10th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2016 enters day 2 in Kigali, Rwanda

Written on 10 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

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10th EAC Military and Cultural Event 2016 ongoing in Kigali, Rwanda

Written on 09 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

The Armed Forces of the EAC Partner States (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda) are staging the 10th Edition of the EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2016 from 5th August to 18th August 2016 at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

Officiating at the official opening of the event on 8th August 2016, the Hon. Minister of Defence of the Republic of Rwanda, General James Kabarebe said it was an honour for Rwanda to host the event, which is another milestone in attaining a common vision for the region. General Kabarebe commended the Defence Forces of the Partner States for keeping alive the vision of the forefathers of the Community.

At the same occasion, the EAC Deputy Secretary General (Political Federation), Mr. Charles Njoroge, on behalf of Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the Secretary General of the East African Community said the Military Games and Culture Event was being organized within the framework of EAC Co-operation in Defence in accordance with Article 125 of the Treaty which included among others cultural exchanges and sports competitions to enhance co-operation and spirit of comradeship amongst Armed Forces of the EAC.

He informed the well-attended official opening ceremony of the Games that the implementation of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defense Affairs had been one of the most successful and exemplary programmes in the EAC integration process.

“We at the EAC Secretariat consider this to be a significant achievement and indicator of the good progress we are making in pushing the Integration agenda forward”, noted the DSG. He hailed the Chiefs of the EAC Partner States Defence Forces for their dedication and for the big strides made towards the realization of the aspirations of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs and specifically for the elaborate programme they have put in place towards confidence building and solidarity of EAC Armed Forces.

The EAC official reiterated that peace and security were the prerequisites for social and economic development and with the rising security challenges world over, there was need to build strong Armed Forces within the EAC that can work together to face both the internal and external challenges to the development and progress of the Community.

“East Africans continue to look upon the Military to show the way forward especially towards the promotion of peace and solidarity and we must never fail them”, affirmed Mr. Njoroge.

Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Patrick Nyamvumba welcomed the various contingents from the Partner States and reiterated Rwanda commitment to the regional integration process and the games and cultural events in particular.

The Deputy Chief of Uganda Peoples Defence Force, Lt. General Charles Angina is leading the Uganda contingent, Major General Issa Suleiman Nassor is heading the Tanzanian contingent, while Lt. General Joseph Kasaon, the Vice Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces is leading his country’s contingent.

More than 400 men and women in uniform are participating in the following Sporting Disciplines; Football (Men), Basketball (Men), Netball (Women), Handball (Men), Cross Country (Women), and Cross Country (Men).

The President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Bernard Makuza officiated the opening footbal match in which the defending champion Rwanda lost to Kenya 1-0.

EALA Speaker visits Kigali, meets President of Senate

Written on 09 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega yesterday met with the President of the Senate of Rwanda, H.E. Bernard Makuza at his Chambers in Kigali, Rwanda.

The two leaders underscored the need for peace and security in the region terming it a necessity for the EAC to realise its objectives. Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega urged the Summit of the EAC Heads of State to move with speed, firmly resolve and put to end the insecurities in Burundi as well as in the Republic of South Sudan, recently admitted into the bloc.

He said the regional Assembly was supportive of the on-going dialogue framework under former President, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa but added that it was vital for all parties to be fully involved and engaged in the process.

The Speaker added that EALA would before end of its tenure in June 2017 undertake a regional study on genocide ideology and hate speech. The Assembly according to Rt Hon Kidega is to establish a Select Committee to carry out the study, commissioned following a series of resolutions by the Assembly condemning genocide, its ideology and denial.

The Resolution on the study, moved by Hon AbuBakr Ogle, urged the EALA Commission, to establish a seven-member team which will, among others, look at the security ramifications of genocide ideology and attempts to deny or minimise its scale and severity.

Rt Hon Kidega further remarked that EALA would scale up on its sensitization and outreach program in the region saying citizens stood to benefit immensely.

“EALA held holding successful outreach engagements with stakeholders in April and June 2016, in Rwanda and in all the Partner States and this is an area we shall enhance in the future” he said.

