A four-day strategic retreat for the Permanent/Principal Secretaries (PSs) responsible for EAC Affairs in the Partner States concluded yesterday in Moshi, Tanzania, with a firm resolve by the PSs to upscale their oversight role on the EAC Organs and Institutions, as well as the integration agenda.
The Retreat was attended by Amb. Dr. Azizi Mlima, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania; Mrs. Edith Mwanje, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs in Uganda; Amb. Jean Rigi, Permanent Secretary Ministry to the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs in Burundi; Ms. Betty Maina Principal Secretary responsible for East African Affairs, Ministry of Labour and East African Affairs in Kenya; and Mr. Innocent Safari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs in Rwanda. The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, all the Heads of the EAC Institutions, Registrar of the EACJ, Senior Officials from Partner States and staff of the EAC Secretariat were in attendance.
The Retreat was chaired by Amb. Dr. Aziz P. Mlima, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the United Republic of Tanzania, who pointed out that the Retreat came at a time when a lot of milestones were being recorded in the EAC integration process and the matters for discussion were critical to the integration agenda. He called upon the Permanent/Principal Secretaries to provide the utmost input in the deliberations for the benefit of the Community.
Addressing the Permanent/Principal Secretaries, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko pointed out that the Community was regarded as one of the best performing Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa and yet it still faced many challenges that needed to be addressed. He noted that the items on the agenda for the Retreat, notably the proposed implementation framework for the Institutional Review was critical for the efficient and effective performance of the Community and as such needed to be addressed urgently.
The Secretary General emphasized the pivotal role played by the Permanent/Principal Secretaries as members of the Coordination Committee, in making recommendations that would facilitate the deepening of the integration process and contribute to making the Community a stronger regional Institution. He said “the strong people-centred policies and systems were key to the success of the Community as an Organisation”.
On Institutional Review
The Community initiated an Institutional Review process in 2008 and undertook a detailed Internal Review process in 2011. An In-depth Functional Analysis was done in 2013 and a comprehensive stakeholder consultations carried out in 2014. The detailed Review Report was submitted to the Council of Ministers in 2015. The Report proposes a wide range of changes in the institutional structure and management of the EAC.
The 33rd Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers held on 29th February 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania considered the proposals and decided that the outcome of EAC Institutional review be implemented in two phases; the initial phase and the consolidation phase which will require transforming EAC Secretariat into a Commission.
The Council also decided the Community will retain the current EAC Executive structure in the short-term with the following amendments; the positions of Deputy Secretaries General to be reorganized around the following clusters namely: Economic Affairs; Political Affairs; Infrastructure; and Social Services.
The Council devolved all the operational responsibilities to the respective Directors, and for the Deputy Secretaries General to retain policy implementation oversight, monitoring and strategic functions. The Council also established the position of Director General (DG) - Corporate Management to be responsible for Finance and Administration matters as well as other support services currently reporting directly to the Secretary General (Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Resource Mobilization). In addition, the functions of Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation to be included under the proposed portfolio
At the Moshi Retreat, the Permanent/Principal Secretaries considered implementation framework for the EAC institutional review and, among others, directed the Secretariat to fully operationalize the Ad hoc EAC Service Commission by 1st July, 2016.
The Retreat directed the Secretariat to develop a proposal on how the approved clusters shall be implemented, including a review of the current functions to determine the alignment and present this proposal to the Ad hoc EAC Service Commission for consideration. The Retreat directed the Secretariat to develop within two (2) years a framework for transition to the Commission taking cognizance of existing studies and other comparative information on other similar RECs.
Constraints faced in implementing Article 71 of the Treaty
The Retreat of Permanent/Principal Secretaries deliberated on a presentation by the Secretariat on constraints it faces when implementing Article 71 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. The Permanent/Principal Secretaries, among others, tasked the Secretariat to develop a framework for carrying out investigation of breaches of the Treaty in the Partner States and Partner States to assist the Secretariat when carrying out the investigation; and the Secretariat to develop proposals on sanctions that can be imposed on the Partner States that breach the Treaty for consideration by the Council of Ministers.
Recruitment of General Staff
The retreat discussed the current moratorium on the recruitment of General Staff in the Organs and Institutions and the urgent need to have it lifted taking into consideration its adverse effects on the operations of the Community.
