East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 June 2017:
EAC today celebrated the International Archives Day (IAD) which is a global event for archivists and records managers in order to make known the role of archives and exchange experiences with colleagues in regard to the importance of their work within EAC as an institution.
Under the theme “Archives, Citizenship and Interculturalism”, the inaugural IAD 2017 commemoration at EAC headquarters was marked by a showcase of EAC’s records and archives in visual and audio-visual form including old documentation of decisions, minutes, memoranda of understanding, magazines, newsletters, personal files of the preceding EAC Secretaries General, photographs and screening of various documentaries among others.
At the International Congress in Vienna in 2004, the 2000 participants adopted a resolution requesting the United Nations to create an International Archives Day. The UNESCO General Conference at its 33rd session in Paris 2005 proclaimed the 27th October as the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. The World Day is an appropriate opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of audiovisual archives. It brings new incentives to the benefit of the preservation of these archives. This was an excellent initiative, but these are not the only archives that are at risk and in need of attention.
Consequently, the International Council on Archives (ICA) decided at its Annual General Meeting in November 2007 to launch the International Archives Day by its own, on the 9th of June. The date was obvious: on the 9th of June 1948, the International Council on Archives was created under the auspices of the UNESCO. This choice was adopted by ICA Executive Board, and adopted by the archives community as a whole.
The Records and Information Resource Centre units used this platform to explain their mandate to other EAC staff, raise their profile internally by demonstrating how they can assist other departments/units within EAC to manage and preserve their records by regularly submitting copies of their respective documentation as well as demonstrating the use of TRIM.
Records and archives are documents, created, received and maintained as evidence and information by an organization or person, in pursuance of legal obligations, or in the transaction of business. Archival records are those documents that are preserved by their creators, successors or an appropriate archive institution because of their legal value or enduring historical significance.
Archives constitute a major cultural heritage and information resource. The archival heritage is a valuable testimony about the economic, political and social development of humanity. The diversity of archival sources and formats is considerable. To ensure the preservation of these sources, a comprehensive approach that considers all types and formats of archives, is required. It is not possible to focus solely on one type of record, as other categories of archives also deserve attention.
Through the International Archives Day, we can: raise awareness among the public of the importance of EAC records and archives, in order to make it understood that records and archives provide the foundation for their rights and identity; raise the awareness of senior decision makers of the benefits of records management for good governance and development; raise the EAC public, private and public sectors' awareness of the necessity of preserving archives for the long-term, and of providing access to them; promote and bring to the attention of the larger EAC public unique, extraordinary and rare documents preserved in archival institutions and improve the image of EAC records and archives and enhance their visibility within and outside the region.
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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 Secretariat; Bujumbura, Burundi; 07 June 2017:
East African Community Partner States have been called upon to minimize dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza said dependence on fossil fuels exposes the EAC Partner States to the risks arising from volatility of petroleum prices in the international market and the associated challenges in attaining domestic energy security.
President Nkurunziza further noted that East Africa’s limited infrastructure in terms of refineries, pipelines and storage facilities remained a constraint to stability in fuel prices.
President Nkurunziza disclosed that EAC Partner States spend more than 10 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product to import refined petroleum products.
“We are all aware that without sufficient energy, we can neither create wealth nor enhance our competitiveness, production, trade and investments. The EAC therefore attaches great significance to cooperation in the exploration and development of energy resources available in the region,” said President Nkurunziza.
President Nkurunziza was addressing delegates when he officially opened the 8th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2017 (EAPCE’ 17) in Bujumbura, Burundi.
He said that the East African region had demonstrated high potential for oil and gas resources, adding that it was only through concerted efforts by various stakeholders that successful petroleum exploration ventures could be mounted.
“In Burundi, the exploration of petroleum resources at Rusizi and Lake Tanganyika basins has commenced in four blocks of 1,477.5 km2 offshore and 793.1 km2. The government of Burundi continues to encourage oil companies to invest in petroleum exploration. It is also reviewing the Petroleum Code of 1976 for purposes of attracting more investors,” he said.
President Nkurunziza said that recent discoveries made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in addition to the existing oil industry in South Sudan had positioned East Africa as the world’s most promising frontier for petroleum exploration and development.
The EAPCE’ 17 is being held under the theme: East Africa – the Emerging Hotspot for Oil and Gas Exploration, Infrastructure Development and Commercialization.
