A key report of the oversight activity of EAC Institutions with regards to governance, project performance was today adopted by the Assembly.
The Report presented to the House by Chair of the Accounts Committee, Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana emanates from oversight activities carried out by the Accounts Committee last month (February 2016) following queries obtained from the EAC Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June 2014.
It also set to establish the adherence to the extent of status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations. The Committee visited the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO) and the EAC Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) in Jinja and Entebbe respectively.
The Committee reported that the oversight activity at the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) which was envisaged was not undertaken as the heads of the institution were away as at time of the activity. The Committee however received information on governance and its adherence to the Assembly’s recommendations sent by the IUCEA.
The objectives of the assessment were to assess whether governance and management systems of the institutions are good enough to guarantee performance and proper discharge of duties. It further sought to establish the implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations, strengthen governance and management systems of EAC Institutions and to establish extent to which the said institutions apply modern governance and management of applied technologies.
At the LVFO, the Committee reported the need for Council of Ministers to fast track accession of other Partner States to the LVFO as well as the need to urge the Council of Ministers to avail current data of fish to LVFO for updates. This the Committee ascertains, arises from the fact that the quality of fish is declining despite achievements and initiatives by LVFO. Therefore, the Committee informed the House that it was vital to carry out comprehensive sensitisation, provide all amenities and other facilities to fish farmers to spur increase in numbers.
The Committee generally noted progress with regards to the status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations at the Jinja- based LVFO. The Assembly however calls on the Audit Commission to report during the next audit on a number of areas including the unclaimed Value Added Tax (VAT) and other outstanding areas such as the persisting overdue receivables. Other thematic areas include need to harmonise guidelines for development of fish cages, setting of regional standards for fish-feed and evidence of a disaster recovery plan.
On CASSOA, the Assembly observed that the budgetary constraints at the institution, prevent it from attracting qualified personnel and thus the Organogram is yet to be filled. In this regard, the Assembly urges the Council of Ministers to amend the CASSOA Protocol to enable the Assembly to approve its budget in accordance with the Treaty for the EAC. The Assembly is also categorical that CASSOA management relays its progress reports to the House.
It also wants the institution to relay to the Audit Commission progress on status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations with regards to its commendation to segregate duties within the payment process systems and on expenditure by the institution that is inadequately supported.
At debate time, Hon. Shyrose Bhanji remarked that Lake Victoria was a key component of integration from a multi-sectoral approach.“It is a source of food, employment and income for many people in East Africa. Yet one of the challenges facing the LVFO is funding. It is high time Mr Speaker sir for the LVFO to be empowered and strengthened so we realise benefits”, Hon. Bhanji said.
She also called on the Council of Ministers to ensure adequate sensitisation activities of the LVFO to create awareness.
Hon. Yves Nsabimana said it was important for Partner States to remit their contributions on time so that the programmes and projects are on time. “Lack of adequate contribution has caused problems to LVFO including late recruitment and borrowing from the general reserve funds among others. In CASSOA, the institution is not attractive to personnel and consequentially, key positions at the institution are not filled.”, he said.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru remarked that the IUCEA had failed to honour the meeting called by the Assembly. “They opted to send a junior officer who could not interface with us”, she said, adding that the institution had eluded EALA for close to four years.
Hon. Bernard Mulengani lamented over the zero incremental budgeting, which, he remarked was depriving the EAC of progress. “I appeal to Council to check on some of the decisions of the Finance and Administration Committee, that constantly proposes the zero-budget increment”, Hon. Mulengani said.
Hon. Christophe Bazivamo decried the decreasing production of fisheries in Lake Victoria as well as in other lakes and rivers and said it was necessary for adequate fish feeds to be provided.
Also rising in support of the report were Hon. Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon. Emmanuel Nengo and Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro
EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera yesterday delivered a moving Speech as the Assembly completed week one of its deliberations.
The EAC Secretary General's speech gave a score-card of deliverables during his tenure at the helm before an attentive House. The Secretary General cited five key areas in the broad vision and remarked that under his five year tour of duty, the bloc had witnessed significant achievements.
On the Customs Union, Amb. Dr Sezibera remarked that sustained campaigns to ensure realisation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) had duly paid off.