The EALA Speaker also seized the opportunity to brief his counterpart, Rt Hon Bernard Makuza on the Assembly’s progress.

On his part, Rt Hon Bernard Makuza hailed EALA for taking its rightful place in strengthening the integration process. He maintained that decorum was key in all democratic Parliamentary institutions as a way of accommodating diverse views and opinions.

The President of Senate urged EALA to take sensitisation of citizens a notch higher saying many citizens were yet to fully appreciate the accrued benefits of integration.

Rt Hon Makuza added his voice to finding sustainable mechanisms for Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to address the often funding constraints.

Responding to the media on claims that Burundi had barred trading of commodities along its borders with Rwanda, Rt Hon Kidega said the Assembly would investigate on the issue in order to ascertain the facts.

“The Communications Trade and Investment Committee shall ascertain the facts, however, it is important to add that the region is implementing the Customs Union and the Common Market and it would be counterproductive for Partner States to deprive citizens of the associated benefits”, Rt Hon Kidega remarked.

EAC Secretariat kick-starts assessment of supply capacities for textiles, apparels and leather products in the region

Written on 08 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

The East African Community Secretariat has kick-started assessment of supply capacities for textiles, apparels and leather products in the region to facilitate planning for the phasing-out of the second hand leather and apparels products in line with the Directive of the 17th EAC Heads of State Summit, with the visit by the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo to A to Z Textile Mills Limited located in Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday 5th August 2016.

The Deputy Secretary General was accompanied by key officials under her docket namely; the Director of Productive Sectors, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana; the Principal Industrial Economist, Mr. George Ndira; the Principal Agricultural Economist, Mr. Moses Marwa; the Senior Export Promotion Officer, Ms. Emmanuella Hakizimana; EAC-UNIDO Programme Coordinator, Mr. Johansein Rutaihwa; the EAC Consultant undertaking the study on Textiles and Leather Value Chains, Dr. Onesmo Shuma.

The EAC delegation met and held talks with the CEO of A to Z Textile Mills Limited, Mr. Anuj Shah, who was accompanied by Dr. Johnson Ouma Odera, the Director for Africa Technical Research Centre and other Directors and senior staff.

The EAC and A to Z Textile Mills Teams discussed extensively and toured the company facilities to assess capacity, quality and variety of products available that could be locally produced as per the Summit directive. Hon. Jesca Eriyo noted that as EAC plans to phase-out second-hand clothes/shoes (SHCs), it was crucial to engage the industry players to seek their opinion on the most effective strategies to do it while ensuring steady availability of apparels and leather products to meet the demand for the region. "It is equally important to gauge the level of preparedness by the industry to respond to the expected ban and what the industry may need in terms of support measures/incentives to expand investment in order to meet the demand for these products", affirmed the EAC official.

The Secretariat plans to undertake a similar visit to a Leather Tannery in Moshi, as well as to the other EAC Partner States.

African Speakers lobby for stronger continental Assembly - want AU Member States to ratify Malabo Protocol

Written on 05 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

The 8th Annual Conference of Speakers has opened in Midrand, South Africa. In attendance at the two-day Conference whose theme is from “Adoption of the African Union Treaties in particular the new Protocol of the PAP” are over 30 Speakers from the National Assemblies and Regional Parliaments in the continent.

The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Rt Hon Bethel Pakalita Mosisili opened the two-day conference.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of ratifying the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament that empowers the continental Assembly to execute its mandate to accord credence to the AU Policies and programmes.

“African States are urged to sign and ratify the Malabo Protocol. In addition, a balance of legislative powers must be struck between the National Parliaments and the Continental Assembly (PAP) to ensure acceptability as we move towards continental free trade area and continental integration” the Premier said.

The Prime Minister called for popular participation and engagement of citizens in the processes.

“It is absolutely critical that we carry our people along. It cannot and must not be a leaders’ or a Governments’ issue alone. Our people must fully comprehend, accept and own the process. The need for concerted education on the matter cannot be overemphasized. This is so as to avoid a repeat of what happened in Europe – Brexit”, he added.

EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega re-affirmed the need for African Governments to speed up the ratification process of the revised Protocol of the Pan African Parliament. The Protocol among other things, aims at giving PAP opportunity to develop model laws and elections of Members through universal suffrage once the electoral code is in place.

Making key note remarks while presenting a paper entitled; “Plan of Action for PAP to achieve Legislative Powers, Rt Hon Kidega said legislation was a key function of any legislature and called for the harmonious balancing of power and interaction between the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary.

“I am informed that 10 countries have already signed the amended Protocol, three have ratified, with only two depositing the Instrument”, Speaker Kidega said.

“It is important to state that Africa is at a crucial time in its development and thus strengthening of AU institutions such as PAP, will improve integration of the continent”, he added.

Rt Hon Kidega further remarked that integration was only bound to proceed if it is people-centred.

“For any results to be tangible, felt and seen, it must be people-centred. It is recognised that one of the causes of the collapse of the first EAC (1967-77), was the low level of involvement of stakeholders in their activities. This is why the new arrangement emphasises popular participation of all stakeholders”, he said.

The EALA Speaker cited the need for adequate research, strengthening of Committees and advocacy to enhance the uptake of model laws as fundamental in leveraging the PAP.

The Heads of State and Governments of the African Union adopted the amended Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament on June 27th, 2014 at its Twenty-Third Ordinary Session held in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. According to the Resolution, the amended Protocol requires 28 ratifications from AU Member States for it to come into force.

President of the PAP, H.E. Roger Nkodo Dang remarked that it was necessary for the Continent to ratify all legal instruments as an act of faith for the African Union and enable Africa Union to be on stead with regards to realising

Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

Prof Vincent O, Nmehielle, Legal Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs at the African Union Commission, said a stronger PAP would promote the principles of human rights, good governance and accountability in individual Member States, which in turn sets a tone for peace and stability.

He reiterated that there is need to identify the challenges or limitations faced by States in the ratification processes.

Some of the Regional Speakers in attendance include Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga and the President of the Burundi Senate, Rt. Hon Reverien Ndikuriyo as well as Members of the PAP representing the Republics of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.

In December 2015, EALA passed a Resolution urging EAC Partner States to speedily ratify the Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan African Parliament. The Resolution further called on PAP to fast track the election of its Members by universal adult suffrage once it becomes a fully legislature to further consolidate the aspirations of Africans for greater unity, solidarity and cohesion in a larger community in light of the rich African diversity.

EAC and Aga Khan University explore areas of cooperation

Written on 05 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko today received a delegation from the Aga Khan University led by Mr. Al-Karim Haji, the Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

The AKU Vice President was accompanied by Mr. Amin Kurji, the Resident Representative for the Aga Khan Development Network for Tanzania and the EAC; Prof. Sharon Brownie, the Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University; and Mr. Neil Bailey, the Senior Manager, Multilateral and Bilateral Relations.

The Secretary General was accompanied by his Deputy in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo and other senior officials from the Secretariat.

The Vice President of AKU conveyed His Highness the Aga Khan's congratulatory message to Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko upon his appointment as the Secretary General of the East African Community. His Highness assured the Secretary General of his and AKDN's continued collaboration and support and wished him successful tenure.

The Secretary General and his guests explored how to enhance collaboration between AKU and EAC in the areas of Nursing and Midwifery, as well as Media and Communications. The EAC and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) have built a strong collaboration over the years. The AKDN is viewed by the EAC as playing a meaningful role in the social and economic development within the bloc.

AKU as part of AKDN, has had strong support from the EAC Secretariat, which led to two grants from the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ/KfW) being channelled to AKU via the EAC for Nursing and Midwifery and Media & Communications studies.

EA Defence Forces to hold 10th edition of Military Games and Cultural event in Kigali, Rwanda

Written on 03 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

The Defence Forces of the EAC Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania) will hold the 10th Edition of the East African Military Games and Cultural Event from 5th to 18th August 2016 at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

The event, themed One People, One Destiny through EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2016, will involve over 500 participants representing the various services of the Defence Forces of the EAC Partner States.