The Retreat recommended to the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning that the Secretariat be allowed to recruit and fill in the vacant General Staff positions under G1 to G3 within the approved budget. And that the recruitment of General Staff under G4 to G5 be undertaken based on disaggregated Points of the Quota System (such as computation of Quota Points be done separately for General Staff on G4 and G5). There was the need for Partner States to expedite the process of ratification of the Protocol on Immunities and Privileges by November 2016.
Exit of over 50 Professional Staff from EAC Service
The Retreat took note of the pending exit of 52 professional staff from the EAC Secretariat from July 2016 to November 2017, after completion of their terms. The Permanent/Principal Secretaries thanked the exiting staff for their valuable contribution to the Community and directed the Secretariat to commence the recruitment process to fill the positions, in line with the decision of the 33rd Council of Ministers. The Secretariat was tasked to develop a smooth transition plan to ensure that operations of the Community are not adversely affected by the mass exit.
Roadmap for the Integration of the Republic Of South Sudan (RSS) Into EAC
Following the successful negotiations between the EAC and RSS on the latter’s accession to the Community, the RSS signed the Accession Treaty in Dar es Salaam on 15th April 2016.
While the full admission of RSS will be confirmed by the ratification and depositing the Instruments of Ratification of the Accession to the Treaty (latest by 1st October, 2016, with the Secretary General, the Retreat recommended to Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning to, among others, approve an exploratory mission at the Coordination Committee level with co-opted members from the Secretariat, Organs and Institutions of the Community to RSS to engage the Government on the proposed roadmap.
Improving Efficiency in the Community
The Retreat tasked the Secretariat to put in place a quick feedback mechanism to accelerate the implementation of priority EAC projects and programmes including monitoring and evaluation and an online portal for such projects and programmes to enable Partner States track progress directly. The Secretariat was also tasked to develop a framework for effective Monitoring and Evaluation on the activities of the Community involving stakeholders within the Secretariat, Institutions and the Partner States.
Rationalizing meetings and optimizing the utilization of video conferencing facilities as well as exploring the possibilities of utilizing other technologies were some of the tasks given to the Secretariat.
The Secretariat was directed to develop a draft concept paper on a program for young professionals that will identify and systematically deploy young professionals in the EAC to build capacity in regional integration matters. Also the Secretariat was directed to propose priority areas that could be championed by individual Partner States and table the proposal at the Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning of October, 2016.
The Secretariat will also compile a draft list of Decisions that could be considered for Decision Making by Simple Majority and submit the list at the Sectoral Council of EAC Affairs and Planning in October, 2016 for consideration.
The EAC stands to gain immensely through an enhanced people- centred approach and driven integration. In this regard, the legal fraternity should and can play a key role in sensitizing citizens on the integration process, EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Daniel Fred Kidega has said.
The Speaker made the remarks in Arusha when he met with representatives of the East Africa Law Society (EALS) at the Speaker’s Chambers. The delegation paid the EALA Speaker a courtesy call to introduce the incoming Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Patrick Okoth.
The EALA Speaker told the regional law society officials to take a lead role in bringing the legal fraternity and the civil society to speed on matters of regional integration. The Speaker challenged EALS to work with Partner States to ensure speedy realization of approximation of national laws to the Community Acts. He cited the full implementation of the Common Market Protocol as another area that should fully interest the legal fraternity. The Speaker further said it was important for EALS to spread its tentacles to the Republic of South Sudan, given its recent admission into the regional bloc.
“We need to enhance a symbiotic relationship between the legislative body and yourselves and to consult every so often on matters of legislation that improve the lives of East Africans,” Rt. Hon Kidega said. He said the Assembly would work closely with the EALS to ensure outstanding issues in the EAC Cross Border Legal Practice Bill, 2014 were addressed.
In attendance were EALS’ Programme Officers, Ms. Brenda Dosio and Ms Lydia Taima Munganyinka.
The EALS CEO, John Patrick Okoth reiterated the regional law society had intensified its efforts in strengthening the integration process through advocacy around the EAC. He maintained this would be done while holding Partner States to account on matters of good governance, rule of law and human rights in accordance with the EAC Treaty. Mr Okoth said EALS was ready for active and productive engagement with EALA and other stakeholders.