"Today, should one visit the Port of Dar es Salaam right here, you will witness revenue officials from the rest of the Partner States clearing goods", he said.
The time within which it takes to clear goods has reduced tremendously. At the central corridor it now takes 3 days, down from the 18 days while in the northern corridor, there is significant reduction from 21 days to 5 days," Amb. Dr Sezibera said.
He remarked that there was sustained pressure to rid the region of Non-Tariff Barriers and such, were paying off while the port clearance times were also reduced from three weeks to under ten days.
On the Common Market, Amb. Dr Sezibera remarked that three Partner States, the Republics of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, had employed the Inter-State passes to enhance free movement and said Republic of Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania would soon join in to the initiative. The EAC boss termed the recent introduction of the International EAC e-Passport as a critical milestone in the integration dispensation.
The Secretary General further termed the conclusion and ratification of the Monetary Union as a major milestone. "Despite the skepticism as a result of the challenges witnessed in Europe, the Monetary Union Protocol was completed and speedily ratified", Amb. Dr Sezibera said. He further remarked that the Central Banks had established a real-time settlement mode paving way for the EAC payment system to be a reality.
On other areas, the Secretary General informed the House of the tremendous progress realized. He said the ten year infrastructure programme would set the region apart from other parts of the continent in terms of competitiveness.
"For the first time, the region is laying the Standard Railway Gauge and making unprecedented advances in investment of energy. The region shall soon be able to transfer power from one Partner State to another as a result of the inter-connectors", he said.
The Secretary General stated that citizens of the region were now fully involved in the integration process.
The Secretary General further remarked that he was elated to be leaving the Community at a time when its Vision is in place. The EAC Vision 2050 anticipates the contrive of the bloc into an upper middle income region within a secure and politically united East Africa based on the principles of inclusiveness and accountability.
"It is in this era that per capita income is expected to rise up to USD 10,000 per person up from the current per capita income of USD 1000", Amb. Sezibera said.
At the same time, the region intends to create about 2.3 million jobs by 2032 in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
The Secretary General of the EAC further informed the House of the completion of the Institutional Review of the EAC and said the Directorates of Finance and Planning had been ISO certified.
The Secretary General said there were challenges that need to be addressed including harmonization and approximation of laws in the Partner States to conform to the Common Market Protocol.
The remarks of the Secretary General were delivered to the House pursuant to Rule 40 of the EALA Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and the matter was not debated. It is anticipated that a Motion for a Resolution on the subject matter may be introduced for debate when the House resumes next week.
EALA this afternoon passed the Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Bill, 2013, paving way for the region to take necessary disaster preparedness, management, protection and mitigation measures as well as in handling disasters in a more co-ordinated way.
The Bill sailed through smoothly at the Committee stage with Members adopting clause after clause of the same or with amendments before it came up for Third Reading. Debate on the Bill had commenced yesterday before the Speaker ruled that it be finalised this afternoon.
The Object of the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Bill 2013 is to provide a legal framework for the intervention and assistance for people affected by climate change and natural related hazards and to protect the natural environment through integration of comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management practices in the EAC.
The passage of the Bill is a culmination of about two years of work during which time the Assembly has consistently advocated for it.
Debate on the Bill, originally moved for second reading in August 2013, was halted following a request by the Council of Ministers to consult and consider its policy implications. At the same time, the move was to allow for pursuit of the ratification of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security which among other objectives, provides for co-operation in DRR management and crisis response. The Protocol on Peace and Security has since been ratified by all Partner States.
At the sitting in January 2016 in Arusha, debate was once again adjourned. This was occasioned by a Motion moved by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Susan A. Kolimba. The Motion sailed through but after further amendment tabled by Chair of the Regional Affairs and Resolution Committee, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, under Rule 30(a) to have the Bill brought back to the House at the March Sitting.
The Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo said the Bill anticipates support for both natural and man-made disasters. Yesterday, the Minister for EAC, Republic of Burundi, Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana informed the House the Council of Ministers had no objection to the passage of the Bill.
At debate time, Hon. Judith Pareno said the Bill had been before the House for a period of two years. “I recall that at time of public hearings and immediately thereafter, we had several disasters including the fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Central Market in Bujumbura and even the Westgate tragedy”, the legislator said.