In his remarks, Dr. Ali Kirunda Kivejinja, the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers and Uganda’s Minister for East African Affairs, said that EAC Partner States had over the years invested huge resources – both human and financial – towards petroleum exploration, efforts which have begun to bear fruit throughout the region.
EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said that there had been increased investments in the region’s oil and gas sector in recent times with the recent discoveries.
“Today, the East African region has benefited from advances in technology and management of exploration and production which has led to the discovery of commercially viable oil and gas deposits,” said Amb. Mfumukeko.
Alluding to the oil curse that has been the bane of many oil-producing countries on the African continent, the Secretary General said East Africa has an obligation to learn from other countries and put petroleum resources to good use.
Amb. Mfumukeko said that despite the effects of fluctuating global oil prices, EAC economies had been able to withstand the shocks, adding that the continued growth was testimony to the conducive environment in the region.
“This stability offers long term prospects for returns on investments to potential investors, irrespective of any headwinds the global economy may encounter,” he noted.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 07 June 2017:
An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and EAC Affairs of the Republic of Rwanda has commended the EAC Secretariat for implementing the Council decision on involving the Youth in the region to develop a new EAC Brand Architecture.
Speaking during the sensitization of and launch of the design competition for a new EAC emblem and logo in the Republic of Rwanda, held at the College of Arts and Social Sciences of the University of Rwanda, Huye (Butare) Campus on Wednesday 7th June 2017, the Ag. Director General of EAC Integration at the Ministry, Ms. Flavia Salafina, said the youths in region had potential and were capable of designing a new look for the Community.
Ms. Flavia Salafina, who was representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and EAC Affairs, Ms. Rosemary Mbabazi, commended the Principal of the College, Dr. Didas Muganga Kayihura and the Dean of Students, Mr. Fabian Rugiriza for hosting the event at a busy time when the students were taking their exams.
She allayed the EAC Secretariat’s fears that in the event that none of the entries/proposals were accepted by the Secretariat and the Partner States, there shall be no winner and the Secretariat may seek designs via other procurement methods, saying “I want to assure the Secretariat that the youth in the region, including those in Rwanda, will be up to the challenge and do the job!”
She challenged the Graphic Arts students to work hard and ensure they make entries to the competition and win the prizes. “You will do the Community and Rwanda in particular proud if you propose the best new look for the EAC”, said the Ag. Director General.
The Dean of Students, Mr. Fabian Rugiriza was proud that the University of Rwanda was chosen to host the event and was affirmative that the Design Arts students at the College will take part and win prizes.
“Our students designed the logo for the University, so expect entries from them.” “Your coming to this University shows how passionate the Community is in regard to engaging the youth in regional integration process. By involving them in the design of the emblem and logos, they will now associate more with the integration agenda and the EAC”, said the Dean.
Guidelines for participating in the EAC Brand Architecture Design Competition is available on www.eac.int. The Competition period is from 1st June 2017 to 31st August 2017.
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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,
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 07 June 2017:
The 1st Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health began today with the Session of Senior Officials at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Session of Senior Officials will be followed by the Coordination Committee which comprises Permanent/Principal Secretaries of Health from the EAC Partner States on Thursday, 8th June, 2017.
The highlight of the event will be the Ministers/Cabinet Secretaries Session that will be held on Friday, 9th June, 2017.
Among the items on the agenda is the consideration of the reports of the EAC Joint Re-inspection of various Medical and Dental Teaching Hospitals in the region.
Also on the agenda for discussion will be the establishment of the proposed East African Community College of Medicine and Health Professions, which institution will provide and award specialist postgraduate training fellowship qualifications in medicine and other health professions in East Africa.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 June 2017:
East African Community Partner States have a serious shortage of qualified health specialists, recent estimates show.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Health, Hon. Dr. Sarah Opendi, said that like most low and middle income regions, the EAC has far less than the 44.5 physicians, nurses and midwives per 10,000 people required to fast-track the attainment of health related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets.
Dr. Opendi said that due to the low number of health specialists vis-à-vis the population, EAC Partner States could not provide quality healthcare to their citizens without addressing the issue of training of Human Resources for Health, both in terms of quality and quantity.
