EALA swears- in Hon. Celestine Kabahizi from Rwanda

EALA has this afternoon sworn in its newest Member, Hon Celestin Kabahizi from Rwanda. Hon Kabahizi was elected on Monday this week by the Parliament of Rwanda, replacing Hon Jacqueline Muhongayire, who was appointed Rwanda’s Minister for EAC Affairs in July 2013.

The brief ceremony was conducted by the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa and the Deputy Clerk, Alex Obatre. The Member took the oath in accordance with Rule 6 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 6(3) 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”. 

Hon Kabahizi was escorted into the House by Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon Mike Sebalu at exactly 2.40 pm.According to the New Times daily of Rwanda, Hon Kabahizi has over 30 years’ experience in governance, from various levels. He is no stranger to issues of governance, decentralization and rural development 

Formerly, the Governor of Western Province, Hon Kabahizi holds two degrees in economics and statistics.Hon Kabahizi did his first degree in statistics and then obtained another in economics in Rwanda before enrolling for a master’s degree in management development economics in 2002 in Germany.

The Member is multi-lingual with a good command of English, French and Swahili. He can fairly communicate in German as well.

Rwanda’s other eight EALA members are Hon Patricia Hajabakiga,  Hon Christophe Bazivamo, Hon Dr. James Ndahiro and  Hon Straton Ndikuryayo. Others are Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana, Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema.

The House is expected to be adjourned this evening.   Tomorrow, Members shall attend a one-day Sensitization workshop on the East African Monetary Union (EAMU).

  Hon Celestin Kabahizi takes the Oath administered by the Deputy Clerk of EALA, Alex Obatre as Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo looks on.

  CTI’s  report on the monetary union sails through the house

EALA yesterday debated and adopted the Report of the Committee on Communications, Trade and Investments (CTI) on the Consultative Workshop on the East African Monetary Union (EAMU). 

While the Assembly maintained that the EAMU was a defining moment for the integration process, it reiterated the need for the region to move with haste to fully implement the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocols. Full implementation of the two Pillars, the Assembly ascertains, will pave way for entry of the single currency. 

The Report presented by Hon Angela Kizigha, Chairperson of the CTI summed the findings of a Consultative Workshop held in September 9-11, 2013 in Kampala, Uganda.   The Kampala meeting was organized to acquaint Members with the state of play of the progress of EAMU with regards to negotiations, opportunities and challenges involved.

The Report states that once in place, the EAMU would promote and sustain a zone of sound monetary policy and prudent fiscal policies to reinforce EAC’s monetary policies.  The roadmap of the EAMU provides for its implementation over a ten year period, time within which, the single currency shall be realized.  At the same time, the exchange rate policy shall have a convergence phase and the conversion of exchange rates shall be formulated and irrevocably fixed by the Council of Ministers.

Ideally, the pre-requisites for the EAMU pre-suppose the implementation of the Customs Union and the Common Market, integration of financial systems, harmonization and co-ordination of statistics and macro-economic policy.  Other areas include the need to establish a mechanism for surveillance, compliance and enforcement, establishing an inflation ceiling of 8% and indicative criteria including fiscal deficit ceiling of 6%. 

The proposed institutional framework under the EAMU envisages the establishment of the East African Monetary Institute (EAMI), East African Central Bank as well as a number of institutions dealing with statistics, finance, surveillance and compliance. 

At debate time Hon James Ndahiro remarked that it was important for the Protocol to be comprehensive.   “The Committee responsible for finalization of the Monetary Union Protocol needs to meet and liaise closely with the policy leaders including the Ministers and the Economists in order to ensure a common position on sticky matters”, he said.

The legislator remarked that EAC needed to protect itself from external shocks and to avoid situations that were replica of what happened in the EU especially Greece and Spain.   “There are complex issues to deal with and this take time.  It is therefore necessary that we harmonise pre-requisites in time.  I am pleased the Protocol allows for three Partner States to progress at a given time and this shall not delay the Monetary Union,” he added.

Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro informed the House that the single currency was an important component of the Monetary Union capable of helping East Africans to realize their aspirations.  Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana was optimistic that the Monetary Union would be realized and suggested that at an appropriate time a unifying name for the currency be sought.  He further reckoned that all efforts were needed to address the issue of currency convertibility.

Hon Dan Kidega said the Committee had held discussions with technical persons and  experts who had enriched the process.  He remarked that the Principle of Variable Geometry was increasingly becoming an important component of the integration process. Hon Kidega called for better management of statistics so as to give a true and factual picture of the Monetary Union and thus enable the complexities to be demystified. 

EALA Adopts Audited Accounts report

 EALA has today debated and adopted the Report of the Committee on Audited Accounts. Debate on the Report which was presented to the House by the Chairperson of the Accounts Committee, Hon Straton Ndikuryayo last week on Thursday, was suspended by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa to allow Members to study it further.