On her part, Ms Brenda Dosio, Programme Officer, Legal and Policy Analysis, said EALS would soon be reviewing its Strategic Plan to strengthen the institution and make it more robust, while Lydia Taima Munganyinka Programme Assistant, Public Interest Litigation, lauded the Assembly for the role it continues to play in the integration process.
EALS has in the recent past referenced a number of applications before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). The recent cases include Reference No. 1 of 2011 of The East Africa Law Society Vs The Secretary General of the East African Community challenging certain provisions in the Common Market Protocol that according to EALS, purport to oust the jurisdiction of the EACJ. Another case pits The East Africa Law Society Vs The Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda and the Secretary General of the East African Community and concerns what the Society calls human rights violations in Uganda during the ‘Walk to Work’ processions. A third case relates to the rendition of Kenyan citizens to Uganda with a view to defining the legal environment for combating transboundary crimes.
Mr John Patrick Okoth who joined the EALS this month, has a rich background in both law and diplomacy. He is a former Deputy Ambassador of Kenya to the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. He was once Principal State Counsel in the State Law Office and the Department of Justice, in the Republic of Kenya. Within the diplomatic circles, Mr Okoth is fondly remembered at the Hague for his able handling of the renegotiations of the Treaty Establishing the Common Fund for Commodities among other accomplishments.
Mr Okoth who replaces Mr Tito Byenkya, is expected to steer the Secretariat of the regional bar association, as it redefines its role within the region through the development of a new Strategic Plan for the organization.
The organization headquartered in Arusha, is largest organized professional/ civil society dual membership organization in the region with a strong mandate and interest in the professional development of its members. Its membership spans to over thirteen thousand. The bar associations include the Burundi Bar Association (BBA), Kigali Bar Association (KBA), Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Uganda Law Society (ULS) and the Zanzibar Law Society. EALS enjoys an observer status at the EAC.
Legislators should consistently be at the forefront with regards to enlightening constituents on the laws passed and on their overall mandate, EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel Fred Kidega has said. At the same time, the Speaker is urging the Parliamentarians to ensure Governments of the day avail resources and consequently, service delivery to people is fully realized.
Rt Hon. Kidega made the call when he delivered a paper entitled “Leadership and Legislative Decision Making” at a seminar for legislators of the Parliament of Tanzania in Dodoma yesterday.
At the seminar, the Speaker took the legislators who numbered over 70, through the topic on leadership and legislative decision making in line with the mandate of Parliament which is legislation, oversight and representation. The Speaker delved on the theories of leadership – which include the autocratic, bureaucratic and delegative styles and on practical lessons of leadership on parliamentary affairs. Two discussants, Hon Anna Abdalla, a former long serving cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament and Hon Stephen Masele, a current legislator, also provided invaluable input and insights at the seminar.
Rt Hon. Kidega called on the Parliamentarians to pay key attention to the Appropriation Bill as a key deliverable in ensuring the resources are availed to their people. In the same dispensation, the Speaker called for oversight to ensure that the monies appropriated were put in the right place and that citizens were made well versed on the issues - as a way of creating awareness.
“Citizens might not think of the national budget for example – delivered this past week in the EAC Partner States as a law, but in reality, it is probably the most important piece of legislation enacted each year. As the peoples’ representatives, you must follow up on the issues contained therein (Appropriation Bill), and keep your constituents informed while oversighting on the usage of resources,” Rt. Hon Kidega said.
The Speaker implored Members to make effective use of the oversight tools including the Public Accounts Committees and the Public Audits. He termed Oversight as one of the crucial modes of checks and balances to ensure that programs are carried out legally, effectively and for the purposes for which they were intended.
The International Republican Institute (IRI), Tanzania and the Office of the Clerk of the Parliament of Tanzania, organized the two-day workshop on Leadership (June 11-12th, 2016) as well as legislative strategies and public policy. Its main aim was to enable youth and women Members of the Parliament to sharpen their skills and to provide them with a tools to increase efficiency as they perform their duties.
The EALA Speaker remarked that the new trend of the “tyranny of numbers” in many Parliaments were leading Members of the minority in the Houses towards embracing “activism within the Legislatures”.
“Legislators must find a way of dealing with the tyranny of numbers. However, we must not demean the sanctity of Parliament by transforming ourselves into activists. It may be a considerable move for Parliamentarians from either side to consider formation of caucuses in the House from across the political divide to push for matters. It is a given that Parliamentarians worldwide can work with caucuses as a useful tool to promote agenda”, he said.