“Inspection of medical, nursing and other health professions training institutions is a critical quality assurance intervention that must be pursued in light of the attendant HRH challenges,” said Dr. Opendi.
“Strengthening the quality of training through peer inspections will significantly build confidence in our training institutions and expand the growth-inducing impact of healthcare employment on various socio-economic sectors such as trade, tourism and GDP,” said the Minister.
Dr. Opendi said that the population of the region had grown tremendously over the years without a corresponding investment in the training of healthcare staff.
“Our efforts to achieve the SDG 3 on good health and wellbeing, and in particular, the target of universal health coverage (UHC) is very much dependent on how we address the existing human resources for health challenges, including numbers and quality of training,” she added.
Dr. Opendi was speaking when she officially opened the Ministerial Session of the 1st Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. Uganda currently holds the position of Chairperson of the EAC.
She commended Partner States’ National Medical and Dental Boards and Councils for championing efforts to uphold and strengthen standards in medical and dental schools in the EAC region.
“There shouldn’t be any compromise on these standards because poorly trained health workers will be a big threat to the lives of our population,” she said.
She hailed ongoing national and regional efforts to strengthen the training of HRH such as expanding the postgraduate training fellowships and award of sub-specialists qualification in medicine and other health sciences.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Court of Justice; Arusha, Tanzania; 06 June 2017:
The First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice has granted an interim ex parte order restraining the East African Legislative Assembly from administering the oath of office, or otherwise recognising nominees from the Republic of South Sudan pending the hearing inter partes on Thursday 15th June 2017.
An Application was filed by Mr. Wani Santino Jada, a citizen of the Republic of South Sudan against the Attorney General of the Republic of South Sudan, the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan and the Secretary General of the East African Community who are to be served with the ex parte order issued by the Court.
Mr. Wani Santino Jada who represented himself at the ex parte hearing said that on or about the 11th March 2017, His Exellency the President of the Republic of South Sudan appointed nine (9) persons to represent the said Partner State in EALA was in violation of Article 50 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
He argued that, whereas the swearing-in of EALA MPs that was due to take place on 5th June 2017 at 2.30pm had since been deferred incidentally, it could nonetheless transpire before the hearing of the interim orders inter parties thus rendering the said Application nugatory.
The ex parte hearing was before a bench of the First Instance Division of the Court comprised of Justices Monica Mugenyi, Principal Judge; Isaac Lenaola, Deputy Principal Judge; Faustin Ntezilyayo, Judge; Fakihi Jundu, Judge and Audace Ngiye, Judge.
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Notes to Editor:
Article 50 (Election of Members of the Assembly)
The National Assembly of each Partner States shall elect, not from among its members, nine members of the Assembly, who shall represent as much as it is feasible, the various political parties represented in the National Assembly, shades of opinion, gender and other special interest groups in that Partner State, in accordance with such procedure as the National Assembly of each Partner State may determine.
For more information, please contact:
For more information please contact: Yufnalis Okubo, Registrar, East African Court of Justice. Tel: 255-27-2162149 Email Okubo [at] eachq.org East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania http://www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 05 June 2017:
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry to the Office of the President Responsible for East African Community Affairs in the Republic of Burundi, Amb. Jean Rigi launched the design competition for the new EAC emblem and logo in the Republic of Burundi on Friday 2nd June 2017.
Addressing design arts students at the Ecole Technique des Arts de Gitega, Amb. Rigi, who was representing his Minister, Hon. Isabelle Ndahayo, said the sensitization and launch of the competition in the Partner States fits perfectly well into the regional aspiration of creating space for the citizens, and especially the youth development in the integration agenda.
The Permanent Secretary informed the attentive students and invited guests that the launch of the competition was taking place just after two weeks when a pupil from Lycee Mkamba received an award at the regional level in the East African Community Essay Writing Competition for students in Secondary Schools. “This Burundian student was very lucky to have met and shook the hands of the Heads of State at their 18th Ordinary Summit that took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania”. “And therefore this regional competition is a golden opportunity offered to the youth for them to participate in the regional integration agenda”.
Amb. Rigi noted that the youth was the future of the East African Community and therefore it was necessary to ensure their active and effective representation in the society as well as in the national and regional development agenda. “I challenge the youth to develop their knowledge and potential and look for opportunities instead of waiting on the Governments to fix things”, asserted the Permanent Secretary.