The Report notes that currently, the EAC Secretary General has a minimal supervisory role over the EAC Institutions which include inter alia the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO), Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and the Lake Victoria Environment Management Programme 11 (LVEMP11).  

It therefore calls for the amendment and harmonization of legal instruments to comply with the provisions of Article 67(3) of the EAC Treaty to allow for more engagement by the Secretary General.  At the same time, there is need to elevate the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit into a directorate and to further develop a strategy for monitoring of performance.

The Accounts Committee further reveals that the EAC has funding gaps owing to faulty funding mechanisms and recommends for the need to comply with the funding obligations in a timely fashion and manner.  The EAC Council of Ministers is further urged to direct the relevant EAC Organs to stop forthwith, the use of General Reserves unless,  otherwise approved by relevant authority.

Hon Ndikuryayo’s Report further delved into a number of financial and administrative issues including internal controls and accounting systems, review of ICTs and integrated systems and human resource management and offered various recommendations. 

The Report enumerates other concerns and the shortcomings, and cites poor assessment of accommodation needs and space and unsatisfactory finishes in some parts of the recently completed EAC Headquarters and the non- implementation of Treaty provisions.

On Resumption today, Members called for speedy completion of the institutional review and the full  implementation of the audit Reports.

Hon Yves Nsabimana said there was need for the Council to allocate EALA more time to review the Report of the Committee. He urged the House to request for an audit on investment and value for money issues in order to assess the feasibility of investments and decision making.

Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji lamented that insufficient funding and understaffing were factors that could hamper progress within the EAC.  The legislator urged the Council to urgently recruit the necessary staff.

She called for efforts to fight the water hyacinth currently choking East Africa to enable the waters of Lake Victoria to be useful to the citizens of the region.

Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema disclosed that the procedures of recruitment were lengthy and cumbersome.   “There are gaps currently occasioned by resignations and natural attrition but they are yet to be filled affecting the overall performance of the Community”, he noted.

Hon Susan Nakawukki said it was improper for the institutions to borrow from the gratuity fund for their own use and to repay back when Partner States fulfilled their obligations. The legislator cited the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) as one of the institutions borrowing from the said fund.   Hon Nakawuki urged the Inter-University Council of East Africa to improve its accounting operations and systems. 

The legislator indicated that institutional memory was absolutely key.   “Currently, the contracts of the Officers (Clerks) within the Office of the Clerk shall end at the same time and this may throw the Assembly into shambles.   We should consider performance based contracts where we can renew the contracts of those who have performed above expectations as opposed to the current fixed period of two- five year terms”, Hon Nakawuki stated.

 

Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana called for more scrutiny of the Organs and Institutions of the EAC. “The financial audit of any institution is actually the mirror and we must pay due diligence to this fact”, he remarked. He called on the Council of Ministers to elaborate on the position of EADB as an institution.   “I thought we as the Community need to have some ownership by way of finances as well”

The Counsel to the Community (CTC), Hon Wilbert Kaahwa, however reiterated that the EADB was an institution of the EAC and that the audit Committee could in fact, audit the Bank.  The CTC clarified that the EAC did not have any shareholding at the moment but that its Membership was based on the previous relationship (original EAC).

Also rising in support of the Motion was Hon Christophe Bazivamo, Hon Mike Sebalu, Hon Bernard Mulengani.

The Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine took cognizance of the recommendations of the Report and said the Council would spare no efforts to ensure they were implemented expeditiously.   On the Supervisory roles of the Secretary General as the Chief Accounting Officer, the Minister noted that all Institutions would henceforth furnish the Office of the Secretary General with periodic reports.

The Minister was categorical that all Partner States had been directed to submit all outstanding arrears by 31^st December 2013 in order to meet the funding gaps in some of the Institutions.  The Council he remarked had initiated a study for alternative financial mechanism.   Hon Bageine said his Council would further expedite the filling of vacant posts even as the Institutional Review progresses.  

On VAT refunds, the Minister assured the House that it had directed the EAC Secretariat, Organs and Institutions to liaise with the Ministries in the Partner States to acquire the tax exemption certificates.    He supported the use of uniform accounting software and maintained the integration system would be finalized by March 2014.

The Minister also said the Community was aware of future expansion plans and that the architectural drawings of the EAC Headquarters had taken the matter into consideration.

Education key for development in the region says Zziwa

 The Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa is calling for concerted efforts to improve the quality of education as a pre-cursor to the region’s development.  Rt. Hon Zziwa was speaking over the weekend at Kirera University in Gitega Province, Burundi, where she led EALA Members in Community day (Ibikorwa Rusangi) activities.

The Speaker commended the Government of Burundi for initiating free primary school education and noted that community participation in building schools had helped to contribute to enhance the number of schools resulting in improved education.

“That the local community has helped to contribute to the construction of the University here and that of many other schools is laudable.  Education leads to liberation and can help transform a society”, she remarked.  She informed the public that EALA would make its contribution in terms of monetary value to the project.

