In light of the growing challenges faced in ascertaining food security in the region, EALA is calling on Partner States to prioritize harmonisation of national laws, policies and strategies on Agriculture and Food Security in order to ease the urgent implementation of the Malabo commitments. The Malabo Declaration calls on States in the Continent to scale up their budgetary allocations to the agriculture sector to at least 10% of total budgets.
EALA passed a Resolution urging the EAC Partner States, Thursday last week to fast-track the implementation of the Malabo Declaration and the attendant commitments in the Partner States. The Resolution moved by Hon Mike Sebalu received affirmation from a number of legislators.
The Assembly once again reiterated its plea to Partner States to allocate budgets to agriculture that reach the Malabo Declaration target of at least 10% annually or to strive to progressively get there. At the moment, only the Republic of Rwanda, according to the Resolution, comes close to attaining the Malabo declaration, having surpassed the 6% mark, with regards to its budget allocated to agriculture.
The Assembly says budgets should also focus on financing smallholder centered programmes like extension services, research, input support, improving access to finance and market and on efficient utilization of the allocations.
The domestication of the Malabo Declaration 2014 -2025, the Assembly ascertains, is possible by putting in place regional legally binding protocols and financial instruments, which are responsive to the needs of smallholder farmers, youth and women to ensure regional realisation of goals.
Of importance, the Resolution states, is the need to institutionalize an annual dialogue framework that brings together farmers, non-State actors and the Partner States. Other participants should include the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Results framework Focal Persons, Agriculture Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons and the EALA Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources (ATNR) Committee. Accordingly, such a conference, the Assembly states, should promote dialogue on the implementation of the Malabo commitments so as to enhance mutual accountability within the agriculture sector in the region, as well as fronting new ideas.
According to analysts, many government policy makers and even Parliamentarians may not be aware of the Malabo Declaration. The implementation of the Declaration would reduce the gap between the rich and the poor in the Community. Emphasis should therefore should be given to value addition to agricultural produce to improve income for the small scale EAC farmers and agricultural produce.
Those who rose in support of the Resolution were Hon Isabelle Ndahayo, Hon Susan Nakawuki, and Hon. Fredric Ngezebuhoro.
The passage of the Resolution comes hot on the heels of the adoption of the Assembly of a Report on the Agriculture Summit 2016 last week.
Essentially, domesticating the regional framework to transform agriculture sector is vital while recognizing the rights and roles of majority smallholder crop growers, fisher folks and livestock keepers, as well as medium and larger scale farmers.
The East African Community has a number of regional agriculture instruments under its belt including the EAC Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Strategy, the EAC Food and Nutrition Policy, Livestock Policy and the regional Fisheries instruments.
The region is also paying attention to the CAADP Compact, the EAC Food Security Action Plan alongside the Action plan to enhance the Resilience capacity of livestock keepers in the Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) lands of East Africa.
EALA is resolute that EAC Partner States must now take effective measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against persons with albinism and to increase education and public awareness in the region. At the same time, the Assembly is fervently condemning all forms of discrimination and attacks against persons with albinism, ritual killings and the trafficking in persons of the same in the EAC Partner States.
The Resolution urging all Partner States to protect the rights and the freedoms of persons living with albinism was moved by Hon Shyrose Bhanji late Thursday in Zanzibar. The Resolution states that Persons with Albinism have continually been discriminated against with regards to employment as well as when it comes to access to educational, social and financial services. “Subsequently, there are increased systematic violence, brutal attacks on and maiming of Persons with Albinism, targeted for ritual killings due the myths and misconceptions that their body parts are a source of wealth and good charms,” Hon Bhanji noted.
The Resolution, seconded by Hon Abubakar Zein and Hon Nusura Tiperu, says, such brutal attacks go contrary to a Resolution guided by of the African Charter for Human and Peoples Rights/Res.263 (LIV) 2013 on the prevention of attacks and discrimination against Persons with Albinism.
EALA thus implores Partner States to prioritise affirmative action towards Persons with Albinism for purposes of addressing long history of marginalisation. It states that such matters must focus, in particular, on matters related to education, employment, economic empowerment and decision making.
“The Council of Ministers should impress upon the Partner States to urgently prioritise affirmative action for persons with Albinism by coming up with enhanced interventions that will guarantee the protection and enjoyment of the rights and freedoms of persons with albinism. Such include guarantees for access by persons with albinism to quality and free or affordable sun screen lotion, low vision assistive devices and proper health services, in particular early skin cancer detection and prevention as well as eye care services”, the Resolution avers in part.
