Debate on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill 2013 shall now be prioritised during the next Plenary in March 2016. The move follows the adjournment of debate on the Bill occasioned by a Motion moved yesterday by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Susan A. Kolimba. The Motion however sailed through after further amendment tabled by Chair of the Regional Affairs and Resolution Committee, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi.
Moving the substantive motion, the Chair of Council of Ministers indicated that more time was necessary to conclude consultations on the Bill vis-a-vis the relevant provisions of the EAC Treaty and the Protocol on Peace and Security and requested the House for debate to be pushed until August 2016.
“Clearly, the nature of the Bill needs handling at a technical level by the relevant Sectoral Councils under the guidance of the Sectoral Council on Environment and Natural Resources, which is yet to conclude its policy input on this matter”, the Chair of Council said.
“Since 2013, consultations have been going on relating to the Bill. The 2nd Extraordinary Sectoral Council on Environment and Natural Resources held on 12th March 2015 considered the Bill and directed the EAC Secretariat to a technical paper on an appropriate institutional arrangement for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management by April 2015 and share the technical paper with Partner States for comments”, Hon. Dr Kolimba said.
“Furthermore, the Council directed Partner States to submit their comments on the technical paper on an appropriate institutional arrangement on EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management by 15th May 2015,” the Minister added.
She noted that the Council of Ministers would be ready to bring its input into the Bill in August 2016.
However, majority of Members while opposing the Motion cited the urgent need to dispose off with the Bill, stating, that disasters did not wait for time.
“We must be seen to be addressing the plight of the people and urgently so”, Hon. Mike Sebalu remarked. Hon. Abubakar Zein called for the fast tracking of the remaining stages necessary to pass the Bill, while Hon. AbuBakr Ogle said the Bill had been on the cards for far too long. Hon. Dora Byamukama said the Summit of EAC Heads of State were on record and had given directive of the need to pass the Bill and that of Cross-Border Legal Practice.
“Let us not belabour disaster risks yet the public hearings were completed sometime back”, Hon. Judith Pareno said. Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, the original mover of the Bill gave a background of its genesis and termed its enactment as long overdue. Others who contributed to the debate included Hon. Shyrose Bhanji who said it was important for Partner States to make their input to facilitate ownership whence passed, Hon. Mumbi Ngaru and Hon. Ussi Maryam.
Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi then rose to move an amendment to the Motion under Rule 30(a) of the Rules of Procedure to provide for adjournment until March 2016 at the next Plenary Sitting. The amendment was seconded by Hon. Martin Ngoga, Hon. Adam Kimbisa and Hon. Chris Opoka.
The Objective of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2013 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 Bill which was due for the 3rd reading at the 4th meeting of the 2nd Session in Kampala, Uganda in January 2014, but was yet adjourned at the request by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers.
As per the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, after its first Reading, the Bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources for scrutiny. The Committee subsequently scheduled public hearings on the Bill in the EAC Partner States in order to enlist more holistic views from the stakeholders of the Bill.
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. 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.
EALA has this afternoon sworn in Hon. Dr Susan Alphonce Kolimba, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation in the United Republic of Tanzania, as an Ex-Officio Member. The Oath of Allegiance to the House was administered by the Clerk of EALA, before the EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega.
Hon. Dr Kolimba 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 EAC Treaty under Article 48 provides that the Assistant Minister, Deputy Minister of 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.
The Deputy Minister was ushered into the House by Hon. Angela Kizigha and Hon. Shyrose Bhanji.
In her maiden speech, Hon. Dr Kolimba who immediately assumes the Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, assured the House that the United Republic of Tanzania is fully committed to the ideals of integration and of her intention to ensure the objectives of the Community are realised.
Hon. Dr Kolimba was appointed Deputy Minister by President John Pombe Magufuli in the cabinet named in December 2015.
Prior to her appointment, Hon. Dr Kolimba rose through the ranks of the academic world to become Dean, Faculty of Law at the Open University of Tanzania, a position she held from 2010 to late 2015. Dr Kolimba, whose background is entrenched in law, taught in the institution for a number of years and also served in various administrative capacities.
Hon. Dr Kolimba holds a Ph.D in Law from the Russian Peoples’ Friendship University, Moscow and a Master’s degree from the same institution.
The East African Community Secretary-General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, today received credentials from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of Finland to the EAC, H.E. Pekka Hukka.
Speaking at the function, Amb. Hukka said that his appointment was out of his government’s commitment to deepen its cooperation with the EAC, noting the significance of regional integration not only for East Africans, but as an important source of growth for the continent as well.
Expressing his gratitude to the Finnish Government for her dynamic support to the EAC, the Secretary-General shed light on the region’s increased market size, which has led the Community to expand on cross-border production chains.
Finland is a regular contributor to the Partnership Fund, a basket fund which enables the Community to make significant achievements in various sectors.
The Federal Republic of Germany signed an intergovernmental agreement with the East African Community (EAC) to support the economic integration, regional health facilities and water resource management. Germany signed a total of 37 million euros in grants to the EAC for 2016-2018, highlighting the strong commitment to support the integration process in East Africa.
