The original East African Community (1967-77) may be defunct but the feelings it evoked are still revered. They also say that behind every successful man is a woman, a mantra whose plurality is often sought. Today, the Assembly passed a Resolution hailing the first ladies of the integration process, Mama Maria Nyerere, Mama Miriam Obote and Mama Ngina Kenyatta.
The Resolution collectively registers EALA’s appreciation to the former First Ladies as a way of recognising the role they played and continue to play in galvanising East Africa in the integration process. They further hail the First Ladies for their continued service to the region as “informal institutional memory”.
The Resolution requests the founding First Ladies to attend and address a Special Sitting of the East African Legislative Assembly in the next Plenary Sitting of the 6th sitting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Resolution was moved by Hon. Mumbi Ng’aru and seconded by Hon. Shyrose Bhanji and Hon. Chris Opoka – Okumu.
Hon. Mumbi Ng’aru said that the contribution of women in the integration process of priceless. According to Article 5 (3) e) talks about role of women in cultural political development. Their contribution is indeed fundamental. She said that in April 2014, women Members of Parliamnt of EALA under the leadership of the Speaker Emeritus, Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa visited Mama Maria Nyerere in Dar es Salaam.
“In the two hours we spent together in Dar, we found her ideas to be informative and transformational. She is indeed a rich library of integration”, Hon. Ng’aru said.
The Kenyan EALA Chapter had also held a session with Mama Ngina Kenyatta last year in Gatundu, Kenya and added, the interaction was crucial.
Hon. Chris Opoka Okumu remarked that the first ladies played a crucial role behind the scenes in the integration process.
“They cheered the dream on with the founder Summit Members. The first ladies were all resilient and their contribution to the integration process is fundamental”, Hon. Opoka said.
“Mama Miriam Obote was a brilliant student and the marriage with Milton Obote was crucial given the history of the country. She was also the first elected woman in Uganda to head a political party. She also became the first woman to contest at the Presidential candidate in Uganda and has continued to work for the reconciliation of all Ugandans”, Hon. Opoka added.
Hon. Hafsa Mossi supported the interaction between EALA and the first ladies, saying it would be a great learning experience.
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji appreciated the founding fathers of the EAC remarking that their vision to help East Africa be one was heroic. In 1999, we launched the second EAC, a realisation of the founding fathers’ vision thus continued.
“I salute our founding first ladies for been a force behind the integration by been of great support to their husbands. As luck would have it, the first ladies have witnessed the 1st EAC and the 2nd EAC where EAC has since expanded from 3 countries to 5 Partner States and eventually 6 with the entry of Republic of South Sudan. Let us all agree to honour the beloved women to grace the August House in Arusha at the forthcoming Plenary”, Hon. Bhanji said.
Hon. Sarah Bonaya remarked that the first ladies had been instrumental as pioneers of integration, When President Kenyatta was imprisoned, the first lady shuttled between Nairobi and Maralal where he was incarcerated.
Hon. Makongoro Nyerere narrated the fall of the first EAC and remarked that role of the first ladies in galvanising EAC was key while Hon. AbuBakr Ogle said EALA members at the visit of Mama Ngina in her Gatundu home had learnt a lot from her and hoisted the EAC flag there.
Hon. Dora Byamukama said it was vital for history of the first ladies to be documented remarking that all were unique in one way or another in the service and contribution to the strengthening of the EAC.
Others who supported the Resolution were Hon. Nancy Abisai, Hon. Dr Kessy Nderakindo, Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro and Hon. Joseph Kiangoi.
The next Sitting of the Assembly is set for May 22nd 2016 up until June 3rd, 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania.
An 18-member East African Community Elections Observer Mission (EAC-EOM) is in Zanzibar, the United Republic of Tanzania to observe the re-run of General Elections slated for 20th March, 2016.The EAC Mission is a response to the invitation of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission as well as the decision by the EAC Council of Ministers on the observation of elections in the Partner States.
The membership of the EAC Election Observer Mission has been drawn from different but complementary disciplines and includes, members of the East African Legislative Assembly, National Electoral Commissions, National Human Rights Commissions, Civil Society Organisations, and youth representatives from the EAC Youth Ambassadors Forum.
The Mission’s mandate is to observe the overall electoral environment, pre-election preparations, the polling day, and the counting and tallying of results.