“It is important for those in the ruling party to listen to what the opposition is saying. But the opposition parties in the House must also contribute ideas that are relevant also as way of enhancing governance,” Rt Hon Kidega said. “Both parties must be seen to provide leadership and enhance representation of the publics”, he added.
The Speaker told Parliamentarians to seek for objectivity at all times and to speak the truth. He cited challenges being faced by legislators as that of balancing the promises made versus the realities on the ground, competing demands between constituents and other stakeholders whose priorities may differ, as well as what may be construed to be personal interests of the legislators vis a vis the bigger picture.
He said there was need for a balance between Party whipping and allowing for freedom of Party Members to exercise their minds. The Speaker implored Members to be well read, researched and to understand the Standing Orders of the Parliament. “It is also important to enhance your debating skills, listen and to be astute negotiators”, he added.
Former legislator, Hon Anna Abdalla remarked that the challenges facing women in Parliament transcended party politics and there was need for Members to look at the bigger picture. Hon Abdalla who spent close to twenty years in Cabinet of the United Republic of Tanzania said the right time to clean up the image of politics was now.
“Pessimists often say, politics is a dirty game. Looking at the attendance here today, I would not at all say you all partake of the dirt. But we must enhance the image by sticking to what is right and by offering leadership and guidance”, the former legislator stated.
Hon Stephen Masele remarked that it was important for young Parliamentarians to learn from their seniors and to similarly share the experiences. He termed mentorship as a key component of leadership.
According to the IRI Resident Director, Robina Namusisi, Parliamentarians are representative of the diversity in the country as a whole. Therefore, various leadership traits are evident among this large group of leaders. The Resident Director termed the seminar a learning opportunity for legislators to identify their leadership traits and styles and how to use them in their legislative position.
“This is indeed a platform for peer learning as well as sharing lessons learnt and experiences. As well as, an opportunity to review public policies and policy making processes in Tanzania”, Ms Namusisi added.
Members of EALA have commenced the sensitization of stakeholders in the Partner States. The activities which commenced in earnest late last week is themed: ”EAC Integration Agenda: Accessing the Gains”.
This is the second phase of the outreach programme following a successful phase held in the Partner States in April 2016. The three-week activity which ends on June 28th, 2016, hopes to sensitise EAC citizens on the overall integration process and to promote liaision with key stakeholders in the process.
The outreach programme also hopes to keep the EAC populace informed on the role of EALA in the integration process and to enhance interaction between the Private Sector and the Civil Society.
The outreach and senzitisation programme which is been undertaken through the respective EALA Country Chapters targets various stakeholder groups. They include; representatives of local Government associations, and Universities and learning institutions. Other stakeholders are media, Parliaments, women and youth councils, the Private Sector and the women and youth organisations.
The EALA Tanzania Chapter arrived in Dodoma and has already held a meeting with legislators from the Parliament of Tanzania. This morning, they have a date with the students of the University of Dodoma before meeting with other student groups from the College of Business Education. Later on in the week, they will travel further to Morogoro to bring various stakeholders to speed on matters of integration before heading to the island of Zanzibar for a similar exercise.
In Rwanda, EALA will this week continue with the outreach program by meeting the transporters, hoteliers and tour operators in Kigali before moving to Huye to touch base with representatives of the National Youth Councils. The Chapter shall also sensitise women groups in the Southern province, targeting Muhanga, Musanze and Ngoma regions and the Western Province (Kalongi, Rulindo and Gichumbi Districts). The Chapter shall then proceed to the border communities touring the Ruhwa and the Cyanika One Stop Border Posts. The Chapter commenced the sensitization activity with the General Assembly of the Persons with Disabilities in Kigali, Friday last week. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Aliviera Mukabaramba and Hon Gaston Ruhisa, MP representing Persons with Disabilities at the Rwanda Chamber of Deputies.
The EALA Kenya Chapter on its part has a date with representatives of the Private Sector and are expected to touch base with representatives of the national airline carrier, Kenya Airways, Bidco and Brand Kenya among others. They are also meeting with representatives of the immigration department and their respective counterparts at the Kenya Revenue Authority – both of whom play a key part in facilitating trade and movement of persons in the region. The Members shall thereafter visit other parts of the country.