“Disasters do not come knocking doors or give notice”, it is necessary that we pass the Bill”, she added.
Hon. Mike Kennedy Sebalu said the passage of the Bill was timely so as to mitigate the different disasters that have befallen the region.
“The frequency of disasters that have befallen our Partner States cannot be over-emphasised. We must create an environment that is less of disasters and thus a legal framework is the right way to go, Hon. Sebalu noted.
Hon. Adam Kimbisa said fire, drought and terrorism were some of the disasters the region continued to face. “All disasters care less about when to occur, where or when to hit,” the legislator said. He remarked that countries in the west had invested better in coping mechanisms than in the continent. “We must equally invest in risk reduction activities”, he added.
Hon. Martin Ngoga said the passage of the law was urgent. “It is a reflection of how prepared we are to protect the lives of the citizens”, Hon. Ngoga said.
Also rising in support of the debate was Hon. Saoli Ole Nkanae, Hon. Dora Byamukama, Hon. Sarah Bonaya and Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza.
The passage of the Bill whose original mover is Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, is a culmination of a process whose idea began five years ago. In December 2010, EALA Committee on Agriculture Tourism and Natural Resources held key discussions with a delegation from the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).
The meeting was called to raise awareness within the legislature on the importance of disaster risk reduction as an instrument for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). EALA and UNISDR further agreed to collaborate to develop a model legislation which can be used to support the efforts of the EAC Partner States in building disaster resilience in East Africa.
The next stage is the process of Assent by the EAC Heads of State in line with Article 63 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The Norwegian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Tone Skogen, who is on a four-day official visit to the United Republic of Tanzania, on Wednesday visited the EAC headquarters in a bid to show support towards the EAC integration agenda and gain insight on the status of the integration process.
Welcoming the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and her delegation to the EAC Headquarters, on behalf of the Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, the Head of the Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Mr Owora Richard Othieno, commended the Norwegian government’s support to the regional integration process.
Mr Othieno briefed the Norwegian envoy on the current status of the EAC integration process and the milestones achieved so far. Among the key highlights of the latest achievements included the establishment of the Single Customs Territory, implementation of the Common Market Protocol and progress made towards a single currency by 2024.
Mr. Othieno made reference to the 17th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State which was held last week in Arusha, culminating in the admission of the Republic South Sudan as the sixth EAC Partner State.
“In addition, the Heads of State officially launched the new generation International East African e-Passport; a regional travel document that will fast-track clearance of East Africans within and outside EAC borders”, said Mr Othieno.
He informed the Minister that the positive developments taking place within the r
The admission of the South Sudan into the EAC received a thumbs up from the Assembly this afternoon, as it passed a Resolution congratulating the Sixth Partner State into the EAC fold. The Motion for the Resolution congratulating the Republic of South Sudan upon admission into the EAC was moved by Hon. Peter Mathuki and seconded by Hon. Dora Byamukama.
In the aforementioned, the Assembly thus urged the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to expeditiously sign the Treaty of accession and to deposit the said instrument with the Office of the Secretary General of the EAC.
The Resolution avers that the accession of the Republic of South Sudan into membership of the EAC will enhance co-operation and integration between the country and EAC Partner States.
According to the Resolution, the EAC conducted a verification mission to the Republic of South Sudan between July 15th - 31st, 2012, to check on its preparedness to join the Community. Further negotiations between the EAC and the Partner States took place between March and October 2015, at the headquarters in Arusha. At the last sitting of the Summit held in Arusha last week, the Summit of EAC Heads of State received the report of the Council of Ministers and admitted the country into the regional bloc.
Hon. Mathuki states that in joining the Community, the bloc shall be expanded and this provides potential growth for the region inclusive of over 160 Million citizens. It also is expected to promote business and general economic development as well as in stepping up towards the coveted African Unity.
At debate time, the mover of the motion further congratulated the Summit of EAC Heads of State for the timely move of admitting the Republic of South Sudan into the Community. He mentioned that it was necessary for the in-coming Partner State to observe all the tenets of the EAC Treaty.
Hon. Maryam Ussi said sensitisation was of absolute importance to enable citizens of the region to be fully aware of the benefits of integration.