Addressing the members of EAC–EOM, the Head of the Mission, H.E. Moody Awori, former Vice President of the Republic of Kenya, cautioned the members of EAC-EOM to be conscious of the environment of that they will operating in. “I have faith and trust that you will live up to the expectation of East Africans in this democratisation process and that the outcome we will collectively deliver and serve to strengthen representation in the region.”
On his part the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, said the Mission is being undertaken pursuant to Article 3 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC which requires adherence to universally acceptable principles of democratic governance, and in line with the EAC Principles of Election Observation and Evaluation.
”As observers, your core role is to observe elections in Partner States and ensure that they meet international recognised standards which ascribe electoral process to be free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful," said Mr. Njoroge.
Mr. Njoroge informed the members of the Mission that the success of the elections in Zanzibar was of paramount importance to the Partner States as a whole because lack of peace and stability in the region will definitely undermine the outstanding milestones the Community has so far achieved in the integration process.
The Mission is expected to prepare a Report that will be submitted to, among others, the National Electoral Commission of Tanzania, through the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration and implementation.
The Mission will leave Zanzibar on 22nd March, 2016.
The Assembly yesterday moved a Resolution to bid farewell to the outgoing Secretary General of the EAC, Hon. Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera for a job well done.
The Resolution moved by Hon. AbuBakr Ogle and seconded by Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, recognised the Secretary General for the great service rendered during his tenure of service to the Community.
The Resolution which received support from the whole House, cited a number of achievements in the programs and projects of the EAC during the five year period (2011-2016). Among the achievements are the recent introduction of the international EAC e-Passport, which the Resolution terms a critical milestone in the integration dispensation.
The Resolution also takes cognisance of the fact that Hon. Amb. Dr Sezibera’s tenure saw the conclusion and ratification of the Monetary Union, which is the third pillar of integration. It also cites Hon. Amb. Dr Sezibera’s key role in spearheading the granting of financial and administrative autonomy to the EALA and the EACJ, thus laying the foundation to commence on various amendments of the Treaty and the relevant EAC Rules and Regulations.
On matters of trade, the mover said the EAC Secretary General had sustained campaigns to ensure the realisation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) and that it had duly paid off. Also laudable, a section of the Resolution avers, is the EAC’s infrastructure programme which is set to spur development in the region apart from other parts of the continent in terms of competitiveness thus laying the Standard Railway Gauge and making unprecedented advances in investment of energy.
In order to ensure people centeredness, the Secretary General was instrumental in establishing and sustaining the quarterly Secretary General’s forum with the Private Sector.
In justifying the Resolution, Hon. AbuBakr Ogle hailed the Secretary General for the positive areas of integration but also added there were challenges as well during his tenure.
He remarked that the incoming Secretary General was taking over at a critical time for the Community.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Peter Mathuki said the outgoing EAC boss had made significant contribution towards strengthening of the integration process. He remarked that the addition of the Republic of South Sudan in to the bloc was a key deliverable that was facilitated during the tenure of the outgoing Secretary General.
“We need to appreciate some of the facts while understanding that in any given scenario, one can encounter obstacles during the tour of duty”, Hon. Mathuki said.
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji noted that during the tenure of Amb. Sezibera, many deliverables were realised. We have seen the reduction of NTBs and the Single Customs Territory (SCT) is also a reality. “We are also thankful for the developments such as the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) which have led to increase in Intra-EAC Trade. We are thankful to Hon. Dr Sezibera and his team”, she added.
“I want to assure him that we shall soldier on until we realise the objectives of the EAC. We shall definitely meet again in Arusha, Kigali or elsewhere in the region when we have a borderless EAC,” she said.
Hon. Martin Ngoga referred to Hon. Amb, Dr Sezibera’s tenure as one marked by great achievements.
“He has been a law maker, a Minister in the Government of Rwanda and a diplomat in his past service before coming to the EAC. He left great achievements elsewhere in public service no wonder his achievements as Secretary General of the EAC”, he said.
“We expect that the in-coming successor shall also take the Community to another level. It is our collective duty and responsibility to support the Office bearer,” Hon. Ngoga added.
Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa said during the tenure of Hon. Dr Sezibera, the Members had realised improved welfare. She remarked that the challenges notwithstanding, the achievements of the Secretary General were laudable.
Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi and Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo heaped praises on Dr Sezibera for the sterling job he had done for the Community. “The role of been Secretary General is extremely challenging. One must balance interest of the Community and have deep understanding of needs of Partner States,” they said.
