Founding Father of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda wants the continent to strengthen regional integration and keep tabs on Pan-Africanism to stimulate progress and development.
The former President of the Republic of Zambia has maintained there is real hope for the continent with the young people at the helm, saying success is assured if they continued in their quest to build Africa.
H.E. Kenneth Kaunda made the remarks when he met the EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Kidega who paid a courtesy call at the Office of the Former President in Lusaka, Zambia.
The former President urged African leaders not to betray the fathers of the independence in the continent.
“When I see progress in Africa, I feel happy that we continue to adhere to the solid foundation laid by Their Excellencies, Milton Obote, Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta among others,” he added.
The EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega assured Dr Kaunda that the integration process was very much on track. He briefed the former President of the progress realised so far at the EAC in general and the EALA in particular.
He remarked that the Founding Fathers of the EAC had envisaged a strong bloc of the Partner States. He said that the region had continued to intensely benefit from integration and that the bloc was today bigger.
“Your Excellency, the region today boasts of a stronger GDP and now has six countries. The Republic of South Sudan just joined the EAC at the recent 17th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State. They now join the Republics of Burundi and Rwanda as well as the three original Partner States in strengthening the bloc,” the Speaker said.
He further remarked that African democracies were progressing although the path was not necessarily smooth.
In attendance were EALA Member, Hon. Makongoro Nyerere and Senior Public Relations Officer, Bobi Odiko.
H.E. Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, fondly known as KK in Zambia, served as the first President of Zambia, from 1964 to 1991. Hitherto, Dr Kaunda was a leading figure in his country's independence movement.
While in power he hosted many of the movements fighting for independence or black equality in other countries around the region, including South Africa's African National Congress.
After ceding power in the first multi-party elections in 1991, H.E. Dr Kaunda regained stature as one of Africa's political giants, helping mediate crises in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Dr Kaunda was also a campaigner in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The EALA Speaker Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega held respective bilateral meetings with the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan, Rt Hon. Magok Rundial and the Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Rt Hon. Pascal Nyabenda on the side-lines of the on-going 134th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Lusaka, Zambia. The meetings discussed on matters of mutual interest between EALA and the respective Parliaments in particular and on regional integration in general.
In his meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan, Rt Hon. Magok Rundial, the Speaker said EALA welcomed the expansion of bloc and said plans were underway to build the capacity of the Parliament ahead of the accession to the Treaty.
“While we appreciate the steps been taken by the Republic of South Sudan to sign the accession Treaty, we want to meet with legislators of South Sudan soon so that the Members are fully briefed”, Speaker Kidega remarked.
He said EALA had previously enjoyed cordial relations with the Parliament of the Republic of South Sudan and added the admission of the new Partner State to the bloc would further cement the goodwill.
“We are looking forward to the increased number of Members of EALA from South Sudan and in this regard, therefore, we welcome consultations and engagements”, he added.
On his part, the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan, Rt Hon. Magok Rundial said his country was elated to be part of the EAC family.
“In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, there is a legal procedure of bringing the accession before the National Assembly. This is going to take place, and upon approval of the House, the President shall then write the letter of accession,” he said.
At the 17th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held in Arusha early this month, the Summit designated the Chairperson, H.E. Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli to sign the accession with the Republic of South Sudan.
It is expected that the Parliament of South Sudan shall thereafter elect nine Members under Article 50 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC and the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament (South Sudan) to EALA.
According to Article 50, the Members must not be Sitting Members of Parliament of South Sudan and shall in as much as is feasible, represent the various political parties in the National Assembly, shades of opinion and special interest groups in the Partner State.
In his earlier meeting with the Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Rt Hon. Kidega said EALA continued to appeal for peace to prevail in the country and urged legislators in Burundi as the peoples’ representatives, to strive for stability. He remarked that EALA was appreciative of the role of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, adding that home-grown solutions were instrumental in ensuring stability in the country and in the region.