The games will involve the disciplines of Athletics (Cross-country Race), Boxing, Football, Netball and Handball. The event is expected to have high profile participation intended not only to popularize it but also to raise the sporting competitive levels thereby contributing to the highest standards within the East African region commensurate with international standards.

Commenting ahead of the games, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko noted that the EAC Military Games and Cultural activities have great significance beyond building confidence among the Defence Forces of the Partner States. “It bears a great symbolic significance having regard to the broader goals and vision of a competitive, prosperous and united East Africa", adding that “when our common citizens watch these Events and perceive that our Defence Forces are working together and engage in friendly activities that project mutual trust and confidence, they inevitably garner higher levels of confidence in the East African Community project at both economic and political dimensions".

The Partner States are holding the annual Games and Cultural Event within the framework of the East African Community Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Matters which has specific provisions for Sports and Cultural cooperation as well as Joint Military Exercises, among other joint activities intended to build confidence and esprit de corps among the Defence Forces.

In light of the success which has been registered over the last 9 Editions of the Games, the EAC Secretariat is desirous to have the profile of the EAC Military Games and Cultural Event raised from being a local event to being an internationally recognized event by World bodies governing Military Sports namely; International Military Sports Council (CISM) and The Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA).

Brazil seeks closer ties with East Africa

Written on 02 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

Brazil has expressed willingness in promoting stronger ties with the East African Community especially in the areas of trade, investments and diplomacy.

Brazil's Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, His Excellency Carlos Alfonso Iglesias Puente, said that the Brazilian business community already has a significant presence in Tanzania and Kenya especially in construction, energy and solid waste management sectors.

Amb. Puente said that Brazil attaches great importance to regional integration initiatives across the globe, adding that his country was keen on strengthening its relations with the EAC and other regional economic communities (RECs) in Africa.

He hailed the EAC as one of the fastest growing RECs in the world and said Brazil and the Southern American Common Market (MERCOSUR) of which Brazil is a member had a lot to learn from the EAC. The envoy said that regional integration processes benefit both small and big economies saying there were parallels noting that this was the case in both MERCOSUR and the EAC.

He disclosed that MERCOSUR was still trying to actualize its Customs Union before venturing into the Common Market, adding that it was a great achievement for the EAC to have put in place a Customs Union and Common Market.

Amb. Puente urged the European Union and North America to allow greater access by developing countries into their agriculture produce markets saying that agriculture is where third world countries excel.

He said that the New Development Bank (formerly BRICS Development Bank) of which Brazil is a shareholder alongside Russia, India, China and South Africa would primarily focus on lending to infrastructure projects in addition to promoting trade. The bank will have a regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa with the headquarters being in Shanghai, China.

Amb. Puente was speaking when he presented his credentials to the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko today at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

In his remarks, Amb. Mfumukeko said that the EAC had close working relationships with other RECs in Africa which are all geared towards promoting the African Union's vision of an African Economic Community.

He informed the Brazilian Ambassador that the EAC had already made a lot of progress in the implementation of the Customs Union and Common Market.

"We are currently implementing the East African Monetary Union Protocol by putting in place the capital markets infrastructure, connecting our Central Banks, undertaking capacity building programmes and setting up the relevant institutions to make the monetary union a reality. We expect to have a single currency by the year 2024," said the Secretary General.

Amb. Mfumukeko further disclosed that the EAC Secretariat would spearhead the drafting of a Constitution for a Confederation which was the model for a Political Federation that had been adopted by the Heads of State Summit.

Acquaint selves of integration process, take advantage of benefits accrued under EAC - Speaker tells youth

Written on 01 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega is urging EAC youth to apprise themselves of the integration story, rally behind the process – and to take full advantage of the benefits it accrues.

This morning, the Speaker flagged off the 1st EAC Bicycle expedition dubbed the “Tour d’EAC” where he further urged youth to take up ownership and to participate as drivers of the integration process – saying it must be people-centred.