Hon. Dora Byamukama congratulated the Republic of Rwanda for nominating Hon. Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera and said he had brought honour to the Partner State and the region.
Last week, Hon. Amb. Dr Sezibera addressed the House where he delivered the score-card of achievements during his tenure as the bloc’s Secretary General.
Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera whose tour of duty at the EAC comes to an end on April 26th, 2015 has had a successful career in public service as a Physician, Minister in the Government of Rwanda and as a Member of Rwanda’s Transitional Parliament. He has also served in the Army and as a diplomat.
At the 17th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State, the Heads of State appointed Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, the outgoing EAC Deputy Secretary General, Finance and Administration as the new Secretary General of the Community with effect from April 26th, 2016.
The Treaty of the EAC empowers the Secretary General to be the head of the Secretariat, and Accounting Officer. He is the Secretary of the Summit of EAC Heads of State and may carry out such other duties as conferred upon him by the Treaty.
The East African Legislative Assembly has proposed enactment of an omnibus law to harmonise national laws appertaining to the Community and to institute an administration law for the Common Market Protocol.
The Assembly is of the view such a move shall cure, existing challenges of harmonisation of Partner State laws appertaining to the Community. At the same time, the Assembly wants the Council of Ministers to direct the Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs to hold regular meetings and to prioritize harmonisation of laws for EAC in order facilitate integration within the set time frames.
In order to meaningfully facilitate co-operation in legal and judicial affairs as provided for under Article 126 of the Treaty, EALA urges EAC Council of Ministers to expedite implementation of the entire Article which obliges Partner States to harmonise legal training and certification; encourage standardisation of judgments of courts within the Community as well as in establishing common syllabus for the training of lawyers.
Late yesterday, EALA approved the Report of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges on the oversight activity on the harmonisation of national laws in the EAC context. The Report presented to the House by Hon. Dora Byamukama on behalf of the Chair of the Committee, Hon. Peter Mathuki, follows an oversight activity carried out by the Committee in February 22- 26, 2016.
Chapter 24 of the Treaty provides for co-operation in Legal and Judicial Affairs. Specifically, Article 126 (2) (b) of the Treaty provides that “Partner States shall through their appropriate national institutions take all necessary steps to harmonise all their national laws appertaining to the Community”.
In line with that Treaty provision, EAC Partner States established a sub-committee on the approximation of national laws in the EAC context.
During the oversight activity, the Committee was informed that Partner States are at different stages of implementation of the directives of the Council of Ministers on harmonisation on national laws. It further observed that Partner States were slow when it comes to amending laws to comply with the directive of the Council of Ministers pertaining to harmonisation of national laws. Further on, the criteria used and timelines for harmonisation of laws is also unclear.
The Committee cites a number of challenges including frequent changes in the membership of the Task Force, conflicting commitments of members of the Task Force as well as different legal systems. In addition, the slow pace in the implementation of the harmonisation agenda at national level and the lack of monitoring mechanisms to ensure Partner States comply with the adopted approximation proposals are also cited.
During debate time, Hon. Judith Pareno said the activity of harmonising and approximating laws was a Treaty matter and said it was important for the Community to have a system of the laws to harmonise. Hon. Shyrose Bhanji remarked that slow implementation of harmonising laws was retrogressive for integration. She asked the House to request the Council of Ministers to share with the Assembly a matrix showing progress of implementation.
“We also need a special strategy to popularise the laws passed by the Assembly to the citizens”, Hon. Bhanji said. Hon. Martin Ngoga called for a rethink of strategy in the way the Community undertakes its mandate as it advances the objectives of integration. Harmonisation of laws is just one of the ways but there are a number of things we need to do with reference to Article 126.
“Why are we not publishing East Africa Law Journals? There are over 600 laws that we need to harmonise to make EAC realise the Common Market and we must move faster,” he said. The legislator said EALA must take the lead.
“It is the Assembly’s role to make laws and we should not take back the matter to Partner States” he said. “We must reassess our mode of work”, he added.
Hon. Susan Nakawuki remarked that it was key for the harmonisation of immigration laws to be speedily undertaken. “One of the key issues we need to address is that of the yellow fever certificates and I request the Council of Ministers to inform us of the position of the Community on the matter”, Hon. Nakawuki said.