Article 6(d) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community enjoins the EAC Partner States to uphold, among others, the fundamental principle of good governance including adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, social justice, equal opportunities and gender equality. The same Article further enshrines EAC’s recognition, promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in accordance with the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
On its part, Article 2 of the African Charter guarantees every individual, the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized in the African Charter regardless of race, ethnic group, color, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.
Article 18(4) of the African Charter provides that persons with disabilities enjoy the right to special measures of protection in keeping with their physical or moral needs, in addition to Article 23 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, which provides for the special protection of women with disabilities.
Debate on the floor saw a number of legislators rise up in support of the Resolution. They included Hon. Maryam Ussi, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, Hon. Dora Byamukama and Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza.
The Members reiterated that people with Albinism suffer a lot of discrimination that is not often reported. “It is important that we extend equal protection to all human beings as a matter of human rights. At the same time, it is important for Partner States to zero rate taxation on protection creams/ screen lotions for use by those with albinism”, they said.
The disappearance and killing of albinos continues to be a challenge in some of the Partner States in the region.
The Assembly further calls for collaboration with different stakeholders to stem the vice. EALA states that Partner States should institute a collaborative partnership with the Civil Society Organisations, the Private Sector or other actors with the view of eliminating stigma against persons with albinism and promoting the rights, dignity and living conditions of persons with albinism in the region. Collaboration with regional and international organisations are also deemed necessary in promoting the rights, dignity and living conditions of persons with albinism in the region.
EALA yesterday afternoon administered Oaths of allegiance to Hon. Jean Marie Muhirwa from Burundi and Hon Oda Gasinzigwa from Rwanda, filling the hitherto, vacant posts.
The new Members took the Oaths of Allegiance to the EAC Treaty, in accordance with Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly in an occasion, administered by the Clerk of EALA, before the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Daniel F. Kidega.
The Rules of Procedure say in part Rule 5 (4) that: “No Member can sit or participate in the proceedings of the House until the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Treaty is taken”.
Rule 5(5) specifically states that “when a Member first attends to take his or her seat other than at the first sitting of a new House, he or she shall be brought to the table by two Members and presented by them to the Speaker who shall then administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance”.
Hon Jean Marie Muhirwa, ushered into the House by Hon Emerence Bucumi and Hon Judith Pareno, was elected to replace the late Hon Hafsa Mossi, who was assassinated in unclear circumstances in Bujumbura, on July 13, 2016.
Hon. Jean Marie Muhirwa is a Member of the ruling party, CNDD-FDD since 1994. He is a former Senator and was at one time, Administrator of Bwambarangwe Commune of Kirundo, Northern Province in Burundi. Hon Muhirwa garnered a total of 103 out of the 109 votes cast in the Burundi National Assembly to be elected to the EALA. He has studied and lived in the Republic of Kenya. He also similarly had a stint in the United Republic of Tanzania.
On her part, Hon. Oda Gasinzigwa replaces Hon. Christophe Bazivamo who resigned from his position after being elected as the new EAC Deputy Secretary General, taking the Productive and Social Sectors docket last month.
Hon. Gasinzigwa was ushered into the House by Hon Dora Byamukama, Hon. Tiperu Nusura and Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema. She was until March this year, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion in the Republic of Rwanda.
Hon. Oda Gasinzigwa has a long career history having participated in various national and regional bodies that were instrumental in advancing women’s rights, reconciliation and peace. From 2005 to 2009 she served on the Rwandan Government’s National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, which coordinates various activities including tolerance and forgiveness programs in communities and schools.
Hon Gasinzigwa once served as the Executive Secretary of Rwanda’s Women Council and was a representative in the National Preparatory Committee for Women’s Forum at the International Conference for Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes Region.
In addition, she was a Member of the Committee that implemented the “Beijing Recommendations,” a platform for action to promote women’s advancement stemming from the 1995 UN Conference on women.
Hon. Gasinzigwa is a holder of a Master of Arts in social sciences, with a focus on gender and development.
Both Members shall now serve the Assembly for the balance of the tenure, which ends in June 2017.
The Assembly wants opening of its Chapter Offices in the Partner States to enable better co-ordination, enhanced linkages and consolidation of the instutionalization processes.