10 million euro in financial assistance will be invested in the establishment of a regional network of reference laboratories for communicable diseases. With this project, the German Government responds to a request for support from the EAC for the prevention and control of epidemic outbreaks in the region. Another 10 million euros in financial assistance will be used for Integrated Water Resource Management of Lake Victoria aiming at improving water provision and management of water resources. Both projects will be implemented by KfW development bank.
17 million euros in technical assistance will be made available to further support of the economic integration process, including a contribution to the EAC partnership fund. The programme is focusing on institutional strengthening of the EAC Secretariat and on supporting the implementation of the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union Protocols. This includes the elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers such as tax harmonisation as well as Mutual Recognition Agreements for qualifications. At the same time, Germany will support the EAC in promoting private investment especially in the pharmaceutical sector, including the establishment of a regional quality infrastructure for the pharmaceutical sector. These projects will be implemented by GIZ and PTB – German Metrology Institute.
During the signing ceremony, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, the EAC Secretary-General, thanked the German government for her continued support to the Integration Agenda, especially at a time when integration is facing challenges across the world. He said this particular financing agreement comes at the right time when the Community is finalising its new Vision 2050.
Mr John Reyels, Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy Dar es Salaam, said: “Our support underlines the importance we give to the East African Community. The EAC is a role model and pace-setter in Africa and we are proud working closely with you in order to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the citizens of this region”.
Since cooperation began in 1998, the total volume of German support to the EAC amounts to almost 213 million euros. Germany also has substantial bilateral cooperation with all five EAC Partner States.
The East African Legislative Assembly will hold a Press conference on Monday, 25th January at 9.00am to inform the public about the forthcoming 4th Meeting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly that takes place at the EALA Chambers in Arusha until 5th February 2016. The Press Conference shall be addressed by the Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega.
Immediately thereafter, you are invited to cover the 2nd Public hearing workshop on the petition filed by the Pan-African Lawyers Union on the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Burundi that starts at the EALA Chambers at 10.30 am. The Government of Burundi led by Ambassador Alain Aime Nyamitwe, Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation will make submissions.
The Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution is set to establish the facts of humanitarian atrocities as reported in the petition and to make recommendations to the EALA which will be meeting.
Activity 1
WHAT: Press Conference addressed by Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega, Speaker of EALA
WHEN: Monday, 25th January 2016 at 9.00 am
WHERE: EAC VIP Room (Long), Arusha, Tanzania
Activity 2
WHAT: 2nd Public hearing workshop organised by the EALA Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolutions Committee on the humanitarian crisis in Burundi to be addressed by representatives of Government of Burundi led by Ambassador Alain Aime Nyamitwe, Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation
WHEN: Monday, 25th January 2016 at 10.30 am
WHERE: EALA Chambers, Arusha, Tanzania
Kindly confirm your participation for this event to Mr Florian Mutabazi on Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and Mr Bobi Odiko on Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 2.30pm on Saturday, 23rd January 2016.
The second public hearing workshop on the Petition filed at EALA by the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) on the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Republic of Burundi takes place at the EALA Chambers on Monday, 25th January 2016.
According to a dispatch from Bujumbura received by the Office of the Clerk, EALA, a Government of Burundi delegation led by Ambassador Alain Aimé Nyamitwe, Minister in Charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will make submissions at the public hearing workshop. In the delegation is Hon. Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, Minister of Public Security; Hon. Léontine Nzeyimana, Minister to the Office of the President responsible for East African Community Affairs and Mr Gélase Ndabirabe, spokesperson of the Ruling Party, CNDD–FDD. Others are Mr Augustin Nzojibwami, leader of the SANGWE PADER Party, Leader of the FNL Party, Mr Jacques Bigirimana, leader of the UPRONA Party, Madame Concile Nibigira and the leader of the Coalition of Parties, Mr Jean de Dieu Mutabazi.
The EALA Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee initially called for the public hearing workshop on 13-16th January 2016 to review the petition by the PALU submitted to EALA in November 2015 on the subject matter.
However, the Assembly received a letter from the Government of the Republic of Burundi vide a letter dated 8th January 2016, indicating their unavailability on the dates (13-16th Jan 2016) but reiterating the desire to participate in the workshop after 18th January 2016.
On Day 1, the Public Hearing Workshop orally received the petition from the six petitioners. The presentation was made on behalf of the petitioners by the Chief Executive Officer of PALU, Mr Don Deya. Immediately thereafter, Members took the opportunity to seek clarifications on the presentation.
On Day 2, the Workshop listened to the contributions from other invited stakeholders comprising of the representatives of Civil Society Organisations and the opposition parties in Burundi.
Chairman of the Regional and Conflict Resolution Committee, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi said the Monday public hearing is also open to other stakeholders interested in attending, upon prior arrangement.
Once finalised, the Committee shall retreat and prepare its Report which will be forwarded to the Assembly for deliberations at 4th Meeting of the 4th Session which commences in Arusha on Monday, 25th January 2016 through to 5th February 2016.
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) shall hold its sitting in Arusha, Tanzania, next week. The Forth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, 24th January 2016 to Friday, 5th February 2016.
