff from the EAC Organs also participated in the Training.
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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.
