Members’ oath of allegiance and election of Speaker top the agenda
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: December 15, 2017:
Parliament of Kenya late Thursday elected its nine representatives to the regional Assembly, setting stage for the inauguration of the 4th Assembly on December 18th, 2017, in Arusha, Tanzania. Top on the agenda during the week-long 1st Sitting of the 1st Session of the 4th Assembly, is the swearing-in of Members, election of the Speaker and that of Members to the EALA Commission as well as the constitution of various Committees.
The nine elected nominees to EALA from Kenya are Hon Simon Mbugua, Hon Florence Jematiah, Hon Mpuri Aburi, Hon Aden Noor and Hon Wanjiku Muhia. Other members are Hon Oburu Odinga, Hon Kennedy Kalonzo, Hon Abdikadir Aden and Hon Fatuma Ibrahim.
The 3rd Assembly wound up its tour of duty on June 4th, 2017 and was expected to have commenced on June 5th 2017. However by then, only Parliament of Uganda, Parliament of Tanzania, Parliament of Burundi and Parliament of Tanzania had finalised the processes. The Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan on its part, had to repeat its elections following an application filed at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) by a citizen of the country, Mr Wani Salantino challenging the process. The Parliament revisited the issue and held fresh elections on August 3rd, 2017, before filing the names with EALA.
Parliament of Uganda was the first House to elect Members to the regional Assembly on March 1st, 2017. Their 9 Member team consists of three returning incumbents, Hon Susan Nakawuki, Hon Fred Mukasa Mbidde and Hon Chris Opoka. The new faces to EALA are Hon Rose Akol, Hon Mathias Kasamba, Hon Mary Mugyenyi and Hon Paul Musamali. Others are Hon Dennis Namara, and Hon George Stephen Odongo.
Parliament of Tanzania returned Hon Adam Kimbisa and Hon Maryam Ussi from the 3rd Assembly. The newcomers include Hon Josephine Lemoyan, Hon Happiness Lugiko, Hon Pamela Maassay, Hon Dr Ngwaru J Maghembe, Hon Dr Abdullah Makame, Hon Eng. Habib Mnyaa and Hon Fancy Nkuhi.
Parliament of Rwanda’s list submitted to EALA in May 2017, includes Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Martin Ngoga, Hon Gasinzigwa Oda and Hon Kalinda Francois Xavier, all who previously served in the 3rd Assembly. New faces include Hon Alex Bahati, Hon Fatuma Ndangiza, Hon Rutazana Francine, Hon Barimuyabo Jean Claude and Hon Uwumukiza Francoise.
Parliament of Burundi on their part elected Hon Jean Marie Muhirwa, Hon Leontine Nzeyimana, Hon Ahingejeje Alfred, Hon Burikukiye Marie Claire, Hon Burikukiye Victor, Hon Karerwa Mo-Mamo, Hon Nduwayo Christophe, Hon Rurakamvye Pierre Claver and Hon Nsavyimana Sophie.
South Sudan’s representatives are Hon Dr Ann Itto Leonardo, Hon Gai Deng Nhial Deng, Hon Dr Woda Jaremiah Odok, Hon Gabriel Garang Ahol and Hon Dr Gabriel
Garang Arol. Others are Hon Thomas D Deng, Hon Mukulia Kennedy Ayason, Hon Kim Duop and Hon Gideon Gatpan Thoar.
Meanwhile, preparations for the forthcoming Sitting are at an advanced stage in Arusha with a number of Speakers from the Partner States’ Parliaments expected to grace the occasion.
All Members are expected to be sworn in by the Clerk before election of the Speaker. The new EALA Speaker who takes over from Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega is expected to guide the Assembly over the next five years taking it a notch higher in the integration dispensation.
EALA is an Organ of the East African Community established in 2001 with a mandate of legislation, representation and oversight. It is constituted of nine elected members from each of the Partner States.