The move follows the adoption of a Resolution moved by Hon Abubakar Zein. The Resolution says such a move would ensure increased access by citizens of Partner States and other organized critical stakeholders to the functions and the work of the Assembly. The Resolution also avers the commitment to enhance interactions between the Assembly with Partner States’ institutions, particularly the Parliaments of Partner States. The mover, Hon Zein reiterated the Assembly role was pegged on legislative, oversight and representation.
As debate got underway, Hon Nusura Tiperu said the move would enable the Assembly to leave better conditions for its new Members who shall be joining it in June 2017.
“The Assembly needs to be proactive and as it experiences challenges, it needs to come up with befitting proposals and standards required to enable it to scale its services and to handle matters more effectively and efficiently”, the legislator said.
The legislator said if offices were availed, it would make it conducive for the Assembly to enhance its activities. Hon Peter Mathuki however remarked that adequate research was necessary to enable the Motions brought to the House to meet the threshold necessary under the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.
Others in support were Hon Dora Byamukama who remarked that EALA Members already utilized offices in the Parliaments’ but there was need to standardize the same across board. She remarked that majority of the EAC Ministries were no longer stand-alone and thus communications to the Ministries continued to present challenges.
“I go back to the Motion passed by the second Assembly that called for stand-alone Ministries to enable the substantive Ministers to attend fully to the requirements of the EAC”, the legislator said.
Hon Byamukama thanked the National Assemblies for their continuous support in terms of providing offices within their precincts for EALA Members.
Hon Abdullah Mwinyi said it would be good for the EAC to set aside resources to support establishment of offices given that the institution (EALA) is already established. He said due to the structure of Parliament of Tanzania, there were currently no offices set aside for EALA.
“The practice is already in place with the EACJ having established Registries,” he said.Hon AbuBakr Ogle remarked that sensitization in Partner States was a key activity which could be co-ordinated internally by presence of Chapter Offices of EALA.
Others who supported the Motion were Hon Chris Opoka, Hon Bernard Mulengani and Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo.At the moment, Members of EALA co-ordinate activities through their respective Chapters, which have loose structures.
The Assembly was unanimous today in offering its condolences and sympathies to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the victims of the earthquake following the disaster that shattered Kagera region on September 10th, 2016.
Resources permitting, the Assembly is also expected to make a visit to the affected Kagera region to appraise itself on the impact of the earthquake as it pledges support in addressing its aftermath.
The Resolution condoling with the victims of the unfortunate tragedy was moved by Hon Shyrose Bhanji and seconded by Hon Nancy Abisai, Hon Yves Nsabimana, Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana, Hon Abdullah Mwinyi and Hon Twaha Taslima.
The Earthquake which read on a scale of 5.7 on the seismograph struck Nsunga, Kagera region in the North-Western parts of Lake Victoria and the resultant tremors were felt far and wide as they rippled parts of Western Kenya and the Republic of Uganda.
The Earthquake shock had a maximum intensity of V11 (very Strong) on the scale leading to a loss of 17 lives, injury of 440 persons and displacement of thousands of people, as well as massive destruction of properties and livelihoods.
The Resolution took cognizant of the immediate intervention by the Government of Tanzania, made through the Prime Minister’s Office. Notably, the Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign affairs and EAC Co-operation held a charity walk, whose chief participant was H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Walk attracted several persons from the local and international community.
In her justification, Hon Bhanji said the earthquake was perhaps the strongest felt in history of the United Republic of Tanzania. The situation got bad and even the academic calendars of schools were affected with authorities having to relocate students to safer grounds.
Key centres such as government buildings, churches, health centres were also damaged in one way or another.At the same time, Hon Bhanji appreciated a number of stakeholders from the private, public organisations and members of the diplomatic community who contributed the initiative in form of financial, moral and material support to address the devastating effect of the earthquake.
“This is greatly appreciated Hon Speaker”, the legislator said. “It is estimated the reconstruction and renovation of the schools alone shall cost no less than 40 Billion Tanzania Shillings”, she added.
Contributing to the debate, Hon Nancy Abisai said the earthquake was felt in many parts of East Africa. “The magnitude of the earthquake was very big and was felt in some parts of Western Kenya. I thank the Republic of Kenya who in the spirit of integration sent contribution as did Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. All Partner States contributed or sent their sympathies”, she said.