Chairperson of the Legal Rules and Privileges Committee, Hon. Peter Mathuki urged the Ministers of EAC to be in attendance during the Plenary Sitting. “The continuous absence of EAC Ministers may be another reason for the slow implementation of activities of integration”, Hon. Mathuki said. The legislator also said bureaucracies needed to be reduced.
The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC in the Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja remarked that progress on the pillars of integration were notable while, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation, Hon. Dr Susan Kolimba remarked that the Council of Ministers was committed to ensuring issues brought to fore by Members are adequately addressed.
Also rising up to support the report were Hon. Joseph Kiangoi, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi and Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza.
Three Bills yesterday sailed through the respective 1st Readings as the House resumed its business in Dar es Salaam.
The Bills are the EAC Sectional Properties Bill, 2016, the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016 and the EAC Customs Management (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The EAC Sectional Properties Bill, 2016 aims to regulate division of buildings into units and the individual ownership of the units. The Bill deals with the division of buildings into units and registration of sectional properties. It further seeks to vest the management of common property in a corporation consisting of persons who own units in the parcels to which sectional plan relates.
Part two of the Bill deals with the division of buildings into units and registration of sectional properties. In this part, the Bill seeks to apply the laws in Partner States for the time being in force governing the registration of land titles to the registration of sectional properties under the Bill.
According to the mover, Hon. Dr James Ndahiro, the Bill emanates from the Common Market Protocol which anticipates free movement and rights to establishment. He remarks that not all East Africans have the ability to purchase their own property and thus given an opportunity to purchase part of a building, such individuals earn some financial assets.
Hon. Dr Ndahiro further states that a legal framework is necessary to enable any willing investor to develop in a neighbouring Partner State. Generally, a sectional title describes separate ownership of units or sections within a complex, development or scheme. When one purchases into a sectional title complex, you purchase a section or sections and an undivided share of the common property. These are collectively known as units. The Bill on its part defines a unit as a space that is situated within a building and described in a sectional plan by reference to floors, walls and ceilings within the building.
The sale of units, holding of sale proceeds in trust, termination of developers’ management agreement and renting of units are among the matters provided also for in the Bill.
Another Bill which sailed through this morning is the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016. The Bill anchors the EAC Supplementary Budget estimates amounting to USD 1,566, 941 for the Financial Year 2015/16 to facilitate the activities of the EAC Organs and Institutions. The Bill was moved by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja, on behalf of the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Augustine Mahiga.
The EAC Customs Management (Amendment) Bill, 2016 also sailed through the first reading. The object of the Bill is to amend the EAC Customs Management Act, 2004 to facilitate smooth implementation of the Act, particularly on the implementation of commitments made under the protocol establishing the EAC Customs Union. The Bill moved by Hon. Dr Augustine Mahiga, Chairperson, Council of Ministers, thus provides for application of the COMESA and SADC preferential tariff arrangements which the Partner States agreed to implement.
In line with the Rules of Procedures, the Speaker committed all Bills to the relevant Committees for their action.
A key report of the oversight activity of EAC Institutions with regards to governance, project performance was today adopted by the Assembly.
The Report presented to the House by Chair of the Accounts Committee, Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana emanates from oversight activities carried out by the Accounts Committee last month (February 2016) following queries obtained from the EAC Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June 2014.
It also set to establish the adherence to the extent of status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations. The Committee visited the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO) and the EAC Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) in Jinja and Entebbe respectively.
The Committee reported that the oversight activity at the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) which was envisaged was not undertaken as the heads of the institution were away as at time of the activity. The Committee however received information on governance and its adherence to the Assembly’s recommendations sent by the IUCEA.
The objectives of the assessment were to assess whether governance and management systems of the institutions are good enough to guarantee performance and proper discharge of duties. It further sought to establish the implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations, strengthen governance and management systems of EAC Institutions and to establish extent to which the said institutions apply modern governance and management of applied technologies.
At the LVFO, the Committee reported the need for Council of Ministers to fast track accession of other Partner States to the LVFO as well as the need to urge the Council of Ministers to avail current data of fish to LVFO for updates. This the Committee ascertains, arises from the fact that the quality of fish is declining despite achievements and initiatives by LVFO. Therefore, the Committee informed the House that it was vital to carry out comprehensive sensitisation, provide all amenities and other facilities to fish farmers to spur increase in numbers.