The EALA Speaker briefed his counterpart from the Burundi National Assembly on EALA’s recent debate on the petition brought before the House by regional civil society groups under the aegis of the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU).
He rooted for dialogue as key in resolving the issues in the country so that it may tackle some of the existing challenges such as poverty.
Rt Hon. Kidega further termed the recent appointment of Liberat Mfumukeko, an East African of Burundian origin as the new Secretary General of the East African Community, as a vote of confidence by the Summit of the EAC Heads of State.
He remarked that a visit to Burundi by Members of the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee and himself (EALA Speaker) would take place shortly.
In his response, the Speaker of the Parliament of Burundi, Rt Hon. Pascal Nyabenda stated that his Parliament was keen to see progress in the country.
In the delegation was the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Niyonzima Anicet, Hon. Niyonzima Constantin, Hon. Nizigiyimana Benoite, Hon. Asha Karafan, Hon. Ruhuna Venant and Hon. Irakoze Lydia.
The IPU which is themed: “Rejuvenating Democracy: Giving Voice to the Youth,” is expected to end later today.
A new report released at the Assembly dubbed “Youth participation in national Parliaments 2016”, states that youth continue to be chronically under-represented in the world’s Parliaments at a time when the global youth population is the largest it has ever been in history.
According to the report, only 1.9% of the world’s 45,000 Parliamentarians are aged below 30, a fact it deems undesirable.
In his recent remarks, the EALA Speaker pushed for youth engagement in politics in line with the African Youth Charter.
“Youth make up about 60% of the world’s population but unfortunately, disparity in representation in Parliaments is extremely undesirable”, the EALA Speaker was quoted as saying.
The EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera participated at the 27th Crans Montana Forum held in Dakhla, Morocco under the high patronage of his Majesty, the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI.
The four-day Forum, which concluded yesterday, was officially opened by the King of Morocco who called out to Africa to regain its right both in history and geography to become a key partner in international cooperation mechanisms and driver of progress in cooperation.
King Mohammed VI stressed the need to build south-south cooperation that is based on potential, skills and expertise of all stakeholders that will result in a homogeneous strategic vision designed to promote the development of states and meet the needs of the African population. “South-south cooperation seeks to implement concrete programs in targeted areas to achieve measurable outcomes in terms of growth and well-being of the population in economic, social, cultural and environmental domains”, said the King.
Dr. Sezibera while making his presentation on Public Health, a common issue for all, discussed the need for Africa to learn from the Ebola crisis; that managing epidemics requires a strong regional cooperation and building interconnected laboratories. The Secretary General further emphasized that the lessons learned from the Ebola epidemic demonstrated that health security is not an issue to be left purely to health workers.
“Investment in health systems, regional cooperation, building one-stop health centers, and a multi sectoral approach will be key drivers of success in managing emerging epidemics”, said Dr. Sezibera.
Rev. Jesse Jackson a renowned civil rights activist from USA led the forum in awarding over 40 ‘New Leaders for Tomorrow’; men and women younger than 42 years of age who have demonstrated extraordinary potential in leadership through professional success and community services in their home countries. The forum was attended by over 1,000 foreign dignitaries, drawn from over 130 countries worldwide, who discussed matters pertaining to the environment, energy, food security, and ethics in governance, among others that affect Africa.
The EALA Speaker Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega is calling for the full participation of the youth in all spheres of society including in Parliament and other decision making bodies. The Speaker further wants a paradigm shift in the rejuvenation of democracy to one that is driven by a change agenda that is youth friendly.
Rt Hon. Kidega was speaking while addressing the 134th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly which commenced here in Lusaka on March 20th, 2016. The IPU Assembly which is attended by over 600 Parliamentarians and close to 75 Speakers from the globe is themed: “Rejuvenating Democracy: Giving Voice to the Youth”.