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For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 11th December, 2017:
A two-weeks East African Community Armed Forces Command Post Exercise dubbed Ushirikiano Imara 2017 is ongoing at the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces’ Peace Keeping Training Centre in Kunduchi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Command Post Exercise is being held in the context of the East African Community Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs. The Areas of cooperation embedded in the Protocol on four pillars include; military training, joint operations, technical cooperation, and visits and exchange of information.
Addressing the official opening session of the exercise on 7th December, Tanzania’s Minister of Defence and National Service, Hon. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi commended the EAC Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence and the Partner States for implementing some of the provisions of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs.
He also commended the EAC Secretariat and the Partner States for the excellent arrangements put in place to conduct the exercise in Dar es Salaam, saying, “the commitments put in are a testimony of the importance the region puts in the exercise and regional integration agenda”.
The guest of honor urged the participants to exhibit utmost commitment and discipline in order to reap maximum benefit to their respective Partner States and the region as a whole.
Addressing the same occasion, Uganda’s Defence Minister and Chairperson of the EAC Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence, Hon. Adolf Mwesige said the objective of the Command Post Exercise was to enhance the ability of the EAC Partner States’ Defence Forces and other key stakeholders to work together in an operational theatre.
“This Exercise offers a platform on which to evaluate the readiness of the EAC Partner States’ Defence Forces and key stakeholders to respond to complex security challenges. It also avails an opportunity to practice the EAC Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Peace Support Operations, Disaster Management, Counter Terrorism and Counter Piracy operations” noted Uganda’s Minister of Defence.
He noted that the changing security environment in the region and globally calls for regular training that is well coordinated especially where threats do not respect borders.
The Chairperson expressed his gratitude to the Summit of EAC Heads of State and the Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence for excellent leadership and guidance the sector has always received, which has enabled it to achieve so many milestones within a short time.
He appreciated the EAC Defence Forces for the good camaraderie exhibited in preparing for the Exercise, which further strengthens the cause of East African Community unity, common defence, security, peace and development.
On his part, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, who represented the Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, said the Exercise was designed to practice participants from the military, civil police and civilians in the planning and conduct of Peace Support Operations, Disaster Management, Counter Terrorism and Counter Piracy operations with the purpose of enhancing the capabilities of the Partner States’ Defence forces to combat complex security challenges.
He said the Security challenges within the region are addressed through such military exercises that help the Armies build required capabilities. “It must be mentioned here that the EAC Defence Forces have gone beyond exercises and are operating together in several missions such like AMISOM in Somalia,” said the DSG.
The EAC official reiterated that the Military Exercise was being held at a time when the EAC integration process was intensifying on all fronts. “Our Community has strengthened its Customs Union and is now a Single Customs Territory, Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade along our major corridors have come down and Intra EAC trade has grown. Significant progress has been made on the type of Political Federation East Africa will have, which is the Ultimate aim of our Community”.
Mr. Njoroge informed the guests that all Partner States were being represented in the exercise except for the new member, the Republic of South Sudan which sent an apology, was represented by the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Major General Simon Ananias.
Present at the official opening were; Members of the East African Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament of Tanzania; Chiefs of the Defence Forces; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Service Commanders and General Officers; Defence Liaison Officers at the EAC Headquarters; Members of the Defence Forces Contingents of the EAC Partner States, Civil Police and Civilians
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 8th December 2017:
The bar has been raised high! EALA once again proved too good for their opponents. Little credit goes this time around to the Parliament of Burundi who became the first team were able to find the net for a consolation goal, but not before their goalkeeper returned to retrieve the ball from the back of the net seven times!
Star striker, Ibrahim Jamal proved why he is currently the dime in the Parliamentary games, snatching a brace in the competition. The game started on slow pace with the Parliament of Burundi making early foray in EALA’s half. However, the striking duo of Hon Denis Karera and Simon Gakinja was ineffective in front of goal. EALA’s substitute, Emmanuel Diah took the place of midfield dynamo, Wyclif Ketto who was benched today with a slight injury.