Members in Burundi are also geared to the outreach activity starting with a series of courtesy calls. The Members expect to meet with the respective Ministers for EAC, Justice, Public Security, Finance and Youth and Sports, as well as the President of the Senate and his counterpart at the Burundi National Assembly. Other proposed stakeholders include the Universities of Ngozi and Light University (Universite Lumiere) and border visit to Kobero (Burundi and Tanzania). It is also expected that the legislators will tour Makamba and Ngozi provinces and hold deliberations with the Governors in the respective jurisdictions and their constituents and culminate in discussions with representatives of the Private Sector.
On their part, the Members in Uganda will commence the program with a courtesy call on senior government officials. The list includes the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda and the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of EAC Affairs. Thereafter, the Members travel north to Arua to meet with various stakeholders. Upon return, the Members will meet respective Ministers of the Ministries of Trade, Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Finance and Economic Development, Education and Sports as well as a number of parastatals under them.
Also on the card are meetings with students from Universities, officials of EAC Institutions and stakeholders from the Uganda Chambers of Commerce, Kampala Traders Association (KACITA) and representatives of the Inter-Faith Religious Council.
Sensitisation is a key component of EALA’s work. The EALA Strategic Plan (2013-2018) envisages a people-centred approach to widening and deepening of the integration agenda. This is through increased awareness among the East African people about the integration process, its status as well as its benefits. In so doing, EALA has enhanced outreach programs programmes to enhance participation.
The East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE),is expected to be launched at Makerere University College of Engineering, Art, Design and Technology (CEDAT), Kampala, Uganda on 11 June, 2016. The inauguration ceremony will be preceded by the EACREEE Executive Board (EB) and Technical Committee (TC) Meeting on 10 June, 2016.
The two-day event which is organised by the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), will bring together delegates from the Partner States' Ministries responsible for Energy as well as development partners.
The EACREEE will act as a regional think-tank and focal points for sustainable energy activities and issues, as well as strengthening ongoing national activities in the areas of policy and capacity development, knowledge management and awareness raising, and investment and business promotion in the areas of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
EACREEE is also expected to encourage and promote greater cooperation between Partner States for improved coordination and synergies in the energy sector.
The centre will also acts as think-tank for sustainable energy issues and activities, while aiming at the creation of an enabling environment for regional renewable energy and energy efficient markets and investments by mitigating the existing energy deficits in the EAC region.
The World Bank Board has approved the Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence Project (ACE II). Each of the 24 Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) will be funded up to US$6 million over the project period of five years.
The objective of the ACE II project is to strengthen selected Eastern and Southern Africa higher education institutions to deliver quality postgraduate education and build collaborative research capacity in the regional priority areas.
The selected ACEs are expected to address specific development challenges facing the region through graduate training in Master’s, PhD, and short-term courses and applied research in the form of partnerships and collaborations with other institutions and the private sector.
Eight participating countries – Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia – are committing $140 million, credit from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to finance the selected ACEs.
The ACEs were selected through an open, objective, transparent and merit-based competitive process based on the following criteria: (a) proposal that addressed a specific challenge in one of the five priority areas in the region – industry, agriculture, health, education and applied statistics; (b) proposal of the highest quality; (c) hosting institution had evident capacity; (d) selection that provided for geographical balance; and (e) the hosting country had International Development Association (IDA) funding eligibility and availability.
All these ACEs are expected to perform the following tasks:
(a) build institutional capacity to provide quality post-graduate education with relevance to the labor market;
(b) build institutional capacity to conduct high quality applied research, relevant to addressing a key development challenge/priority;
(c) develop and enhance partnerships with other academic institutions (national, regional and international) to pursue academic excellence;
(d) develop and enhance partnerships with industry and the private sector to generate greater impact;
(e) improve governance and management of the institution and set up a role model for other higher education institutions; and
(f) deliver outreach, and create an impact, to society by delivering excellent teaching and producing high quality applied research.
Over the project duration of five years, collectively these ACEs are expected to enroll more than 3,500 graduate students in the regional development priority areas, out of which more than 700 will be PhD students and more than 1,000 will be female students, publish almost 1,500 journal articles, launch more than 300 research collaborations with private sector and other institutions, and generate almost US$30 million in external revenue.