“The House passed a Bill on Disaster Risk Management and this should prepare us for the future. Awareness and disaster preparedness is necessary to enable us to know”, she reiterated.
“When you look at Florida and South Carolina, thousands of people were saved as compared to the hurricane disaster in Haiti which claimed many more,” Hon Abisai added.Hon Abubakar Zein lauded all those who came to the aid of Kagera region.
“I thank especially H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi who has gracefully continued to support worthy causes in the region”, he added.Hon Mike Sebalu said out of the cause of H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi, a cancer ward has been constructed in Kampala.
“At the rotary walk held in Dar es Salam last week, resources were also mobilized to put up a teaching Hospital in Dar es Salaam, he added. The Legislator called on the region to take matters of disasters seriously.
Hot Patricia Hajabakiga said it was necessary for the Summit of the EAC Heads of State to fastrack the assent of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.Hon Ussi Maryam, Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Dr Martin Nduwimana, Hon Abubkar Zein, Hon Taslima Twaha, Hon Martin Ngoga supported the Resolution. Others were Hon Adam Kimbisa, Hon Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Isabelle Ndahayo, Hon Mukasa Mbidde, Hon Judith Pareno, Hon Angela Kizigha.
The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Hon Dr Susan Kolimba assured the House that the Act on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management was before the Heads of State for assent. She hailed the Partner States for their timely contribution to the United Republic of Tanzania.
Under Article 112 (1) (d) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC, the Partner States undertake to, among, other things, co-operate in the management of the environment and agree to take necessary disaster preparedness, management protection and mitigation measures especially for the control of natural and man-made disasters, which include oil spills, bio-hazards, floods, earthquakes, marine accidents, drought and bushfires.
The days of human trafficking within the EAC region is now numbered. This follows the enactment of the EAC Anti-Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2016, this afternoon by the Assembly.
The Bill moved by Hon Dora Byamukama received affirmation from the entire House as it resumed for its 2nd Meeting of the 5th Session. The Bill now awaits the assent of the EAC Heads of State in line with Article 63 of the Treaty of the Establishment of the EAC. In the event that all Heads of State assent to the Bill, it shall become an Act of the Community, taking precedence over the laws of the Partner States on the same matter.
The object of the Bill is to provide for a legal framework for the prevention of trafficking in persons, prosecution of perpetrators of trafficking in persons, provision of protection mechanisms and services for victims of trafficking in persons and development of partnerships for co-operation to counter trafficking in persons in the Community. Prior to enactment, the Assembly constituted itself into a Committee of the whole House and digested the Bill clause by clause, incorporating the amendments.
The debate on the Bill was preceded by the tabling and presentation of the Report of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges on the EAC Anti-Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2016. The Report presented by Hon Maryam Ussi, follows public hearings on the subject matter held in the Partner States in September 2016.
The Report among other things, ascertains that the crime of trafficking in persons is prevalent in all EAC Partner States. In comparing the magnitude of the problem in EAC Partner States with other countries, the Committee referred to the Trafficking in Persons Report published yearly by the Department of State of the United States of America.
The report ranks all countries in the world in to three TIERS: TIER 1, TIER 2, TIER 2 Watch List, and TIER 3 basing on the respective Government’s efforts against trafficking as measured by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) standards. The key parameters considered in ranking countries are actions taken in the prosecution, protection and prevention sections of trafficking in persons of that country.
TIER 1 comprises countries whose Governments fully meet the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards. TIER 2 which comprises countries whose Governments do not fully comply with the TVPA minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into the compliance with those standards.
TIER 2 Watch List, comprises of countries whose Governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards. This category further commits to undertake additional steps over the next year in combating trafficking in persons.
TIER 3 on its part, encompasses countries whose Governments do not fully comply with the minimum standards and are yet to make significant efforts to do so.
According to the Trafficking in Persons Report, published in 2016, the Republics of Kenya and Uganda, are grouped under TIER 2. The Republic of Rwanda and the United Republic of Tanzania are ranked under TIER 2 Watch List, while the Republic of Burundi is ranked under TIER 3.
During the public hearings and interactions in the Partner States, a number of comments were picked from stakeholders to boost the Bill. In Burundi, the legislators were told that parents should be encouraged to take measures towards keeping their children within the family set-ups, while respective Embassies and Missions abroad, should be tasked with liberating and repatriating victims found within their respective stations of duty.