The Permanent Secretary wished the youth in East Africa successful competition in a bid to create a new Brand for the EAC Organs and Institutions, “which will inevitably set the East African Community and its population on the road to a new, brighter and prosperous future”.
The Director of the Ecole Technique des Arts de Gitega, Mr. Clement Nzosaba, disclosed that the Arts School was gearing to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in October 2017 and that it had 842 alumni. And therefore “I was not surprised that this School was chosen to host this very important sensitization workshop on and launch of the design for the new look of the EAC”, noted the Director of the School, whose motto is Art, Culture and Harmony.
The Supervisor of Education in Gitega Province, Father Vincent Bandeba was among the invited guests to witness the launch of the competition.
The 24th meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning held on 30th June 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya, considered and adopted the EAC Brand Architecture Strategy and directed the EAC Secretariat to use the Youth in the region to develop the new EAC Brand Architecture.
The EAC Brand Architecture Strategy proposes several activities that include re-designing a new EAC emblem and logo, developing a common unique identifier for all Organs and Institutions; developing one primary (main) EAC corporate colour and one secondary colour; and developing a single visual identity emblem for the Community.
There are several gaps that have been identified in the current EAC brand architecture, which the design competition is expected to address.
Guidelines for participating in the EAC Brand Architecture Design Competition is available on www.eac.int. The Competition period is from 1st June 2017 to 31st August 2017.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 05 June 2017:
The East African Community has recorded significant achievements with a number of protocols being signed and Non-Tariff Barriers to trade being eliminated.
EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, however, said that there was still room for the Partner States to do more so that East Africans can reap the full benefits of integration.
Amb. Mfumukeko was speaking when he met a delegation of Norwegian envoys to the EAC including Ms Hanne-Marie Kaarstad (Norway's Ambassador to Tanzania), Mr Victor Rønneberg (Kenya) and Ms Susan Eckey (Uganda) on Monday, 5th June, at the EAC headquarters, in Arusha, Tanzania.
Amb. Mfumukeko briefed the Ambassadors on the priority areas that he intends to pursue in the next five years, including the: Consolidation of the EAC Single Customs Territory; free movement of skilled labour in the region; enhancement of industrial development through investment in priority sectors; promotion of innovations to stimulate economic development; improvement of agricultural productivity, and; the promotion of regional peace, security and good governance.
The Secretary General further briefed the Norwegian envoys on the ongoing administrative and institutional reforms aimed at cutting down costs and reducing wastage of funds in Community's expenditure.
On her part, Amb. Kaarstad commended the EAC Secretariat for the good work that has led to the attainment of several achievements, and assured the Secretary General of her country's commitment to continue supporting the integration process.
Accompanying the EAC Secretary General at the meeting were EAC Deputy Secretaries General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, Productive and Social Sector, Mr. Christophe Bazivamo, Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Stephen Mlote, and the Director General Customs and Trade, Mr Kenneth Bagamuhunda.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 June 2017:
The third Assembly has concluded its tour of duty. EALA late yesterday passed three Bills, two key reports and three Resolutions before dissolving.
In addition to passage of the EAC Budget and the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2017, the Assembly also enacted the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill 2017. The Bill moved by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, seeks to provide a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene materials.
In March 2017, debate on the Bill was adjourned by the regional Assembly, then sitting in Kigali, after the Private Sector under the aegis of the East African Business Council, asked for further consultations, while the government of the United Republic of Tanzania was given some more time to submit its views.
The Report of the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment on the Single Customs Territory in the EAC region and that of the Committee on Accounts for the Oversight activity of the new EAC Institutions (The East African Science and Technology Commission and the Kiswahili Commission) were also adopted.
The day-long Sitting also witnessed debate and approval of three key resolutions. A Resolution of the Assembly to introduce East African Community integration syllabus in EAC Schools was moved by Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji.
Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana on his part, moved a Resolution condoling with the families and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania on the tragic accident and loss of lives of 32 pupils of Lucky Vincent Primary School in Arusha. Both resolutions received overwhelming support on the floor of the House.
An annual EAC Film Festival is also to be established following passage of the Resolution on the same moved by Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro.As the Assembly completed its term, out-going Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega hailed the Members and staff for their contribution to the process. He said the 3rd EALA had realised significant achievements including passage of 31 Bills, over 90 reports and 67 Resolutions. The Speaker said EALA had further instituionalised the sensitisation programmes in the Partner States.