Joining the Speaker at the ceremony was the Minister for State without Portfoliio and the Chairman of the East African Bicycle Tour 2016 Organising Committee, AlHajj Abdul Naduli. Beginning August 1, 2016, and over 30 days, the team of fifteen shall cycle from Kampala, Uganda to the rest of the Partner States and back and in so doing, cover close to 3000 kilometres.

“I am delighted to note the cyclists shall meet East Africans of all walks of life as they traverse through Jinja, Busia, Kisumu, Mai Mahiu and Nairobi, before descending to Kajiado, Namanga and Arusha. While in Tanzania, they will turn west of the hinterland towards Singida, Kahama, Ngozi and make their way into Bujumbura. The next leg will see the cyclists pedal north towards Butare and traverse through Kigali, Mbarara and into Masaka, before they make the grand entry into Kampala” Speaker Kidega said.

The initiative by Campfire Logs Guild to ride around the region, is expected not only to benefit the individuals doing it, but the region at large as well.

In his remarks, Hon Al Hajj Abdul Naduli, the Minister for State without Portfolio and Chairman of the East African Bicycle Tour (EABT), lauded the youth for the decision to tour the region to create awareness.

“I hail the astute 15 young men and women who have decided to ride bikes across the Partner States not for any intentions than enhancing and empowering the unity of the people of East Africa, he said.

“Indeed, it is patriotism of a kind that shall accelerate more steady social security and economic development of East Africa,” the Minister added.

According to the Director of the Campfire Logs Guild, John Phyton Balongo, the cyclists will bond with locals and create awareness for the integration of East African Partner States, engage in activities that will help emphasize and support the theme; Enhancing the EAC. Mr Balongo says the cyclists will also discuss and interact with different communities about the benefits of regional integration as they ride through EAC.

The cyclists hope to make the tour an annual event.

“We chose peddling because we know it does not only provide an opportunity for people to rude together and experience the route or sight, but it is a powerful way to build a sense of Community and strengthen sociable networks within the EAC”, Balongo said.

The cyclists are expected to cross the Uganda-Kenya border at Busia in the next two days and venture into Nairobi on August 6th before arriving in Arusha on August 10th, 2016.

Hon Margaret Zziwa and her Witnesses give evidence in Court in Case of her removal from the office of EALA Speaker

Written on 01 August 2016. Posted in Press Release

The First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice commenced a four days hearing of oral evidence in Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa's case against the Secretary General of the East African Community. Hon. Zziwa alleges the process of her removal from the Office of East African Legislative Assembly Speaker was illegal and an infringement of Articles 53 and 56 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC. Hon. Zziwa was the then elected Speaker of the EALA in 2014 but after her impeachment on 19th December 2014, the Assembly elected Hon. Daniel Kidega as the new Speaker of EALA.

The Clerk of EALA, Mr. Kenneth Madete, appeared in Court pursuant to a court order issued on 6th May 2015 following the Applicant's Application to summon him to produce documents in his custody under Rule 56 of the East African Court of Justice which provides for witness summons for witness to give evidence or produce documents. The Court stated that it was clear that, the Clerk had been called to produce documents only for the record of the Court and not give his opinion or any matters before the Assembly.

Mr. Madete during cross examination by the Applicant's and the Respondent's Lawyers, confirmed the documents he had produced in Court were the ones he had been summoned to produce and included the motion for the resolution to remove the Speaker, the report of the Committee on Legal rule and privileges and the hansards of EALA during the proceedings for the removal of Hon. Zziwa.

Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa (the Applicant) appeared in Court to give evidence on her impeachment from the Speakership of EALA, which she alleges was illegal and an infringement of Articles 53 and 56 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

During examination-in-chief by her Lawyer, Mr. Jet Tumwebaze, Hon. Zziwa in her evidence said that she has been a Member of Parliament of EALA since 2006 and was re-elected in 2014.