In Kenya, the stakeholders told EALA legislators to ensure the Bill tightens laws against employment agents who sometimes engage in recruiting people for trafficking. They further suggested the proposed minimum penalty of ten years of imprisonment for offenders engaged in trafficking in persons was too lenient and that it should be stepped up.
In the United Republic of Tanzania, EALA Members were tasked to ensure the Bill provides for the protection of People With Disabilities (PWDs) and for the protection of witnesses. They further called on the law to criminalize perpetuators, promoters and facilitators of the offence.
While in Rwanda, legislators were urged to ensure the Bill provides a provision for return of a trafficked persons from the hosting Partner State. This, they suggest should be preceded by a risk assessment and with due regard for his/her safety to the home country.
Legislators were tasked to safeguard the role of Foreign Missions in stemming human trafficking is emphasised in Bill, while on the tour in Uganda.
“The EAC Partner States should form specialised units or focal point offices to handle various aspects of human trafficking like child labour, and prostitution”, the Members were informed.
The Committee also noted that the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, have specific laws on counter-trafficking in persons and which are in tandem with the UN Protocol. However, the penalties for offences under the laws of Partner States differ from one jurisdiction to another. The Republic of Rwanda is yet to enact a specific law on counter-trafficking in persons even though, offences and penalties for trafficking in persons are provided for under the Penal Code.
The Report was supported during debate by Hon Martin Ngoga who said human trafficking was a major problem in the region and called for more concerted efforts in stemming the same. Hon Nancy Abisai said it was important for the modes of adoption to be streamlined and adhered to. Hon Isabelle Ndahayo said corruption was a key factor in the fight against human trafficking.
Hon Chris Opoka said the enactment of the Bill was timely. He remarked that women and children who are vulnerable continue to be trafficked largely for sale of their body-parts. “This ritual must be condemned and discontinued”, he said.
Hon Adam Kimbisa said the region had for several years been a hunting ground for trafficking in persons where able-bodied people have in the past also been. He cited the need to stop wars, eradicate poverty, create wealth and check corruption as a means to stemming the scourge.
Hon AbuBakr Zein, Hon Mike Sebalu, Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza and Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo also supported the Bill. Others who rose in support of the report were Hon Susan Nakawuki, Hon Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, Hon Nusura Tiperu and Hon Taslima Twaha.
A delegation from the University of Oxford University in the United Kingdom led by Stephen Peel concluded a two-day working visit to the East African Community Headquarters, with the aim of exploring possible avenues of establishing mutually beneficial long-term collaboration between the University and the EAC.
Welcoming the Oxford University officials to the EAC headquarters, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko hailed Oxford University for expressing interest to support the Community to achieve it integration agenda.
The Secretary General briefed his guests on the progress the EAC had made in implementing the Customs Union and the Common Market protocols and preparations towards a Monetary Union, adding that there were high expectations among the people of East Africa to ensure that the three protocols were fully implemented.
Amb. Mfumukeko said that EAC was focused on building a firm base for East Africans through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investments and industrial development, all of which would be achieved through implementation of the pillars of integration.
The Secretary General said that "the proposed collaboration between Oxford University and the EAC would provide an effective and practical way to foster advancement of knowledge and build the Community's institutional and research capacity of the Community."
On his part, Mr. Peel applauded the EAC for the impressive progress made so far in deepening the regional integration agenda and said that Oxford University was keen on strengthening its relations with the EAC.
Mr. Peel said the University was keen on making a contribution to sustainable economic growth and industrial development to ensure attainment of the EAC integration agenda.
"Promoting industrial development is a crucial element for driving systematic and progressive socio-economic development as well as promoting a country's or region's competitiveness in the international economic order," said Mr. Peel.
Amb. Mfumukeko and the University team agreed to explore possible areas of collaboration in capacity building for EAC staff through on-the-job training and executive education programmes as well as joint research projects and studies.
This joint initiatives will inform decision making, facilitate implementation of the Protocols and increase the Community's capacity to negotiate trade agreements.
During the meeting, the Secretary General was accompanied by Hon. Christophe Bavizamo, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration and other senior officials from the EAC Secretariat.
Given the recent financial crunch the Community has undergone, the Assembly is now urging the Summit of EAC Heads of State to direct the Council of Ministers to implement its directive on alternative sustainable funding mechanisms within a timeframe that it (the Summit) shall determine.