"By the Republic of South Sudan joining they shall benefit from the benchmarks", Hon. Dora Byamukama mentioned. She remarked that previous visits to Jonglei and Unity States had shown the area was fertile and there was wealth in the area which would be good for the integration process.
Hon. Judith Pareno said entry of South Sudan in to the EAC signified the reunion of the family that was "once disintegrated by the colonial borders". "They are very much welcome on board," she added.
Hon. Martin Ngoga said the region was set to benefit more with the admission of South Sudan. "It is about the people of South Sudan, since we are people-centred. We need to have the challenges addressed," he remarked.
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji called on the Government of South Sudan to adhere to peace and ensure safety of all its citizens so they may reap from the benefits of integration.
Hon. Hafsa Mossi lauded the leadership of the Republic of South Sudan for having thought through admission into the bloc and for working hard to join the EAC immediately after its independence. "There is no better time for them (South Sudan) to join," she said. "I am very happy to see the development which shall definitely add value to the Community," the legislator added. She remarked that the Community had shown commitment to peace and said the latest peace agreement ensuing in South Sudan was signed in the United Republic of Tanzania.
Others who rose in support were Hon. Mukasa Mbidde, Hon. Sarah Bonaya, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, Hon. Mike Sebalu, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo and Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro. Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye, Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana and EAC Ministers, Hon. Shem Bageine (Uganda) and Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana (Burundi) also supported the Motion for the Resolution.
Hon. Abubakar Ogle said it was important for the region to adhere to all principles that include rule of law and governance in the entire dispensation.
The Secretary General of the EAC, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera said the Republic of South Sudan had requested to join the EAC on a fast-track basis and that the capacity of the country went beyond just verification.
"We worked together to strengthen their capacity in terms of revenue collection and customs administration among other areas," the Secretary General said.
"The verification report is also detailed in what the country must do. There are key recommendations with timelines and the issues raised on the floor
EALA yesterday afternoon administered the Oath of Allegiance to Hon. Amb. Augustine Phillip Mahiga, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation in the United Republic of Tanzania as the Sitting commenced in Dar es Salaam.
Amb. Dr Mahiga is now an ex-officio Member of the Assembly.
The Oath of Allegiance to the House was administered by the Clerk of EALA, before the EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega.
Hon. Amb. Mahiga took the oath in accordance with Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. The Rules of Procedure say in part 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”.
The Minister was ushered into the House by Hon. Adam Kimbisa and Hon. Angela Daisy Kizigha.
Under Article 48 of the EAC Treaty, ex-officio Members of EALA consist of Ministers responsible for East African Affairs from the Partner States.
Under the same provision, the Assistant Minister, Deputy Minister or Minister of State may only participate in the meetings of the Assembly when the substantive Minister responsible for East African Community Affairs is unable to participate.
Hon. Amb. Mahiga, was appointed Minister by President John Pombe Magufuli in the cabinet named in December 2015. Prior to his appointment, Hon. Amb. Dr Mahiga, a diplomat, served as the Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations. He was also the UNHCR Representative to Italy, Republic of Malta and Republic of San Marino. Between the years 1994 to 1998, Ambassador Mahiga served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Chief of Mission in New Delhi, India. He has also served as Chief of Mission in Monrovia, Liberia.
Amb. Mahiga was appointed by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to the rank of Ambassador while on secondment to the UNHCR. He rose into public service from the world of academia. Amb. Mahiga was once a Senior Lecturer in International Affairs and Regional Co-operation at the University of Dar es Salaam, a post he held from 1975-1977.
Amb. Mahiga earned a Bachelor of Arts (Education) at the University of East Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He earned his Master of Arts degree at the University of Toronto as well as a Ph.D. in International Relations from the same institution.
The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Rt Hon. Majaliwa, Kassim Majaliwa delivered the State of EAC Address at the commencement of the 5th Meeting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Rt Hon. Majaliwa delivered the Speech on behalf of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, who is also the Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State.
The remarks, gave a score-card on a number of areas related to the pillars of integration.