Against the run of play, Ahmed Mwapambe beat the defence marshaled by Andre Ndinze, Hon Therance Manirambona and Hon Hon Beded Mbayahaga to draw first blood.’
EALA were up at it again even before Parliament of Burundi could settle. This time, Boniface Ogoti picked a loose ball in the midfield and fed Ibrahim Jamal who tapped past the advancing goalkeeper, Hon Ibrahim Uwizeye. Other goals were scored by Player/coach Khalfan Kingi, and Hon Julius Wandera Maganda.
In men’s volleyball, Kenya beat Uganda 3-0. In the first set, Kenya beat 25 against Uganda’s 11 before repeat 25-09 in the next set. In set three, the victors once again beat Uganda 28-26.
The script was the same in women’s volleyball Kenya similarly beat Uganda 3-0 in sets of (25-12), (25-22) and (25-16).
In netball, the Parliament of Uganda beat EALA 34-23 in an entertaining match. Uganda’s Hon Sarah Babirye netted 22 goals for the victors.
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For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 11th December, 2017:
The 18th edition of the annual EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition themed Buy East African Medium and Small Enterprises’ (MSEs) products to build East Africa, came to an end in Bujumbura, Burundi on Sunday, 10th December, 2017.
The exhibition, which attracted 830 artisans from five Partner States – Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and the host country Burundi – ended with a call by the government of Burundi government to the other EAC Partner States to strongly support the private and informal sector in the bloc.
Speaking during the event’s closing ceremony, Burundi’s Assistant Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Mr. Nkunzumwami Aimable, said there was need to deliberately support the growth of Jua Kali (informal sector) by giving the necessary and enabling policies that are conducive to enhance opportunities and returns on investment in the informal sector.
Mr. Aimable, who was representing the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, challenged the artisans not to wait for another Jua Kali exhibition opportunity in Burundi but to use this opportunity to network and open up stalls in Bujumbura and other parts of the country so that their products can be easily accessed in the country.
“Don’t just sit and wait for the annual exhibitions, venture out and explore opportunities available in all the Partner States”, the governments are ready to support you,” said the Minister to the participants.
He said the prevailing peace and security in Burundi was good for the East African citizens to invest or tour the country.
Addressing the same occasion, the EAC Director of Trade, Alhaj Rashid Kibowa, said the exhibition had offered a very good opportunity for the artisans to enhance competitiveness and increase employment, thereby accelerating the region’s sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty.
He acknowledged the role played by the informal sector in the economies of the Partner States in terms of employment creation and income generation.
Alhaj Kibowa said that the sector contributes to the resilience of the regional economy by promoting industrialization through the utilization of the available raw materials, and as a player in the backward and forward value chain linkages the big manufacturing firms.
Kibowa commended the Partner States and EAC Confederation of Informal Sector Organizations (CISO) for partnering with the Secretariat in organizing the annual exhibitions. He also commended the EAC Steering Committee for the successful preparations of the event.
The Deputy Patron of the CISO, Mr. Keli Kiilu rooted for the institutionalization of the EAC CISO/Jua Kali-Nguvu Kazi week in the Community in order to recognize the critical role the sector plays in the Partner State’s economies but also to dedicate time for CISO /Jua Kali-Nguvu Kazi activities during that period.
Meanwhile several dignitaries visited the EAC exhibition stand during the one –week-long event to learn about the regional integration agenda. Among them was the First Lady Rev. Denise Nkurunziza, who spoke fluent Kiswahili.
Others included the Secretary General of the Government, Hon. Philippe Nzobonariba; Hon. Felix Mpozeriniga, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment; Hon. Dr. Josiane Nijimbere, Minister of Public Health; Mr. Nduati Mwangi, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Industry; several government officials and Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to the Republic of Burundi.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 8th December, 2017:
A delegation from the African Union of the Deaf (AUD) and the Africa Disability Alliance (ADA) on Thursday made a fact-finding tour of the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The purpose of the tour was to sensitize the EAC Secretariat on the mandate of AUD and ADA, in addition to learning familiarization about the EAC’s Social policy and disability legislative frameworks.
