East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 7th December 2017:
The First Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, H. E. Gaston Sindimwo today graced the official opening ceremony of the 18th EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition taking place at the Jardin Public in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The 18th edition of the annual EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition themed Buy East African Medium and Small Enterprises’ (MSEs) products to build East Africa has attracted over 800 artisans from five EAC Partner States (Uganda, Kenya, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of South Sudan and the host country Burundi).
Addressing government Ministers, EAC Ambassadors accredited to Burundi, officials and artisans present, on behalf of His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, the First Vice President said the 18thJua Kali exhibition came at a time when the Republic of Burundi was consolidating peace and stability, and the population of Burundi including the Jua Kali artisans were proudly going about their daily activities without fear of their security or any hindrance.
“There is now peace in each corner of the country and our Government is striving for the edification of a stable, modern and unified country”, affirmed H.E Sindimwo, adding that, “let your presence here bear witness of the peace prevailing in Burundi”.
“The country and its people are ready to move forward and we are inviting the East Africans and the international community to come and live or invest in our country, your security and investments are guaranteed by the government, so feel free to come to Burundi and explore opportunities,” declared the First Vice President.
“We feel that the East African leaders have to ensure that our integration agenda is strongly erected on peace building, which is a prerequisite that unifies all of us in the edification of a strong East African Community”.
The First Vice President noted that one of the biggest challenges to growth of the Micro and Small Enterprises and industries in EAC was lack of an elaborate and clear supportive policy framework in all the Partner States meant to, among others, create MSEs Authority or Ministries that will oversee the development and promotion of small businesses, as promoting indigenous business growth in the EAC region was an urgent matter.
Addressing the same occasion, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said hosting and providing a lot of support to this year’s Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition in Bujumbura was a true demonstration and commitment by the Republic of Burundi to the EAC integration agenda.
He disclosed that EAC had made Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi a priority in its successive Development Strategies specifically to promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector in recognition of the role they play within the economies of the Partner States in regard to employment creation and income generation.
The Secretary General informed his audience that the Community was continuing to make substantial inroads in the regional integration process for example implementation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) had recorded reduction in the times taken to clear goods at the ports of entry into the region and also movement of cargo within the bloc. The Single Customs Territory had eliminated multiple clearances at internal borders and this improved situation were presenting an opportunity for SMEs to take advantage of the duty free market in EAC and also create competition from cheaper imported products.
Amb. Mfumukeko also disclosed that the Community intends to rebrand and repackage the Jua Kali Nguvu Kazi through an online platform in order to create continuous connectivity between the members.
“This will create an online network of SMEs and consumers, which will improve the markets of their products and also open up our SMEs to foreign markets and innovations”. The programme will later expand to include critical areas of financing, standards and capacity building. We will start with this exhibition by developing an online catalogue of exhibitors and their products so that there is exchange of information through a dedicated portal at regional level”, disclosed Amb. Mfumukeko
The Secretary General commended the Partner States, Confederation of Informal sector Organization, Regional and National Steering Committees, and the EAC Secretariat staff for the successful organization of the event.
Present at the official opening ceremony were, among others, Honourable Ministers of Trade and that of the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs; the EAC Deputy Secretary General for Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Mlote; the Director General of EAC Customs and Trade Directorate, Mr Kenneth Bagamuhunda; Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the EAC; Permanent Secretaries; Chairperson and members of the East African Confederation of Informal Sector Organization (EACISO); and Representatives from various institutions
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.
This morning the Facilitator to the Inter-Burundi Dialogue H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, adjourned the 4th Session of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue after twelve days of interactions. He thanked the participants for their dedication in trying to find a solution to the Burundi Political problem.
This session was convened in order to allow the participants to engage each other and agree on issues of common interest for the welfare of all the Barundi. The Facilitator noted that throughout the session the concerned parties remained rigid in their positions and therefore failed to realize the expectations of the millions of the Barundi at home at as well as many other well wishers who eagerly waited for a positive outcome from the session.
The Facilitator informed the participants that he would report to the Mediator, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Chairperson of the East African Community Heads of State Summit on his assessment of the Session, on areas of convergence and divergence. The Facilitator will then seek the guidance of the Mediator on the way forward.
The Facilitator reiterated his call to all the participants to continue to denounce all forms of violence and hate speech. He reminded the participants that despite the divergent views they have expressed they should continue to embrace each other as brothers and sisters and work towards sustainable peace and development of their country.
8th December 2017, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania.
The East African Community (EAC) has adopted its Energy Security Policy Framework seeking to ensure the security of the region’s biomass, electricity, and oil and gas supplies.
According to Mr. Elsam Byempaka Turyahabwe, Energy Expert at the EAC, Partner States are implementing a number Energy projects to address the low access to modern energy services in the region. However, energy security is a major challenge in the EAC and globally.
“This EAC Energy Security Framework aims to provide regional guidance to Partner States in the management and mitigation of the challenge” said . Mr. Turyahabwe. “We also anticipate that greater effort will be made at pursuing regional solutions to parts of the security of supply challenges in the biomass, electricity and oil and gas sub-sectors”.
Mr. Yohannes Hailu, Energy Economist at UN Economic Commission for Africa, confirmed that this framework would address pertinent energy security issues still prevailing in the EAC region, if implemented by all the Partner States.
“Deforestation, rising wood and charcoal prices, devoting large share of our national budget towards the importation of oil and gas, electricity affordability and reliability, among others, are all signals that we needed to look at energy security and come up with a framework that enables us to address and prevent the security challenges” said Hailu.
The Sectorial Council on Energy of the EAC adopted this framework early this month in Arusha, after being signed by the six-member states (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda).
Recognizing energy as pivotal to their transformational agenda, the ECA partner States have set ambitious development plans prioritizing the energy sector.
ECA, through its office for Eastern Africa, collaborated with EAC in the development of the framework.
Mr. Hailu stated that East African countries have been depending nearly exclusively on imported refined petroleum, and with new discoveries of oil and gas reserves in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, a regional framework on energy security management is timely.
“Disruption in the supply of imported energy, particularly hydrocarbons, and/or sharp swings in their price, would cause macroeconomic impacts that could undermine the momentum of economic development taking place in East Africa”, highlighted Hailu.
Mr. Hailu explained that energy security is a component of economic stability because the lack of it hampers the proper functioning of socioeconomic systems and undermines economic activities, particularly in energy-intensive industries.
The EAC becomes the first regional economic community to adopt an Energy Security Policy Framework in Africa.
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Issued by: Office for Eastern Africa Economic Commission for Africa
..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.