On the Customs Union, the Prime Minister noted the consolidated gains of the Single Customs Territory which initially commenced in 2014 on a pilot basis along the Northern and Central corridors. He cited this was realized through the finalization of key operational instruments entailing revision of business manuals, development of M&E tool framework, deployment of staff and revision of enforcement framework.
Rt Hon. Majaliwa remarked that the Community had adopted the use of One Stop Business Posts (OSBPs) as a trade facilitation concept to minimize delays at the border posts and on the major corridors in the region. He informed the House that out of the 15 borders earmarked to operate as OSBPs, 7 had been completed and 4 others were operating as OSBPs using bilateral agreements.
"The seven are Gasenyi/Nemba, Ruhwa, Lunga Lunga/HoroHoro, Holili/Taveta, Isebania/Sirari, Kagitumba/Mirama Hills and Rusumo," Rt Hon. Majaliwa said.
The Prime Minister remarked that intra-EAC Trade was expected to register phenomenal increase in the next few years.
"Trade is now at 23%, over and above intra-African Trade figure of 12%. "There has been a 300% increase in the value of trade from 2 Billion USD in 2005 to 6 Billion USD in 2014," Rt. Hon Majaliwa said.
"These numbers coupled with the combined GDP of 110.3 Billion makes our region a formidable trading bloc", he added.
The Prime Minister stated that the Business community in the region had established a Code of Conduct which he said, would check on corruption. Rt Hon. Majaliwa thus hailed the East African Business Council (EABC) for signing commitments to the ethical business standards to guide collaboration between various stakeholders in promoting trade.
He urged the region to push for total removal of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). "We all admit that we have done well in eliminating tariff related barriers, we must resolve to do away with the remaining ones," Rt Hon. Majaliwa added, citing the examples of removal of various roadblocks in the region.
On Infrastructure, the Prime Minister remarked that Partner States were actively engaged in the Standard Gauge Railway with Republic of Kenya having completed coverage of about 200 km out of 472 km of formation as of September last year.
On the Common Market, the Prime Minister gave an account of achievements realized in the Partner States to date. He remarked that Republic of Burundi now recognizes the academic qualifications, experiences obtained, licenses and certifications obtained for the workers from other EAC Partner States.
The United Republic of Tanzania on its part, has issued a total of 3,222 simplified Certificates of Origin were issued as at June 2015 as compared to 2,355 certificates issued in 2014. In Kenya, the Prime Minister said development of an SMS based NTBs Reporting System to facilitate reporting and subsequent elimination of NTBs had been initiated.
The Republic of Rwanda, the Prime Minister added, had eliminated all Non-Tariff Barriers and further harmonized demographic and social statistics for undertaking agricultural surveys and census. All the initiatives he added, were geared towards enhancing the Common Market Protocol. In Uganda, the value of goods from other Partner States accorded zero-tariff treatment grew by 9% while 360 EAC standards on traded goods had been adopted and were in application.
He however lamented that the region continued to face challenges, citing delay of issuance of electronic Certificate of Origin which were yet to be adopted regionally, and the need to fastrack the completion of the Annex on Mutual Recognition of Academic and Professional Qualifications. The Prime Minister was further categorical that the slow pace of harmonization of national laws into the EAC context hampered implementation of the commitments.
On democracy, peace and security, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister urged the EAC to subscribe to the ideals as tenets for progress.
"I am happy that as I address this House, the region is peaceful, secure and stable," he said. "Let the elections be credible, free and fair which abide and respect the Constitutions", he added.
The Prime Minister lauded the Speaker for EALA's continued role in legislation, oversight and representation and urged the Assembly to double its efforts in sensitization of the publics.
In his welcoming remarks, the Speaker of the EALA, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega remarked that EAC integration process was stronger given the commitment of various stakeholders in the process.
He however urged the EAC to instill quick interventions with regards to the Common Market Protocol. He said there was need to move faster and ensure free movement of persons as well as the rights to residence.
"As politicians we feel the tenets of the Common Market Protocol have not been fully met over the last five years. A sticking area concerns that of free movement of persons and the rights to residence. The East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) and the East African Employers Organisation (EAEO) did petition EALA on the matter, of which was debated and passed by the House", Rt Hon. Kidega said.