This corporate institutions awareness was further intended to enlighten AUD and ADA on the process of the Africa Disability Protocol (ADP) in order to seek support for its ratification.
The AUD Delegation was headed by its President, Hon. Alex Ndeezi, who is also a Ugandan MP, while ADA which is based in South Africa, was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andrew. K. Dube.
Hon. Ndeezi commended the EAC Secretariat and the East African Legislative Assembly for the efforts they have made towards mainstreaming and advocating for issues pertaining to People with Disabilities (PWDs).
Hon. Ndeezi said AUD was looking forward to supporting EAC’s initiatives PWDs at a technical or financial level in the near future and promised further engagements in various fora to push the PWDs mainstreaming agenda both at the regional, continental and international level. Hon. Ndeezi described the EAC as the leading regional bloc in Africa that has implemented a number of advocacy initiatives and policies touching on PWDs.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the EAC Secretary was the Principal Gender and Community Development Officer, Ms. Generose Minani, assured them that the EAC would work closely with them in advocating for the welfare of PWDs.
Ms. Minani disclosed that EAC Partners States have put in place policies to mainstream disability concerns at both the national and regional level.
“The EAC recognizes the need to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in line the provisions of Article 120(c) of the Treaty that calls upon Partner States to co-operate amongst themselves in the field of social welfare with respect to, among others, the development and adoption of a common approach towards disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including children, the youth, the elderly and persons with disabilities through rehabilitation and provision of, among others, foster homes, healthcare, education and training,” she said.
“Other milestones that have been realized within the PWDs docket include the EAC Policy on PWDs which was adopted in March 2012. The policy is a yardstick to inform other policies, programmes and sectoral plans among the EAC Partner States. The EAC policy on PWDs therefore aims at the provision of an enabling environment by Partner States for the empowerment of PWDs to facilitate their effective participation in and their eventual benefit from development initiatives,” added Ms. Minani.
NOTE TO EDITORS
The African Union of the Deaf (AUD) is a continental organization, which was established to serve as an umbrella organization of the Deaf on the African Continent. Deaf African activists who attended the African Disability Consultative Workshop in South Africa in 2003 founded AUD.
AUD works with regional and international organizations like the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), the Africa Disability Forum (ADF) and ADA as cooperating partners to address deafness and disability rights issues continentally and internationally. Through this effective partnership with Continental Disability Peoples Organizations, AUD works with the AU in which it is seeking observer status as well as consultative status within AU appointed bodies and agencies concerned with disability issues.
AUD advocates for the interests of member organizations on the African continent. The first Constitution was approved in Tanzania on 10 May 2014. AUD has been legally registered in Uganda and currently hosted by Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) in Kiwanga-Mukono. Its mission is to strive for equality, empowerment and full participation in society of Deaf people in the continent of Africa.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 8th December 2017:
Parliament of Uganda has one hand on the football trophy. Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Tanzania 2-1 in an evenly contested match to stretch its lead in the table to nine points from three matches and a harvest of twelve goals to match.
Parliament of Tanzania has itself to blame for failing to convert numerous chances that came its way. Ally King and Hon Ridhwani Kikwete among others, missed a number of chances in the early part of the first-half, that could have been converted. At half-time, all teams were at 0-0. On resumption, Parliament of Tanzania returned rejuvenated and Hon Yusuf Gogo beat the defensive trap to shoot past Ssekide Daniel to give Parliament of Tanzania the lead.
The lead was short-lived as midfielder, Hon Alan Sewanyana, beat the Parliament of Tanzania goalkeeper, Bobali Hamidu to equalize. Left winger, Brian Arinaitwe then snatched the victory for the Parliament of Uganda after spadework by Hon Muhammad Nsereko.