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), an institution of the East African Community, was selected by the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) of the ACE II project as the Regional Facilitation Unit (RFU). IUCEA will provide overall coordination, facilitation and administration to the project implementation under the oversight of the RSC. IUCEA, with assistance from the World Bank, coordinated the project preparation including the ACE selection process. IUCEA will provide forums for industry-academic engagement for ACEs to share knowledge on collaborative research ideas. IUCEA will also supervise a competitive scholarship program in which 30 regional students in STEM will be financed for two years to attain a Master’s degree in any of the ACEs. An IDA grant of US$8 million will finance these activities.
The project will operate under the overall guidance and oversight of the Regional Steering Committee. RSC comprises of members from participating countries, the private sector and academic experts of international stature.
It is envisaged that at the end of the project the centres will have developed sufficient capacity to become sustainable regional hubs for training and research in their specialised fields, capable of leading efforts to address priority development challenges and improve lives in the region.
The ACE II project is expected to close in October, 2021.
EALA late yesterday debated and passed the 2016/17 Budget totaling US$101,374,589 with amendments following reallocations.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, Hon. Dr Susan Kolimba presented the Budget speech to an attentive House on behalf of the substantive Minister and Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Augustine Mahiga.
The 2016/2017 Budget is a drop down from US$110,660,098 Million presented to the House in the previous Financial Year. The Budget themed Towards Full Implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and Enhancing the Implementation of the Monetary Union Protocol prioritises the full implementation of the EAC Single Customs Territory, enhanced implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol especially additional commitments and interconnectivity of border immigration systems.
Prior to passing of the Budget, the Assembly resolved itself into a Committee of Ways and means to consider the Financial Statement for 2016/17 and a similar Committee of Supply to approve the Estimates of Expenditure for the same.
With it, the Assembly also passed the East African Community Appropriation Bill, 2016.
Debate of the Budget Speech was preceded by the presentation of the Committee on General Purpose on the EAC Budget Estimates for Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year 2016/17 by the Committee’s Chairperson, Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo late Wednesday.
The Report indicates that the Community would focus on a number of areas in the coming Financial Year including the full implementation of the Single Customs Territory, as well as the enhanced implementation of the Common market Protocol. Other key priority areas are development of infrastructure, institutional strengthening and the implementation of EAC Peace and Security initiatives.
In reviewing its recommendations, the Committee once again emphasises the efficient use of Community resources and the proper delimitation of the role and responsibilities of the finance and advisory committee. With it comes the need to align the budget with the EAC objectives and its strategic objectives. On the size of the budget, the Committee notes the downward trend over the last three years against a number of programmes and projects of the Community.
It thus recommends for the Council of Ministers to look seriously into the issue of inadequate funding, allow it (the Committee) to hold deliberations with the Council on sustainable funding as well as proposals for strong legislative and institutional support for the Common Market and the Monetary Union stages.
The Assembly is also emphatic that Partner States must desist from using the General reserves as a source of funds to substitute remittances, a move it terms as a high risk in terms of liquidity on the one side and that of litigation on the other.
On IT systems, the Assembly acknowledges the technological advancements taking place and observes that the Budget Management System has created challenges in terms of inflexible budget descriptions and objectives that are not aligned to departments. It thus recommends foe an IT systems audit to determine the strength and full proof status.
There is also need to review the EAC Budget Act, 2008 according to the Committee to enable the budget process to be made more effective, transparent and based on a legal framework.
The report also takes an analysis of a number of offices at the EAC and Organs and Institutions.
Following reallocations by the House, the Budget is allocated to the Organs and Institutions of the EAC as follows; East African Community Secretariat (US$ 57, 741, 185), East African Legislative Assembly (US$ 16,086,224) and the East African Court of Justice (US$ 4,286,477).
The Inter-University Council for East Africa shall receive (US$ 4,553,890), Lake Victoria Basin Commission (US$ 11,214,708) while US$ 2,131,422 is earmarked for the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation. On their part, the East African Science and Technology Commission shall receive (US$ 1,196,542), East African Kiswahili Commission (US$ 1,179,542) and the East African Health Research Commission (US$ 1,397,438). The East African Competition Authority is to benefit from US$ 1,587,565 in the Financial Year.
The Report notes some of the successes registered in the Financial Year 2015/2016, notably, the upscaling of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) through finalisation of operational instruments of the business manuals, deployment of SCT Monitoring and Evaluation tools and deployment of staff in some Partner States.