The Committee generally noted progress with regards to the status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations at the Jinja- based LVFO. The Assembly however calls on the Audit Commission to report during the next audit on a number of areas including the unclaimed Value Added Tax (VAT) and other outstanding areas such as the persisting overdue receivables. Other thematic areas include need to harmonise guidelines for development of fish cages, setting of regional standards for fish-feed and evidence of a disaster recovery plan.
On CASSOA, the Assembly observed that the budgetary constraints at the institution, prevent it from attracting qualified personnel and thus the Organogram is yet to be filled. In this regard, the Assembly urges the Council of Ministers to amend the CASSOA Protocol to enable the Assembly to approve its budget in accordance with the Treaty for the EAC. The Assembly is also categorical that CASSOA management relays its progress reports to the House.
It also wants the institution to relay to the Audit Commission progress on status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations with regards to its commendation to segregate duties within the payment process systems and on expenditure by the institution that is inadequately supported.
At debate time, Hon. Shyrose Bhanji remarked that Lake Victoria was a key component of integration from a multi-sectoral approach.“It is a source of food, employment and income for many people in East Africa. Yet one of the challenges facing the LVFO is funding. It is high time Mr Speaker sir for the LVFO to be empowered and strengthened so we realise benefits”, Hon. Bhanji said.
She also called on the Council of Ministers to ensure adequate sensitisation activities of the LVFO to create awareness.
Hon. Yves Nsabimana said it was important for Partner States to remit their contributions on time so that the programmes and projects are on time. “Lack of adequate contribution has caused problems to LVFO including late recruitment and borrowing from the general reserve funds among others. In CASSOA, the institution is not attractive to personnel and consequentially, key positions at the institution are not filled.”, he said.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru remarked that the IUCEA had failed to honour the meeting called by the Assembly. “They opted to send a junior officer who could not interface with us”, she said, adding that the institution had eluded EALA for close to four years.
Hon. Bernard Mulengani lamented over the zero incremental budgeting, which, he remarked was depriving the EAC of progress. “I appeal to Council to check on some of the decisions of the Finance and Administration Committee, that constantly proposes the zero-budget increment”, Hon. Mulengani said.
Hon. Christophe Bazivamo decried the decreasing production of fisheries in Lake Victoria as well as in other lakes and rivers and said it was necessary for adequate fish feeds to be provided.
Also rising in support of the report were Hon. Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon. Emmanuel Nengo and Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro
EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera yesterday delivered a moving Speech as the Assembly completed week one of its deliberations.
The EAC Secretary General's speech gave a score-card of deliverables during his tenure at the helm before an attentive House. The Secretary General cited five key areas in the broad vision and remarked that under his five year tour of duty, the bloc had witnessed significant achievements.
On the Customs Union, Amb. Dr Sezibera remarked that sustained campaigns to ensure realisation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) had duly paid off.
"Today, should one visit the Port of Dar es Salaam right here, you will witness revenue officials from the rest of the Partner States clearing goods", he said.
The time within which it takes to clear goods has reduced tremendously. At the central corridor it now takes 3 days, down from the 18 days while in the northern corridor, there is significant reduction from 21 days to 5 days," Amb. Dr Sezibera said.
He remarked that there was sustained pressure to rid the region of Non-Tariff Barriers and such, were paying off while the port clearance times were also reduced from three weeks to under ten days.
On the Common Market, Amb. Dr Sezibera remarked that three Partner States, the Republics of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, had employed the Inter-State passes to enhance free movement and said Republic of Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania would soon join in to the initiative. The EAC boss termed the recent introduction of the International EAC e-Passport as a critical milestone in the integration dispensation.
The Secretary General further termed the conclusion and ratification of the Monetary Union as a major milestone. "Despite the skepticism as a result of the challenges witnessed in Europe, the Monetary Union Protocol was completed and speedily ratified", Amb. Dr Sezibera said. He further remarked that the Central Banks had established a real-time settlement mode paving way for the EAC payment system to be a reality.
On other areas, the Secretary General informed the House of the tremendous progress realized. He said the ten year infrastructure programme would set the region apart from other parts of the continent in terms of competitiveness.
"For the first time, the region is laying the Standard Railway Gauge and making unprecedented advances in investment of energy. The region shall soon be able to transfer power from one Partner State to another as a result of the inter-connectors", he said.
The Secretary General stated that citizens of the region were now fully involved in the integration process.