The Speaker hailed the United Republic of Tanzania for its commitment to harmonising work and resident permits as well as the necessary fees in line with providing preferential treatment to the citizens of the EAC Partner States. He remarked that the Republics of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda had already abolished work permit fees and introduced inter-state passes and that the move encouraged workers to move freely in search of opportunities.
Rt Hon. Kidega hailed the Summit of the EAC Heads of State for the significant announcements made at the 17th Summit of the EAC Heads of State held last week in Arusha, Tanzania. He welcomed the entry of the Republic of South Sudan to the EAC fold and said EALA looked forward to welcoming the legislators.
The EALA Speaker also lauded the Heads of State for launching the EAC International e-Passport. The e-Passport which replaces national and EAC Passports takes effect in January 2017.
He remarked that Tanzania had continued to realise progress and congratulated the new leadership.
"In the first 100 days of H.E. Dr Magufuli's leadership, the country has realized major transformation. Revenue collection has doubled from Tshs 900 Billion to average of Tshs 1.4 Trillion per month, while you have similarly enhanced efficiency in service delivery in government institutions. Further to this, we are appreciative of the Government's desire and the renewed spirit to tackle and fight corruption head on", Rt Hon. Kidega said.
Speaker of Parliament of Tanzania Rt Hon. Job Ndugai, said the region was looking forward to inclusion of the new Legislators from the Republic of South Sudan and it would enlarge the bloc. He further urged the EALA to be bold as it plays its rightful place in the integration process.
The State of EAC Address is delivered annually to the EALA by the Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State. The State of EAC Address sets the momentum and impetus for the integration process by reflecting on general policies that relate to the Community's progress while outlining the strategic challenges which require attention.
The novelty of the State of EAC Address dates back to the year 2008 when H.E. President Yoweri Museveni made the first inaugural Address to this Assembly in Arusha.
During the two week Sitting, EALA shall debate on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction Bill, 2012, EAC Bill on Persons with Disabilities, 2015 and the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill. The Assembly is also to consider, debate and approve various Reports of Committees of EALA.
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera, has unveiled an EAC Mobile Application whose main aim is to disseminate news, information and reports on a timely basis about the current state of affairs and development in the EAC.
Unveiling the mobile application version 3.2 at the 4th EAC Secretary General's Forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Amb. Sezibera hailed the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform, the architect of the application, for the brilliant innovation.
The Secretary General singled out Otim Brian Joseph, Jacob Eyeru, Leku Dennis and Esemu Herbert from the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform-Uganda Chapter for developing the first-ever EAC mobile application product and making accessible globally.
The Secretary General disclosed that the application, also known as EAC in the Palm, was free, open and easily accessed mobile platform dedicated to easing sharing and disseminating EAC related information as well as tracking reports on development programs in the region. "This will increase information outreach and sensitization on the EAC integration process in real time," said Amb. Sezibera.
At the launch ceremony, Mr. Otim, the Head of the EAC Mobile Application Project at the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform, outlined some of the benefits of the product, which include; prompt information outreach to all citizens of the Community and the rest of the world through individual smartphones thus advancing the "one to one" sensitization efforts of the Community; rebranding EAC on the social global network where information on EAC activities as updated on the website is made available to the public on a real time basis through the application; enhanced people-centred integration motive through the interactive chat module embedded in the application, and; increasing the involvement of citizens to informative capacity building discussions regardless of nationality, age, ethnicity, tribe and religion.
The Head of the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the EAC Headquarters, Mr. Owora Richard Othieno, is excited that the Secretariat has endorsed the application because "the world today has high-tech information dissemination channels to fast-track market and stakeholder interactions. To this end, technological innovations are being adopted at an unprecedented scale and speed, particularly by over-the-top players and this should be no exception for the EAC Secretariat."
Present at the ceremony were; Dr Ramadhan Mwinyi, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Cooperation, Tanzania; Hon. Jesca Eriyo, the Deputy Secretary General (Productive and Social Sectors) at the EAC Secretariat; the German Ambassador to Tanzania and EAC, Amb. Egon Kochanke, and Mr Charles Njoroge, Deputy Secretary General (Political Federation).