This follows a Resolution passed by the Assembly urging the Summit to fast track implementation of the directive on Alternative sustainable funding mechanisms and/or invoke Articles 143 of the EAC against defaulting Partner States in as far as the financial obligation to the Community is concerned.
The landmark Resolution was moved by Hon. Judith Pareno and seconded by Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo. The Assembly further urged the Secretary General of the Community to transmit the Resolution to the Chair of the Summit for inclusion in to the agenda of the November 2016 Summit or at the earliest opportunity when it meets.
The Resolution avers that the consistent default of financial contributions by Partner States has led to the depletion of the EAC general reserves to tune of about US$.6.5 Million to facilitate the activities of the Community.
The Resolution was presented to the House on Wednesday afternoon. However, the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and EAC in the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr Susan Kolimba, tabled a Motion for adjournment of debate under Rule 30 (C) of the Rules of Procedure. In her explanation, the Minister had sought for adjournment till November 2016 stating that the Council of Ministers was seized of the matter and it was under consideration.
The Motion however did not sail through the House, prompting the Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega to rule that the substantive Motion be debated to its conclusive end.
The Resolution notes with deep concern that all activities of the Community have come to a standstill or have been disrupted since August, 2016. Activities of not only EALA but other EAC Organs and Institutions have also been affected. Specifically, for EALA are the planned activities of the General Purpose Committee, the Committee on Communications, Trade and Investments, the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolutions Committee, the Legal, Rules and Privileges Committee and the Select Committee against Genocide and Genocide Denial.
“Other activities include the delayed payment of salaries and payment of EAC suppliers. These have also disrupted all other activities including the ongoing plenary. This is after the Secretary General informed the August House in the 1st Meeting of the 5th Session that he had made substantial savings – are the savings being realized through none implementation of activities? the Resolution says in part.
As at the period of the 34th Ordinary Council Meeting held in August 2016, the total outstanding amount due to the Community by the EAC Partner States according to the Resolution (and a report presented at that meeting) was US$ 45,316,812.
According to a table reproduced within the Resolution, the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Burundi owed the Community arrears to the tune of US$ 356,492 and US$ 5,606,800 respectively. This is in addition to the contribution due for the Financial Year 2016/17 pegged at US$ 8,378,108 per Partner State. Republic of Uganda has paid 26.37% of the current contribution due which equates to US$ 2,209,712 while Republic of Kenya has paid US$ 330,306 out of the US$ 8,378,108, which amounts to 3.94%.
Table: Partner States Budgetary Contributions for FY2016/17 to East African Community
PARTNER STATE
ARREARS (FY'15/16)
CONTRIBUTION DUE FY'16/17
CONTRIBUTION PAID FY'16/17
TOTAL OUTSTANDING
Republic of Kenya
-
8,378,108
330,306
3.94%
8,047,801
United Republic of Tanzania
356,492
8,378,108
-
0.00%
8,734,599
Republic of Uganda
-
8,378,108
2,209,712
26.37%
6,168,396
Republic of Rwanda
-
8,378,108
-
0.00%
8,378,108
Republic of Burundi
5,609,800
8,378,108
-
0.00%
13,987,908
TOTAL
5,966,292
41,890,540
2,540,018
6.06%
45,316,812
Yesterday, however, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs, Republic of Uganda tabled the updated document showing improved liquidity position at the EAC.
The document dated October 12, 2016, indicates arrears by Burundi to have decreased to US$ 2,810,750 besides the contribution due this year of US$ 8,378,108. The Republic of Kenya has paid 28.28%, which amounts to US$ 2,369,509 while United Republic of Tanzania has chipped in US$ 558,287, which is about 6.66% of the total amount. The Republic of Rwanda is yet to meet its quota for this Financial Year.
Table: Partner States Budgetary Contributions for FY2016/17 to East African Community as at 12th October 2016
PARTNER STATE
ARREARS (FY'15/16)
CONTRIBUTION DUE FY'16/17
CONTRIBUTION PAID FY'16/17
TOTAL OUTSTANDING
Republic of Kenya
-
8,378,108
2,369,509
28.28%
6,008,598
United Republic of Tanzania
-
8,378,108
558,287
6.66%
7,819,820
Republic of Uganda
-
8,378,108
2,209,712
26.37%
6,168,396
Republic of Rwanda
-
8,378,108
-
0.00%
8,378,108
Republic of Burundi
2,810,750
8,378,108
-
0.00%
11,188,858
TOTAL
2,810,750
41,890,538
5,137,508
12.26%
39,563,780
The Council of Ministers however has a decision that all Partner States should clear all outstanding balances by December 2016.