The EALA Speaker remarked that the waning interest in formal politics by the youth was resultant from a number of factors citing dissatisfaction with politicians together with lack of trust in initiatives by Governments as strong barriers to the participation of the young persons.
The Speaker informed the IPU Assembly that Parliaments needed to take on a new advocacy role towards ensuring democracy is realised as a basic minimum.
“Parliaments and political parties should ensure democracy thrives right from the very basic levels of administration. If democracy is rejuvenated, young people are more likely to fortify their full participation and to contribute to development”, Speaker Kidega said.
“The idea to create slots for youth in Parliaments is also very welcome. Youth make up about 60% of the world’s population but unfortunately, disparity in representation in Parliaments is extremely undesirable”, he added.
Rt Hon. Kidega further urged youth to be fully involved in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) saying they were best placed to contribute to the delivery of the new generation ideas.
EALA’s delegation to the IPU consists of Hon. Makongoro Nyerere, Clerk to the Assembly, Kenneth Madete and senior staff.
Zambia’s Head of State, H.E. President Edgar Lungu opened the 134th IPU Assembly. In his address, the President challenged youths to contest for positions at the forthcoming general elections in Zambia on August 11, 2016 and subsequently, to actively participate in decision-making processes and other programmes of development.
“I am urging youths to aspire for Parliamentary and local Government elections. Therefore, in implementing the National Youth Policy with our partners, we want to promote the inclusion and active participation of youths in decision-making processes, policy development, programming and project implementation, as outlined in the policy,” he said.
President Lungu also reaffirmed the need to invest in youths as it was a worthwhile endeavour because of their potential to contribute to the country’s development.
He said the Government had established the National Youth Development Council which was a principal advisor to Government on youth matters.
At the IPU, a new report dubbed “Youth participation in national Parliaments 2016”, states that youth continue to be chronically under-represented in the world’s Parliaments at a time when the global youth population is the largest it has ever been in history.
According to the report, only 1.9 per cent of the world’s 45,000 Parliamentarians are aged below 30, a fact it deems undesirable.
Meanwhile, the IPU has welcomed back Comoros, Egypt and Guyana as Members of the Organisation. Their admission has increased the IPU membership to 170, marking a significant step forward in the Organisation’s goal to achieve universal membership according to the President of the IPU, Hon. Saber Chowdhury.
Parliamentary elections in Egypt at the end of 2015 had paved the way for the country to rejoin IPU. The 2011 revolution, which led to the dissolution of Parliament the following year, had left Egypt’s membership in abeyance. Egypt, which had first joined IPU in 1924, had been one of IPU’s oldest continuous Members.
The 5th Meeting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly concluded in Dar es Salaam, on Thursday, March 17th, 2016.
The Assembly granted leave to Hon. Dora Byamukama to introduce a Bill on the EAC Counter Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2016. It also adjourned debate on the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016.
The object of the EAC Counter-Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2016, is to provide a legal framework, develop common measures, strategies and programmes to the prevention of trafficking in persons and the perpetrators of such actions. It also aims to develop partnerships for co-operation in counter trafficking in persons and provision of protection mechanisms and services for persons.
The mover says the Bill is premised on Article 6 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC which underscores good governance including adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, accountability and transparency. Article 7(2) of the Treaty further obliges the Partner States to abide by universally acceptable standards of human rights in particular the Universal Declaration of Human rights 1948.
According to Hon. Byamukama, operationalisation of the Protocol to prevent, supress and punish trafficking in persons especially women and children and supplementing the UN Convention against transnational organised crime to which all EAC Partner States are signatory to are key and thus obliged to adopt principles of the protocol by enacting relevant legislation.
On its part, the debate on the EAC Supplementary Budget 2016 was adjourned until the next Sitting. The adjournment is to allow the Committee on General Purpose to further consult on its Report on the EAC Supplementary Budget for the Financial Year 2015/16 and the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016. The move followed a Motion moved by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Susan A. Kolimba.
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.