In the second match of the day, Parliament of Burundi beat Parliament of Kenya 3-1 in an entertaining encounter. Parliament of Kenya’s Hon Dan Wanyama drew the first blood after a set piece by Hon Ali Mohammed and Rogers Okwiri. Parliament of Burundi responded through Jean Marie Cimpaye who scored a double before Simon Gakinja notched the winner.
In netball, the match between Parliament of Tanzania and Parliament of Uganda ended prematurely with the former leading 13-11.
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For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 8th December, 2017:
A one-day high level National Multi-Stakeholders Advocacy and Sensitization Workshop on strengthening of national pharmaceutical laws and establishment of “autorite nationale de la regulation des medicaments et des aliments (ABREMA)” in the Republic of Burundi was held on 7th December, 2017 at the Panoramique Hotel in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The Minister in the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs, Hon. Isabelle Ndahayo, officiated at the official opening ceremony of the workshop.
Addressing participants who included, among others, Members of Parliament and Permanent Secretaries, the Hon. Minister said that the EAC Partner States had agreed to, among other things, promote the management of health delivery systems and better planning mechanisms to enhance efficiency of health care services within the bloc; develop a common drug policy which would include establishing quality control capacities and good procurement practices; and harmonize drug registration procedures so as to achieve good control of pharmaceutical standards without impeding or obstructing the movement of pharmaceutical products within the Community.
The Minister commended the EAC Secretariat under the leadership of Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko for keenly following up with Partner States to ensure they implemented the directives and decisions of the Council of Ministers.
In his remarks, Amb. Mfumukeko noted that there were some directives and decisions of the EAC Council of Ministers with regard to fast-tracking regional cooperation and integration in the health sector among the Partner States and Burundi was still lagging behind hence the need for the Secretariat to come to Bujumbura to discuss with high level national stakeholders on the way forward.
He said since the year 2008, the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the other EAC Partner States and the World Health Organization (WHO) had been making efforts to involve and build the capacity of the Republic of Burundi in the harmonization and strengthening the environment for the regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical products and various health technologies, adding that the outputs of these efforts had been minimal due to various technical and governance issues.
Amb Mfumukeko reiterated that the EAC Council of Ministers had recommended and urged all Partner States to review, update, strengthen and harmonize their respective national policies, laws, regulations, strategies, guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the pharmaceutical sector in each Country.
Specifically, the Council of Ministers had urged each Partner State to enact and implement strong National Pharmaceutical Laws through their respective National Parliaments and also to consider and establish strong semi-autonomous National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) in order to promote public health and safety as well as facilitate cross-border trade in medicines, health technologies and other medical products, including enhancing local pharmaceutical manufacturing under the EAC Common Market Protocol.
The Secretary General said that it was regrettable that whereas all the other EAC Partner States had complied and implemented these decisions, Burundi was still lagging behind hence denying the country the benefits of the harmonized EAC Regional Guidelines and Standards for Medicines Evaluation and Registration, Good Manufacturing Practices, Quality Management Systems and Information Management Systems as well the Mutual Reciprocal Recognition and Technical Cooperation with other Partner States and the international medicines regulatory bodies and agencies.
The Secretary General urged the Republic of Burundi to fast-track the enactment and implementation of the Burundi National Pharmaceuticals Regulation Law that is currently before the Parliament of Burundi and also consider and build consensus on the need to establish and fully operationalize the ABREMA as a public autonomous or semi-autonomous body and legally designated to oversee effective regulation of food and medicinal products in Burundi in accordance to the regional and international best practices.