According to Hon. Pareno, the Assembly has on several occasions posed priority questions as to the dire financial status of the Community.
“In both January and March, 2016, Hon. Dora Byamukama posed questions on the financial status of the Community and the Chairperson of Council of Ministers in responding to these questions was quick to assure the Assembly that the Partner States would meet the set deadlines for their contributions,” she noted.
At debate time, Hon. Nancy Abisai said the Community was undergoing a rough patch and added there was need for further commitment by Partner States.
“As politicians, we have a duty to bring to the attention of the Community when things are not working. It is good for the EAC (Organs and Institutions) to pronounce itself on the matter. We need to be sure that the activities of the Assembly shall be held”, she said.
Hon. Susan Nakawuki remarked that it is not the intention of EALA to have a Partner State suspended since none had been in arrears for 18 months and said invoking Article 146 of the Treaty may be inappropriate.
The legislator said that Committees had failed to achieve their work targets due to funding gaps. She maintained that it was impossible for the Community to grow at zero percent increase per year given the progress and dynamism of the Community.
Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana said an important portion of the budget was funded by Development Partners and said the Community was at risk of collapse should they withhold their portion.
“The contribution by the Partner States should therefore be timely and be considered as a priority”, he said. This should be within the regulations as pertained by the Financial Rules and Regulations (Regulation 23) of the Community, he added. Hon. Ngendakumana termed the Motion a wake-up call and said it is necessary for the Partner States to be fully paid up six months from the date due.
Hon. Bernard Mulengani said as an oversight body, EALA needed to point out areas that are not handled well and improvements made. He said the issue of gratuity should be clarified and that sanction of the same was improper. The same matter on utilization of the gratuity was alluded to by Hon. AbuBakr Ogle.
The Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko confirmed the gratuity account was intact and that EAC account has received close to US$ 5 Million dollars over the last two weeks.
The Secretary General assured the August House that the EAC had regularly written letters and visited the Partner States to request for remission of funds.
“I thank the Partner States for responding affirmatively to our requests despite challenges Partner States are facing”, he said.
Amb. Mfumukeko said his administration had also actively re-engaged with the Development Partners and told the House that three agencies had in fact deposited funds into the EAC Accounts.
“I have been to Brussels and to Nairobi in a bid to assure the partners that the reform agenda is back. We have also signed a few agreements that are duly supportive of the integration agenda”, Mr Mfumukeko said.
Hon. Peter Mathuki reiterated it was the responsibility of the Assembly to oversight the Community and this entailed in ensuring its programs are undertaken.
“The Secretary General has given a commitment that there shall be funds to undertake the activities of the EALA and the Community. This is fundamental,” he said.
On his part, Hon. Martin Ngoga, affirmed the EAC was a leading regional economic bloc according to a number of analysts.
“We have been exemplary and must do so even when it comes to sustainability. There needs to be seriousness in managing the affairs and it should be looked at from a bigger dimension. Currently, the state of affairs is sad, we have a big agenda which we cannot implement”, Hon. Ngoga said.
Others who rose in support were Hon. Yves Nsabimana, Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon. Dora Byamukama and Hon. Sarah Bonaya. Others were Hon. Mukasa Mbidde and Hon. Emmanuel Nengo.
The Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC, Rt Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja assured the House the Council of Ministers was committed to ensuring the obligations of the Partner States are met.
Hon. Dr Didas Masaburi is dead. The former EALA Legislator passed away last night (October 12th, 2016) at the Muhimbili Hospital in Dar es Salaam, where he had been admitted.
Hon. Dr Masaburi was a Member of the 2nd EALA between the period of 2006-2012. He also served on the EALA Commission (then House Business Committee), the decision making body of the Assembly. The late Dr Masaburi was also a Mayor of Dar es Salaam and a party stalwart of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). He rose through the ranks from the youth wing of CCM (Umoja wa Vijana CCM - UVCCM) and was a loyalist of the ruling party.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega condoled with the family and friends of the late Dr Masaburi.