The Secretary General further remarked that he was elated to be leaving the Community at a time when its Vision is in place. The EAC Vision 2050 anticipates the contrive of the bloc into an upper middle income region within a secure and politically united East Africa based on the principles of inclusiveness and accountability.
"It is in this era that per capita income is expected to rise up to USD 10,000 per person up from the current per capita income of USD 1000", Amb. Sezibera said.
At the same time, the region intends to create about 2.3 million jobs by 2032 in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
The Secretary General of the EAC further informed the House of the completion of the Institutional Review of the EAC and said the Directorates of Finance and Planning had been ISO certified.
The Secretary General said there were challenges that need to be addressed including harmonization and approximation of laws in the Partner States to conform to the Common Market Protocol.
The remarks of the Secretary General were delivered to the House pursuant to Rule 40 of the EALA Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and the matter was not debated. It is anticipated that a Motion for a Resolution on the subject matter may be introduced for debate when the House resumes next week.
EALA this afternoon passed the Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Bill, 2013, paving way for the region to take necessary disaster preparedness, management, protection and mitigation measures as well as in handling disasters in a more co-ordinated way.
The Bill sailed through smoothly at the Committee stage with Members adopting clause after clause of the same or with amendments before it came up for Third Reading. Debate on the Bill had commenced yesterday before the Speaker ruled that it be finalised this afternoon.
The Object of the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Bill 2013 is to provide a legal framework for the intervention and assistance for people affected by climate change and natural related hazards and to protect the natural environment through integration of comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management practices in the EAC.
The passage of the Bill is a culmination of about two years of work during which time the Assembly has consistently advocated for it.
Debate on the Bill, originally moved for second reading in August 2013, was halted following a request by the Council of Ministers to consult and consider its policy implications. At the same time, the move was to allow for pursuit of the ratification of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security which among other objectives, provides for co-operation in DRR management and crisis response. The Protocol on Peace and Security has since been ratified by all Partner States.
At the sitting in January 2016 in Arusha, debate was once again adjourned. This was occasioned by a Motion moved by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Susan A. Kolimba. The Motion sailed through but after further amendment tabled by Chair of the Regional Affairs and Resolution Committee, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, under Rule 30(a) to have the Bill brought back to the House at the March Sitting.
The Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo said the Bill anticipates support for both natural and man-made disasters. Yesterday, the Minister for EAC, Republic of Burundi, Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana informed the House the Council of Ministers had no objection to the passage of the Bill.
At debate time, Hon. Judith Pareno said the Bill had been before the House for a period of two years. “I recall that at time of public hearings and immediately thereafter, we had several disasters including the fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Central Market in Bujumbura and even the Westgate tragedy”, the legislator said.
“Disasters do not come knocking doors or give notice”, it is necessary that we pass the Bill”, she added.
Hon. Mike Kennedy Sebalu said the passage of the Bill was timely so as to mitigate the different disasters that have befallen the region.
“The frequency of disasters that have befallen our Partner States cannot be over-emphasised. We must create an environment that is less of disasters and thus a legal framework is the right way to go, Hon. Sebalu noted.
Hon. Adam Kimbisa said fire, drought and terrorism were some of the disasters the region continued to face. “All disasters care less about when to occur, where or when to hit,” the legislator said. He remarked that countries in the west had invested better in coping mechanisms than in the continent. “We must equally invest in risk reduction activities”, he added.
Hon. Martin Ngoga said the passage of the law was urgent. “It is a reflection of how prepared we are to protect the lives of the citizens”, Hon. Ngoga said.
Also rising in support of the debate was Hon. Saoli Ole Nkanae, Hon. Dora Byamukama, Hon. Sarah Bonaya and Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza.
The passage of the Bill whose original mover is Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, is a culmination of a process whose idea began five years ago. In December 2010, EALA Committee on Agriculture Tourism and Natural Resources held key discussions with a delegation from the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).
The meeting was called to raise awareness within the legislature on the importance of disaster risk reduction as an instrument for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). EALA and UNISDR further agreed to collaborate to develop a model legislation which can be used to support the efforts of the EAC Partner States in building disaster resilience in East Africa.
The next stage is the process of Assent by the EAC Heads of State in line with Article 63 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The Norwegian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Tone Skogen, who is on a four-day official visit to the United Republic of Tanzania, on Wednesday visited the EAC headquarters in a bid to show support towards the EAC integration agenda and gain insight on the status of the integration process.