Meanwhile, the inauguration of the 4th Assembly earlier on scheduled for Monday, June 5 2017, has been shelved until further notice. This follows extensive consultations held by the leadership of the Assembly occasioned by the incomplete EALA electioneering process in the Republic of Kenya.
“As you may be aware, the Parliament of Kenya is still in the process of electing its Members to the 4th Assembly. Due to the foregoing, we are unable to proceed with the activities related to the inauguration of the 4thAssembly. We require the presence of all Partner States in order to transact any business”, a letter signed by the EALA Clerk, Mr Kenneth Madete, to his counterparts in the National Legislatures said in part.
“The first sitting of the Assembly and its related activities as communicated to you earlier, is hereby suspended until further notice”, the Clerk’s communication added.
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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; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 June 2017:
EALA yesterday considered and approved a Budget estimates for the Financial Year 2017/2018, totaling $110,130,183.
Uganda’s State Minister for EAC, Hon Julius Maganda, last week presented the Budget Speech to an attentive House on behalf of the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC, Uganda and Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Dr. Ali Kirunda Kivenjija.
The Budget is allocated to the Organs and Institutions of the EAC as follows; East African Community Secretariat ($60, 183, 201), East African Legislative Assembly ($17, 996, 959) and the East African Court of Justice ($4,140,166).
The Inter-University Council for East Africa shall receive ($6,766,928), Lake Victoria Basin Commission ($11,960,643) while $ 2,466,655 is earmarked for the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization. On their part, the East African Science and Technology Commission shall receive ($ 1,500, 164), East African Kiswahili Commission ($ 1,553,098) and the East African Health Research Commission ($ 2,225,324). The East African Competition Authority is to benefit from $1,337,045 in the Financial Year 2017/18.
The 2017/2018 Budget is to be financed by Partner State contributions through the Ministries of EAC Affairs ($50,226,522); Ministries responsible for Education – ($ 4,848,431) and Ministries responsible for Fisheries ($ 1, 549,254). Development Partners will support the Community to the tune of ($52, 868,638) while Member Universities will inject in to the kitty $ 303, 435. The miscellaneous revenue is pegged at $ 333,903.
The 2017/2018 Budget themed: “Accelerating Implementation of the EAC Integration Agenda” is a step-up from $101,374,589 presented to the House in the previous Financial Year. The Budget speech prioritizes on the consolidation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) to cover all imports and intra-EAC traded goods, infrastructure development in the region and further liberalization of free movement of skilled labour across the Partner States.
The approval of the Budget speech was preceded by adoption of the Report on the EAC Budget presented by the Chair of the General Purpose Committee, Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo.
Several Members supported the debate. Hon James Ndahiro who suggested the amendment of the Budget Act to ensure that Financial Rules and Regulations need to be updated to reflect the current activities of the Community. On her part, Hon Emerence Bucumi said it was necessary for more funds to be injected into the agriculture sector.
It was noted that the EAC Budget for the Financial Year 2016/2017 had witnessed an unprecedented low outrun due to delay or non-remittance of funds from Partner States and Development Partners. As at15 May 2017, remittance of funds from Partner States stood at 43% resulting in delay of most planned programmes/activities.
Members therefore underscored the need for commitment and timely remittance of funds to guarantee effective implementation and set priorities in the EAC Budget Financial Year 2017/2018.
The Committee is of the view that a well thought out and co-ordinated approach to resource mobilization should be adopted by the Institutions in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat.
The Chairman of the Council of Ministers Hon. Dr Kirunda Kivenjija reiterated the need for further co-operation between the Council and the EALA.
Other Members who contributed to the debate were Hon. Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Dora Byamukama, Hon Susan Nakawuki, Hon Bernard Mulengani and Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo. Hon. Chris Opoka, Hon Shyrose Bhanji, Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon.Nancy Abisai and the Secretary General of the Community, Hon Liberat Mfumukeko also gave a nod to the Committee Report.
Last week, Minister Maganda highlighted a number of achievements registered in the Financial Year 2016/2017, 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.
Following the successes registered during the initial stages of the Single Customs Territory, the roll out of goods cleared under the Single Customs Territory was expanded both on the Northern and Central Corridors.
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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.