It cites the passage of the EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Bill (NTB), 2015 which is undergoing assent as key towards enhancing business and the free movement aspects. At the same time, formation of the National Monitoring Committees on NTBs and the EAC Regional Forum on NTBs has continued to spearhead the elimination of NTBs affecting Intra-EAC trade.
Another success noted concerns the draft Bills for the establishment of the East African Monetary Institute and the East African Statistics Bureau and these are been negotiated by the Partner States. The report notes the continued attempts by the EAC Secretariat co-ordinate fiscal policies with focus on critical areas for harmonisation.
The Report also notes of a number of challenges during the Financial Year. Such include the slow pace of harmonisaion of domestic taxes to facilitate the functioning of the Single Customs Territory, and inadequate staffing particularly in the run-up to the exit of staff in 2017. The long decision making processes and the delays in remittances of funds from partner States and Development partners are also cited as bottlenecks.
Hon. Bernard Mulengani presented several proposed reallocations to the Budget. The following members contributed to the debate, Hon. Bernard Mulengani, Hon. Ussi Maryam, Hon. Emerence Bucumi, Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana, Hon. Dora Byamukama, Hon. Saoli ole Nkanae, Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro, Hon. Pierre Celestin Rwigema and Hon. Christophe Bazivamo. Others were Hon. Chris Opoka, Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo, Hon. Sarah Bonaya, Hon. Abubakar Zein, Hon. Nusura Tiperu, Hon. Mumbi Ngaru and Hon. Martin Ngoga.
The debate was preceded by the passage of the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016 amounting to US$ 1,569,941 for the Financial Year ending 30th June 2016. The Supplementary estimates were not passed at the previous 5th Meeting of the 4th Session held in Dar Es Salaam in March 2016.
EALA has granted leave to Hon. Dora Byamukama to introduce a Bill entitled the East African Community Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Bill, 2016.
The Bill which outlaws the cultural practice is seen as critical and in essence numbers the days of those that still engage in the cultural practice.
Hon. Byamukama states that the culture of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) brings with it a number of complications including early child marriage and defilement, health complications that sometimes lead to transmission of HIV and AIDS, death and injuries to those who bear the practice.
According to Hon. Byamukama, with the advent of the Common Market Protocol which necessitates free-movement and cross-border nature, the influence of culture and hence spread is expected to increase if not checked.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Judith Pareno remarked that surveys show an estimated 200 Million women in 27 countries in the Continent have undergone FGM. Hon. Saoli ole Nkanae noted that the practice is prevalent among the Maasai people in East Africa, terming it a serious matter. Also rising in support of the Motion was Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro.
The Assembly is urging the EAC Council of Ministers to develop a regional urban planning policy for the bloc to have better co-ordinated cities and cross-border towns and put in place remedial measures to disasters.
A Resolution to that effect was adopted by the Assembly at its Sitting yesterday. The Resolution moved by Hon. Nancy Abisai further wants the Council of Ministers to establish an Urban Development Desk at the EAC to co-ordinate urban development matters in the region. In order to harmonise ideas and have a regional position on Habitat 111 agenda, the Assembly has urged the Council through the EAC Secretariat to convene a regional position on habitat matters.
The Resolution takes cognisance of the fact that the scale and pace of urbanisation is opening up unforeseen possibilities.
“Large concentrations of people and goods providing for increased opportunities for creativity, larger labor markets, and higher levels of productivity, not to speak of the cultural and political opportunities associated with urban life is the norm” a section of the Resolution states.
The Resolution supported by the House also states that urban planning mitigates the impacts of disasters. Policies and programs to reduce poverty can not only increase the productivity of the poor in the region, but can also raise consumption, thereby boosting local economic development for the benefit of all. Cities that are inhospitable to business and that deter investors usually represent even worse prospects for their poorest residents.
In her justification, Hon. Abisai says that population growth has doubled in a number of countries in the globe. The Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania are expected to double their population by the year 2050. The Republic of Uganda which has a populace of 39 million is expected to have over 100 million in the next thirty four years.
United Republic of Tanzania which has an estimated population of 53.7 million people will see the growth reach 137 milliion people during the same period, according to Hon. Abisai.
During debate, Hon. Christopher Opoka, Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja, Hon. Sarah Bonaya, Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro all supported the Motion.