The 4th Annual Secretary General's Forum for Private Sector, Civil Society and Other Interest Groups was held from 3rd to 4th March 2016 in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania with participants drawn from the civil society, private sector and members of other interest groups from the Partner States.Addressing the participants during the official closing session on 4th March, 2016, Dr. Ramadhan Mwinyi, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Cooperation, Tanzania noted that the forum was the best practice of how to engage dialoguing parties for the East Africa integration agenda.
"This being the 4th year of consistent dialogue is testament of the commitment of all stakeholders to an all-inclusive sustained engagement in the EAC integration process", said Dr. Mwinyi
The Deputy Permanent Secretary who represented Minister of Foreign Affairs, East Africa, Regional and International Cooperation, Amb. Augustine Philip Mahiga further pledged to the participants that the region will remain very active in responding to the needs of the civil society, private sector and other interest groups.
In his remarks, the EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera challenged the citizens to lead the anti-corruption crusade in East Africa by electing ethical leaders. "Democracy should be about citizens determining their stake in how they want to be governed, empowering citizens to became prosperous and improving the dialogue of what model of countries they want to have", said Dr. Sezibera.
Amb. Sezibera emphasized the need for citizens in East Africa to stop rewarding corrupt and unethical leaders by not re-electing them back to office.
The German Ambassador to Tanzania and EAC, Amb. Egon Kochanke, while giving his remarks commended the EAC Secretariat and regional dialogue partners for having institutionalized the annual event saying the forum would yield positive outcomes for the integration process.
Amb. Kochanke further lauded the fact that out of 76 resolutions emanating from the dialogue over the past three years, more than 20 resolutions had been fully implemented, adding that about 40 resolutions were well on track to implementation. "We are impressed by the rich discussions that transpired throughout the forum and the diversity of citizens representations from all spheres of EAC," said the Ambassador
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sector Hon. Jesca Eriyo noted the private sector's notable progress towards improving governance through the launch of the Code of Conduct for the Private Sector by the EAC Heads of State at their 17th Ordinary Meeting held on 2nd March in Arusha.
On his part Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi of the Asia Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance in his keynote address, challenged African leaders to embrace social justice and democracy by establishing strong electoral independent institutions.
Meanwhile, the EAC Secretary General officially launched the new EAC mobile application which seeks to provide real time news updates and improve access to EAC information through mobile phones.
Also present at the Forum was the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge.
The 5th Annual Secretary General's forum will be held in September 2016.
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) shall hold its sitting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this week. The Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, March 7-18th, 2016.
The Assembly is to be presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega. Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Rt Hon. Kassim Majaliwa will open the Plenary on behalf of the Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, H.E. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli at a Special Sitting on March 8th, 2016, where he will also deliver the State of EAC Address.
Top on the agenda during the two week period is debate on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2012, the EAC Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2015, as well as reports emanating from various Committees following deliberations with key stakeholders in the integration process.
The Objective of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2012 is to provide a legal framework at regional and national level for timely intervention in disaster situations and to protect the people and the natural environment affected by disaster through comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management.
The debate on the Bill was adjourned during the 4th meeting of the 2nd Session in Kampala, Uganda in January 2014, at the request of the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers then cited the need to consult the relevant provisions of the Treaty and to allow for pursuit of the ratification of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security. The said Protocol among other objectives, provides for co-operation in DRR management and crisis response.
Another key Bill is EAC Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2015. The Bill moved by Hon. Dr James Ndahiro seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the rights of persons with disability in the Community in line with Article 120 (C) of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community. The Bill envisages development and adoption of a common approach towards disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including children, the youth, the elderly and persons with disability through rehabilitation and provision of, among others, foster homes, healthcare, education and training.
The Assembly is also expected to debate and pass the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill to anchor the EAC Supplementary Budget for FY 2015/2016.
On its part, the State of EAC Address is delivered annually by the Sitting Chair of the EAC and it reflects on matters of policies related to the Community. The State of EAC Address focuses on matters of general policies relating to the progress that the Community is realising while providing impetus for the Community to pick on. Last week, EAC held the 17th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State during which it admitted the Republic of South Sudan to the EAC fold.
EALA Sittings are held under the principle of rotation in line with Article 55 of the EAC Treaty. EALA held its last Sitting in Arusha on January 24th - February 5th, 2016.