The Secretary General also urged the Government of Burundi to implement some of the pending previous decisions of the EAC Council of Ministers with regard to the strengthening and expanding the governance and regulation of health professionals and the regulation of health services delivery in the country through the establishment of the following semi-autonomous bodies or institutions to handle their respective mandates as happens in the other EAC Partner States and internationally, namely:
i) Establishment of the “Burundi National Health Professions Authority (BNHPA” – Using the model from the Republic of Zimbabwe as agreed by all EAC Countries through the EAC Council of Ministers decisions;
ii) Strengthening of the existing “Burundi Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Council” through legal reforms and provision of offices, infrastructure, equipment, secretariat staff and adequate funds;
iii) Establishment of the “Burundi National Nursing and Midwifery Council”;
iv) Establishment of the “Burundi National Pharmacy Council”;
v) Establishment of the “Burundi National Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technologists and Technicians Board”; and
vi) Establishment of the “Burundi National Allied Health Professionals Council”.
Prior to the high-level meeting, Amb. Mfumukeko led an EAC delegation to meet and engage with the 2nd Vice President of the National Assembly, Ms. Jocky Chantal Nkurunziza and Members of the Social Affairs Committee of Parliament of Burundi on 6th December, 2017 to discuss the establishment of the ABREMA and the enactment of the Pharmaceutical Law.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 7th December 2017:
The First Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, H. E. Gaston Sindimwo today graced the official opening ceremony of the 18th EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition taking place at the Jardin Public in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The 18th edition of the annual EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition themed Buy East African Medium and Small Enterprises’ (MSEs) products to build East Africa has attracted over 800 artisans from five EAC Partner States (Uganda, Kenya, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of South Sudan and the host country Burundi).
Addressing government Ministers, EAC Ambassadors accredited to Burundi, officials and artisans present, on behalf of His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, the First Vice President said the 18thJua Kali exhibition came at a time when the Republic of Burundi was consolidating peace and stability, and the population of Burundi including the Jua Kali artisans were proudly going about their daily activities without fear of their security or any hindrance.
“There is now peace in each corner of the country and our Government is striving for the edification of a stable, modern and unified country”, affirmed H.E Sindimwo, adding that, “let your presence here bear witness of the peace prevailing in Burundi”.
“The country and its people are ready to move forward and we are inviting the East Africans and the international community to come and live or invest in our country, your security and investments are guaranteed by the government, so feel free to come to Burundi and explore opportunities,” declared the First Vice President.
“We feel that the East African leaders have to ensure that our integration agenda is strongly erected on peace building, which is a prerequisite that unifies all of us in the edification of a strong East African Community”.
The First Vice President noted that one of the biggest challenges to growth of the Micro and Small Enterprises and industries in EAC was lack of an elaborate and clear supportive policy framework in all the Partner States meant to, among others, create MSEs Authority or Ministries that will oversee the development and promotion of small businesses, as promoting indigenous business growth in the EAC region was an urgent matter.
Addressing the same occasion, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said hosting and providing a lot of support to this year’s Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition in Bujumbura was a true demonstration and commitment by the Republic of Burundi to the EAC integration agenda.
He disclosed that EAC had made Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi a priority in its successive Development Strategies specifically to promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector in recognition of the role they play within the economies of the Partner States in regard to employment creation and income generation.
The Secretary General informed his audience that the Community was continuing to make substantial inroads in the regional integration process for example implementation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) had recorded reduction in the times taken to clear goods at the ports of entry into the region and also movement of cargo within the bloc. The Single Customs Territory had eliminated multiple clearances at internal borders and this improved situation were presenting an opportunity for SMEs to take advantage of the duty free market in EAC and also create competition from cheaper imported products.
Amb. Mfumukeko also disclosed that the Community intends to rebrand and repackage the Jua Kali Nguvu Kazi through an online platform in order to create continuous connectivity between the members.
“This will create an online network of SMEs and consumers, which will improve the markets of their products and also open up our SMEs to foreign markets and innovations”. The programme will later expand to include critical areas of financing, standards and capacity building. We will start with this exhibition by developing an online catalogue of exhibitors and their products so that there is exchange of information through a dedicated portal at regional level”, disclosed Amb. Mfumukeko
The Secretary General commended the Partner States, Confederation of Informal sector Organization, Regional and National Steering Committees, and the EAC Secretariat staff for the successful organization of the event.