Analysts contend that the recent rainstorms, mudslides and floods in the capital cities of some of the EAC Partner States and other weather phenomena have exacted a devastating toll on property, human welfare, natural resources and the economies.
More than 95% of all deaths caused by disasters have occurred in areas which are mostly unplanned. Among the factors that have contributed most to the damage inflicted during a hazard event is the location of infrastructure and housing developments as well as how they have been constructed, and how land use affects the natural environment recurring natural phenomena into human and economic disasters.
EALA has today passed legislation granting Persons with Disabilities with full protection to enjoy their rights as enjoyed by other citizens of the region.
The object of the East African Community Persons with Disability Bill, 2015, moved by Hon Dr James Ndahiro, is to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Community. The Bill is premised under Article 120 (c ) of the Treaty for the EAC.
The purpose of this Bill is to:
to take appropriate and effective measures including policy, legislative, administrative and budgetary steps to ensure and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities;
to recognize that disability is not inability and providing special safety nets for PWDs;
to ensure and improve access to rehabilitation, education, training and community sports;
to guide, coordinate and harmonize interventions for People with Disabilities by Stakeholders.
The debate on the Bill was preceded by the Report of the Committee on General Purpose on the same subject matter presented by the Chairperson, Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo.
The report was a culmination of public hearings held in the Partner States and it followed intensive consultation with various stakeholders. The Committee observed that issues of People with Disabilities cut across many sectors and enacting such legislation would go a long way in mainstreaming their issues. The Committee further observed that the Partner States largely agreed on most provisions of the Bill which were among others need for assessment and interventions at all levels including pre-school inclusiveness education, sensitisation and awareness raising, equal opportunities and affirmative action.
The Committee further seeks the provision of tax exempted free mobile assisted devices, learning materials, need for disaggregated data by disability groupings, vulnerability and marginalization, as well as a financial assistance through cash transfers grants and various specific amenities.
In Burundi, the Committee was informed that the Bill should give more prominence to employment of persons with disability in the Private Sector to be strengthened by reserving slots as well as enforcement of the provisions of quotas. While visiting Kenya, stakeholders informed the Committee of the need for Partner States to have universal accessibility and disability inclusion at all stages and levels of all disaster risk reduction policies.
“Such need to include Internally Displaced Persons with disabilities are entitled to access all services that are available including accessible shelters, water and sanitation, education and health”, a section of the Report reads.
While in Rwanda, the Committee learned that equality and non-discrimination should be enhanced to ensure the facilitation of PWDs to equally participate in economic and business affairs.
Members were told in the meeting with stakeholders in the United Republic of Tanzania that the piece of legislation must clearly discourage foster homes for PWDs as it somehow contradicts with the concept of disability inclusion at different levels.
It was instead observed that the Bill should look at disability along-side all the pillars of integration so as to ensure full integration for people with disabilities during the integration process.
During debate, Hon Abubakar Zein noted that the rights of PWDS amounts to human rights. He challenged the Assembly to amend its Standing Orders to ensure the rights of all PWDs was also taken into consideration.
Hon Dora Byamukama remarked that a timeframe was necessary to determine when the Council of Ministers establishes a Regional Council for People with Disabilities. The legislator said data and statistics collection on matters around PWDs were key for consideration as it enhances decision making.
Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye said the treatment of PWDs in society needs to change. “We need to be more humane”, he remarked. Hon Christophe Bazivamo termed the passage of the Bill as timely. We have observed that most of the cases that take care of PWDs are left in the hands of humanitarian groups, faith based organisations and others.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Ministers, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC, Uganda, Rt Hon Kirunda Kivejinja said the Regional Council for People with Disabilities would be formed in the Financial Year 2016/17.
Others who supported the debate were Hon Emerence Bucumi, Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro, Hon AbuBakr Ogle, Hon Hafsa Mossi, Hon Judith Pareno and Hon Isabelle Ndahayo. Hon Dr Martin Nduwimana and Hon Mike Sebalu also supported the Bill.
In his justification, the mover of the Bill, Hon Dr James Ndahiro said it was necessary for PWDs to access all the infrastructure within their social systems.
The principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations recognise the inherent dignity and worth and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
Furthermore, the United Nations, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenants of Human Rights has proclaimed and agreed that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set therein, without distinction of any kind.