The Assembly is to be presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega. Top on the agenda during the two week period is debate on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2013, 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, 2013 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 Bill which was due for the 3rd reading at the 4th meeting of the 2nd Session in Kampala, Uganda in January 2014, was adjourned following a request by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, citing 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.
Earlier in August 2013, the EAC Council of Ministers moved a Motion seeking to take over the Bill from the original mover, Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, make appropriate amendments and initiate its re-introduction as a Council of Ministers’ Bill. The move was preceded by a sitting of the Sectoral Council on Environment to give policy direction to the said Bill.
The issue of the humanitarian situation in the Republic of Burundi is also expected to be a matter of discussions at EALA should the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee complete and present its Report on the Petition by the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) concerning the political situation in Burundi. Last week, the Committee held a public hearing workshop in Arusha where it listened to the PALU petition as well as to the contributions by other stakeholders comprising of the representatives of Civil Society Organisations and the opposition parties in Burundi. The Committee is expected to listen to representatives of the Government of Burundi on 25th January 2016, who requested to be considered to appear before it after 18th January 2016. Thereafter, it will retreat to prepare its report to the Assembly for debate.
The House is further expected to consider a report of the General Purpose Committee on a petition on work and residence permits supplicated by the East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) and the East African Employers Organisation (EAEO). The petition, amongst other things, states the desire of workers and employers to see the Common Market Protocol fully implemented to enhance productivity.
In March 2015, the EATUC / EAEO presented a petition to the Speaker of EALA in which it made 17 prayers including the harmonisation of the standards and processes of acquiring permits as well as the future amendment of annex 2 of the Common Market Protocol to put in place a roadmap for free movement of workers. The petitioners further call for standardisation of the processes of issuance of work permits, pending their eventual removal in the long-run. The General Purpose Committee has since met with the employers and prepared its report which is to be debated by the House.
The House will also receive and debate on the report of the Committee on General Purpose on the EAC Annual Report as well as a Report of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges on a resolution moved under Rule 30(J) of the Assembly Rules of Procedure on a matter of privileges arising from a threat of tenure of office of Members.
EALA Sittings are held under the principle of rotation in line with Article 55 of the EAC Treaty. EALA held its last Sitting in November 2015 in Kigali, Rwanda.
H.E. Moody Awori, former Kenyan Vice President, presented Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, EAC Secretary-General, with the final observation report from the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary Elections held in Tanzania last year. The ceremony took place at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
While receiving the Report, the Secretary-General thanked the former Vice President for his leadership and commitment to the EAC Elections Observers Mission, adding that, “the collaboration between the EAC and other stakeholders led to sustainable peace in the country”.
In October 2015, a 55-member team was deployed to Dar es Salaam to observe the country’s General Elections in both Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar. The Mission was drawn from different complementary disciplines that included members of the East African Legislative Assembly, as well as members of the National Assemblies from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, National Electoral Commissions, National Human Rights Commissions, Civil Society Organisations, and youth representatives from the EAC Youth Ambassadors Forum.
“I was very happy to observe the steadfastness, determination, patience and orderliness with which Tanzania conducted her General Elections”, said H.E. Awori. “These and many other positives that have also been highlighted in the report can be used as benchmarks, for which other countries can borrow good practices from”, he said.
The report consists of recommendations to streamline and improve the electoral process for future elections in Tanzania.
The 9th meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security is on going at the EAC Headquarters.
The objective of the meeting is to review the progress made in the implementation of Council decisions and consideration of other issues of regional importance in the areas of Agriculture and Food Security including crops, livestock and fisheries, and related issues.
The Meeting is being conducted through the sessions of the Senior Officials from 18-20th January 2016, Permanent / Principal Secretaries’ session on 21st January 2016 and the Ministerial / Cabinet Secretaries’ session on 22nd January 2016.
Addressing the official opening of the Senior Officials on behalf of the EAC Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Director of Productive, Mr Jean Baptiste Havugimana echoed the critical role of the Agriculture and Food Security in the EAC region.
He expressed the EAC Secretariat’s commitment to collaborating with Partner States to spur efforts towards enhancing food and nutrition security and facilitating trade within the region and beyond.
The East African Legislative Assembly will from Wednesday (13 January 2016) hold a four-day public hearing workshop on the humanitarian crisis in Burundi.
The EALA Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee has called for the public hearing workshop that is intended to review the petition by the Pan African Lawyers Union submitted to EALA in November 2015 on the subject matter.
The Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution is set to establish the facts of humanitarian atrocities as reported in the petition and to make recommendations to the House during the next Sitting scheduled to commence on 24th January 2016 in Arusha.
Participants are expected from the Committee Membership, government officials from the Republic of Burundi, Civil Society Organisation representatives from Burundi, representatives from the country’s Political Parties and the petitioners.
WHAT: Public hearing workshop on the humanitarian crisis in Burundi
WHEN: Wednesday, 13 January - Saturday, 16 January 2015
WHERE: EALA Chambers, Arusha, Tanzania
Kindly confirm your participation for this event latest to Mr Florian Mutabazi on Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and Mr Bobi Odiko on Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 2pm today.