“The late Hon. Dr Masaburi was a great debater and courageous legislator at the 2nd EALA (2006-2012) and contributed immensely to strengthening EALA and the regional integration process. We all hold fond memories of Hon Masaburi for his contribution towards ensuring a stronger bloc and improving the welfare of citizens of the region”, Rt Hon Kidega said in a statement released from Zanzibar on the sidelines of the 2nd Meeting of the 5th Session of the 3rd Assembly.
The family and friends are meeting at his home in Segerea in Dar es Salaam. May the Almighty God rest his soul in perfect peace.
The Assembly today has added its voice to the push for more budgetary allocation in the agricultural sector in Partner States and to ensure legal and regulatory frameworks are responsive to the needs of the smallholder farmers, youth, women and other sectors.
The increase in budgetary allocations is in line with the Malabo Declaration and the Assembly says the target which is pegged at least 10%, needs to be met annually or progressively.
The legislators are similarly urging the EAC Secretariat to institutionalise a Regional Agriculture Advisory Council to advise on the harmonization of the regional agriculture policy frameworks and programmes. Such a Council, EALA says, could comprise of EAC/EALA Secretariat and representatives from Partner States, academia, regional Farmer Organisations and Civil Society as well as consumers.
At the same time, Partner States need to increase the quality of investments by addressing national priorities connected with farmers while addressing existing challenges. Consequently, increase in the absorption rate in the agriculture sector with a correlation between budget allocation, agriculture returns and sectoral growth targets is absolutely necessary.
The recommendations are contained in a report arising from the Agriculture Budget Summit, 2016 held in Arusha on June 4th, 2016. The meeting, then, opened by EALA Member, Hon. Chris Opoka and themed “Increasing Public investment in Agriculture towards Ending Hunger and Poverty by 2025 in the EAC” was organized to support the implementation of the Malabo Declaration of 2014-2025.
The meeting among other things, sort to increase public awareness on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Results framework and importance of public financing of agriculture that supports smallholders as catalyst for improved Private Sector investment. It further wanted to enhance Civil Society Organizations, small scale farmers’ involvement in agriculture financing policy processes for improved public financing for agriculture at national and the East African Community level.
The Summit was attended by EALA Members from the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources, Committee Chairpersons from Partner States’ National Parliaments and CAADP Focal points from EAC Partner States. Other Partners were from various organizations such as Trust Africa, ActionAid International, Agriculture Non-State Actors Forum (ANSAF) and the Coalition of Non-State Actors on CAADP amongst others.
The meeting underscored the need for the EAC/EALA to expedite the domestication of the Malabo Declaration 2014 -2025 by putting in place a regional legally binding Protocol or instruments to ensure regional realization of its goals.
In the past, EALA has contributed significantly to the discussions in the region by ensuring formulation of key recommendations to strengthen the agriculture sector, in line with the Maputo Declaration on “Agriculture and Food Security” and Malabo Declaration on “Accelerated Agricultural Growth. The Assembly is also keen on taking up the issues of land rush which is a hindrance to agriculture development in the region and in Africa, in general as well as in overseeing development of a regional legal framework on sustainable investment in agriculture.
The report of the Meeting which was tabled in the House by Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga on behalf of the ATNR Committee further takes an incisive analysis of the Partner States’ situations.
During debate, Hon. Maryam Ussi called on the region to support the smalls scale farmers by implementing the 10% budgetary increase as per the Malabo Declaration.
Hon. Mike Sebalu remarked the relations between the Assembly and farmers’ organisations were very cordial and that the voice of the farmers continued to be championed by EALA. He remarked that it was time for agriculture to be prioritized and that a value system that inculcates agriculture should be embraced
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji remarked that agriculture if well boosted by sufficient budgets, would ensure the youth, women and other stakeholders are catered for through employment opportunities.
“At the same time if land is well allocated, and utilised then it would go a long way in eradicating poverty. To ensure this, finances in terms of credit is to be output,” the legislator said.
The legislator challenged the small holder farmers to take advantage of the Customs Union Protocol that offers with it free taxes on local products.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru informed the House to step up efforts to reach out to stakeholders in the agricultural sector especially during its (EALA) Sensitisation activities while Hon. Nancy Abisai said it was necessary to curb corruption if resources were to be made available.
The Report was also supported by Hon. Taslima Twaha, Hon. Chris Opoka, Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo, and Hon. Adam Kimbisa.