Present at the official opening ceremony were, among others, Honourable Ministers of Trade and that of the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs; the EAC Deputy Secretary General for Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Mlote; the Director General of EAC Customs and Trade Directorate, Mr Kenneth Bagamuhunda; Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the EAC; Permanent Secretaries; Chairperson and members of the East African Confederation of Informal Sector Organization (EACISO); and Representatives from various institutions
In order to support promotion of the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi sector of the regional economy, the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the Partner States and Confederation of Informal Sector Organization East Africa (CISO-EA) has organized the annual exhibitions since 1999. The exhibitions have proved to be strategic avenues for promoting the sector’s products, transfer of technologies, and promotion of the regional integration process.
This morning the Facilitator to the Inter-Burundi Dialogue H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, adjourned the 4th Session of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue after twelve days of interactions. He thanked the participants for their dedication in trying to find a solution to the Burundi Political problem.
This session was convened in order to allow the participants to engage each other and agree on issues of common interest for the welfare of all the Barundi. The Facilitator noted that throughout the session the concerned parties remained rigid in their positions and therefore failed to realize the expectations of the millions of the Barundi at home at as well as many other well wishers who eagerly waited for a positive outcome from the session.
The Facilitator informed the participants that he would report to the Mediator, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Chairperson of the East African Community Heads of State Summit on his assessment of the Session, on areas of convergence and divergence. The Facilitator will then seek the guidance of the Mediator on the way forward.
The Facilitator reiterated his call to all the participants to continue to denounce all forms of violence and hate speech. He reminded the participants that despite the divergent views they have expressed they should continue to embrace each other as brothers and sisters and work towards sustainable peace and development of their country.
8th December 2017, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania.
The East African Community (EAC) has adopted its Energy Security Policy Framework seeking to ensure the security of the region’s biomass, electricity, and oil and gas supplies.
According to Mr. Elsam Byempaka Turyahabwe, Energy Expert at the EAC, Partner States are implementing a number Energy projects to address the low access to modern energy services in the region. However, energy security is a major challenge in the EAC and globally.
“This EAC Energy Security Framework aims to provide regional guidance to Partner States in the management and mitigation of the challenge” said . Mr. Turyahabwe. “We also anticipate that greater effort will be made at pursuing regional solutions to parts of the security of supply challenges in the biomass, electricity and oil and gas sub-sectors”.
Mr. Yohannes Hailu, Energy Economist at UN Economic Commission for Africa, confirmed that this framework would address pertinent energy security issues still prevailing in the EAC region, if implemented by all the Partner States.
“Deforestation, rising wood and charcoal prices, devoting large share of our national budget towards the importation of oil and gas, electricity affordability and reliability, among others, are all signals that we needed to look at energy security and come up with a framework that enables us to address and prevent the security challenges” said Hailu.
The Sectorial Council on Energy of the EAC adopted this framework early this month in Arusha, after being signed by the six-member states (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda).
Recognizing energy as pivotal to their transformational agenda, the ECA partner States have set ambitious development plans prioritizing the energy sector.
ECA, through its office for Eastern Africa, collaborated with EAC in the development of the framework.
Mr. Hailu stated that East African countries have been depending nearly exclusively on imported refined petroleum, and with new discoveries of oil and gas reserves in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, a regional framework on energy security management is timely.
“Disruption in the supply of imported energy, particularly hydrocarbons, and/or sharp swings in their price, would cause macroeconomic impacts that could undermine the momentum of economic development taking place in East Africa”, highlighted Hailu.
Mr. Hailu explained that energy security is a component of economic stability because the lack of it hampers the proper functioning of socioeconomic systems and undermines economic activities, particularly in energy-intensive industries.
The EAC becomes the first regional economic community to adopt an Energy Security Policy Framework in Africa.
- ENDS -
Issued by: Office for Eastern Africa Economic Commission for Africa