Responding to what caused her impeachment, on. Zziwa stated that the allegations against her included; poor governance and leadership skills, poor time management and laissez faire attitude towards the Assembly responsibilities, the issue of the Speaker being paid house to enable her reside in Arusha but she hardly stays in Arusha, abuse of office such as involving members of her family in office matters, family intervention in the affairs of the Assembly including her husband disruption and being disrespectful to Members of the Assembly, misallocation of resources earmarked for the Assembly plenary to other matters of personal interest such as Global Parliamentary on Habitat (GPH) that utilized the days programmed for the Assembly, not attending the Assembly meetings where she was invited, practicing nepotism, disrespect and intimidation of members of Staff, using media to character assassinate members of the Assembly, being disrespectful to Members of the Parliament, refusal of advise, loss of confidence and trust etc. She said that once she served with the motion of removal she responded to the Members these allegations against her and denied all of them. She also attempted to settle the issue diplomatically including seeking the intervention of the Heads of States in the EAC but her efforts did not succeed.

Hon. Zziwa also said that on 9th May 2014 the East African Court of Justice gave an interim order in the Application by EALA MP, Hon. Fred Mbidde Mukasa in relation to interpretation of Rule 53 of the EALA rules of procedure and that the Court gave a ruling on 29th May 2014 that EALA has its rules of procedure and allowed EALA to use them in the removal proceedings. She also mentioned that on 3rd June 2014, there was a long debate in the Assembly about the motion on the removal of the Speaker which the Members were debating whether it should be tabled or not because the signatures had been removed and the motion was not tabled. That she explained that the Members of the United Republic of Tanzania had withdrawn their signatures and she did not have a new motion with the required signatures and the motion was therefore out of time.

Hon. Zziwa added that according to Rule 9 (2) of EALA rules of procedure on the removal of the Speaker, a motion for the removal of the Speaker shall be signed by at least four members from each Partner State and submitted to the Clerk of the Assembly. She also said that Rule 9 94) provides that the Motion shall be tabled in the Assembly within seven days of its receipt by the Clerk and, the house shall refer the motion to the legal rules and privileges Committee to investigate and the report of its findings would be tabled before the Assembly for debate. That the Clerk received the notice on 26th March 2014 and received the motion on 27th March 2014 and it was brought to the Assembly on 1st June 2014 which she claims was out of time.

Hon. Zziwa also said that she received a suspension letter stopping her from exercising functions of the Speaker, signed by thirty two members of the Assembly yet there was no motion to lead to such decision and that she replied to the Clerk of the Assembly objecting to suspension letter explaining that Rule 9 (6) which provides powers to remove the speaker was not complied, but instead, In January 2015 Hon. Zziwa received a letter informing her that she was removed from office of the Speaker of EALA.

Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa closed her evidence by telling the Court that since she was illegally removed from office, she was seeking Court seeking reinstatement and because of the intimidations she went through, she also sought damages in terms of salary, legal costs and compensation as she suffered reputation damage. In total she sought two million dollars (US$2,000,000) in addition to reinstatement.

Hon. Mumbi Ng'aru, EALA Member, gave evidence to the effect that she was very active in resolving the conflict of the illegal removal of Hon. Zziwa and that she attempted to resolve it through the EALA women caucus but the conflict never ended. She added that the allegations against Zziwa were not true and when they met H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to discuss the same issue nothing came out of it. Hon. Mumbi also told the Court that while they were in Nairobi for an EALA sitting, she was never informed of the meeting and the house sat and removed the Speaker in her absence. She therefore concluded her evidence by pleading to Court to assist EALA so that such illegality should never happen in future.

The Applicant only had one witness to call apart from herself as the other three were not available due to different reasons as some were not in Arusha, including Hon. Suzan Nakawuki who had requested to give her evidence through video conferencing, but the Court could not allow because of short notice and the Court did not have time go through a standard test to guarantee integrity of the place where she was to give her evidence from.

The hearing of the oral evidence continued for the witnesses of the Respondent (Secretary General).

The matter came before a full bench of five Hon. Judges of the First Instance Division composed of Honourable Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi (Principal Judge), Justice Isaac Lenaola (Deputy Principal Judge), Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, Justice Fakihi A . Jundu and Justice Audace Ngiye in open Court.