Welcoming the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and her delegation to the EAC Headquarters, on behalf of the Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, the Head of the Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Mr Owora Richard Othieno, commended the Norwegian government’s support to the regional integration process.
Mr Othieno briefed the Norwegian envoy on the current status of the EAC integration process and the milestones achieved so far. Among the key highlights of the latest achievements included the establishment of the Single Customs Territory, implementation of the Common Market Protocol and progress made towards a single currency by 2024.
Mr. Othieno made reference to the 17th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State which was held last week in Arusha, culminating in the admission of the Republic South Sudan as the sixth EAC Partner State.
“In addition, the Heads of State officially launched the new generation International East African e-Passport; a regional travel document that will fast-track clearance of East Africans within and outside EAC borders”, said Mr Othieno.
He informed the Minister that the positive developments taking place within the r
The admission of the South Sudan into the EAC received a thumbs up from the Assembly this afternoon, as it passed a Resolution congratulating the Sixth Partner State into the EAC fold. The Motion for the Resolution congratulating the Republic of South Sudan upon admission into the EAC was moved by Hon. Peter Mathuki and seconded by Hon. Dora Byamukama.
In the aforementioned, the Assembly thus urged the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to expeditiously sign the Treaty of accession and to deposit the said instrument with the Office of the Secretary General of the EAC.
The Resolution avers that the accession of the Republic of South Sudan into membership of the EAC will enhance co-operation and integration between the country and EAC Partner States.
According to the Resolution, the EAC conducted a verification mission to the Republic of South Sudan between July 15th - 31st, 2012, to check on its preparedness to join the Community. Further negotiations between the EAC and the Partner States took place between March and October 2015, at the headquarters in Arusha. At the last sitting of the Summit held in Arusha last week, the Summit of EAC Heads of State received the report of the Council of Ministers and admitted the country into the regional bloc.
Hon. Mathuki states that in joining the Community, the bloc shall be expanded and this provides potential growth for the region inclusive of over 160 Million citizens. It also is expected to promote business and general economic development as well as in stepping up towards the coveted African Unity.
At debate time, the mover of the motion further congratulated the Summit of EAC Heads of State for the timely move of admitting the Republic of South Sudan into the Community. He mentioned that it was necessary for the in-coming Partner State to observe all the tenets of the EAC Treaty.
Hon. Maryam Ussi said sensitisation was of absolute importance to enable citizens of the region to be fully aware of the benefits of integration.
"By the Republic of South Sudan joining they shall benefit from the benchmarks", Hon. Dora Byamukama mentioned. She remarked that previous visits to Jonglei and Unity States had shown the area was fertile and there was wealth in the area which would be good for the integration process.
Hon. Judith Pareno said entry of South Sudan in to the EAC signified the reunion of the family that was "once disintegrated by the colonial borders". "They are very much welcome on board," she added.
Hon. Martin Ngoga said the region was set to benefit more with the admission of South Sudan. "It is about the people of South Sudan, since we are people-centred. We need to have the challenges addressed," he remarked.
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji called on the Government of South Sudan to adhere to peace and ensure safety of all its citizens so they may reap from the benefits of integration.
Hon. Hafsa Mossi lauded the leadership of the Republic of South Sudan for having thought through admission into the bloc and for working hard to join the EAC immediately after its independence. "There is no better time for them (South Sudan) to join," she said. "I am very happy to see the development which shall definitely add value to the Community," the legislator added. She remarked that the Community had shown commitment to peace and said the latest peace agreement ensuing in South Sudan was signed in the United Republic of Tanzania.
Others who rose in support were Hon. Mukasa Mbidde, Hon. Sarah Bonaya, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, Hon. Mike Sebalu, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo and Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro. Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye, Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana and EAC Ministers, Hon. Shem Bageine (Uganda) and Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana (Burundi) also supported the Motion for the Resolution.
Hon. Abubakar Ogle said it was important for the region to adhere to all principles that include rule of law and governance in the entire dispensation.
The Secretary General of the EAC, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera said the Republic of South Sudan had requested to join the EAC on a fast-track basis and that the capacity of the country went beyond just verification.
"We worked together to strengthen their capacity in terms of revenue collection and customs administration among other areas," the Secretary General said.
"The verification report is also detailed in what the country must do. There are key recommendations with timelines and the issues raised on the floor