The 2^nd Vice President of Burundi, H.E. Gervais Rufyikiri remarked that the University which opens its doors for admission of students next year, was the inaugural one for the region. 

“We want to ensure the youth in the country have a chance to benefit from quality education”, the Vice President remarked.

In the same respect, the Vice President said Burundi was committed to creation of jobs and expansion of the opportunities to improve the lives of its citizens.

The Rector of the University, Prof Joseph Ntawuyankira, noted that the University would offer an array of courses beginning 2014.  “We shall offer Bachelor degrees in Commerce Studies, Telecommunications and Information and Environment Sciences among others” the Rector disclosed.

The University has been built entirely by the Community at the cost of 1 Billion Burundian francs and is situate on a 25 acre piece of land donated by the Government. The EALA Members later visited the Karera Falls and the source of the Nile in Gitaba before returning to Bujumbura.  The EALA Plenary enters its second and final week beginning today.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa gestures as she presents the EAC flag to the Rector of the Kirera University, Prof Joseph Ntawuyankira as other EALA Members look on.

EALA Stataes Assembly further condoles with Republic of Kenya following the Westgate attack

The push to defer the criminal cases against the President and the Deputy President of Kenya today received overwhelming support from the East African Legislative Assembly. The Assembly has passed a Resolution in support of the position adopted by the African Union at its extra-ordinary meeting of the Summit held in Addis Ababa on October 12, 2013.

The Resolution moved by Hon Christophe Bazivamo and seconded by Hon Mike Sebalu was emphatic that the ICC needs to defer the cases against the Kenyan leaders for the period that they shall be in office.

In the same respect, the Assembly has implored the Summit of the EAC Heads of State to establish a Court with criminal jurisdiction at which the Kenyan cases should be referred to and that it caters for future criminal cases of a similar nature.

The Resolution avers that whilst President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Deputy President, H.E. William Ruto have pending cases, they have a constitutional mandate to execute by virtue of their respective offices. “Their very absence while attending trial is thus not compatible with the principle of service to the people of Kenya”, the Resolution reads in part.

The Resolution states that the Constitution of Kenya makes provision for the protection of the President or person performing the said functions from criminal proceedings during their tenure of office.

The mover of the Resolution further notes that the EAC Summit of Heads of State, the Kenyan National Assembly and the Senate have shown unequivocal support for the deferral as has been the case from most African leaders.

During debate, Hon Patricia Hajabakiga said nobody could take away the responsibility of the two elected leaders to rule.  “I do not support impunity but the ICC has not been fair to Africans she said. We are not second-class citizens”, she added.

Hon Mumbi Ngaru said it was important for the case of the third accused, Joshua Arap Sang to deferred as well.  In as much as the chorus: Don’t be Vague, go to the Hague is still fresh in our minds, it is humiliating "I stand by the President and Deputy President while maintaining that the Post Election Violence was a moment of madness and that our dilemma in the Hague today was self-inflicted. She stated that there was a new Constitution which promoted peace". she remarked.

Hon Joseph Kiangoi remarked that the mandate of the Presidency was handed over by the citizens of the country. “It is unacceptable that a Head of State should be facing trial in a foreign land” he noted.  “What we are calling for now is deferment to alleviate the suffering of the Kenyan people at the moment”.

Hon Susan Nakawuki supported the motion saying although the ICC had granted the permission to miss out on some sessions, deferment at this point in time was still fundamental.

Hon Mukasa Mbidde however opposed the motion on the basis that it was practically impossible to defer the case for a period of more than 12 months. As a matter of fact, the ‘indicted persons’ were later elected President and Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya.

“At the moment, there is no Court that has jurisdiction to try such cases even after EALA passed a Motion in that direction.   Even non-state parties can be tried in the ICC such as the Darfur matter”, he said.

The Chair of the Council of Ministers Hon Shem Bageine however said the cases need withdrawal all together.

Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro said the will of majority of Kenyans needed to be respected.

Others in support of the motion were Hon Saoli Ole Nkanae, Hon AbuBakr Ogle, Hon Peter Mathuki and Hon Sarah Bonaya.

Last Year (April 2012), EALA passed a motion urging the ICC to refer the Kenyan cases related to the post 2007-2008 election violence to the East African Court of Justice for hearing and final determination.  With that, EALA has resolved that the Council of Ministers further submits the resolutions to the 10^th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State sitting on 28th April, 2012 to amend Article 27 of the EAC Treaty. Amendment of the Article shall provide jurisdiction to the EACJ giving it retrospective effect, the Assembly stated.

The Deputy President, H.E. William Samoei Ruto is currently at the Hague together with journalist Joshua arap Sang as the trial continues.

Meanwhile, the Assembly has today urged the EAC Council of Ministers to expedite the establishment and ratification of a regional mechanism for the effective implementation of decisions made in peace and security.    In the regard, EALA moved a Resolution to condole with the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya following the tragic loss of lives at the recent Westgate mall attack.

The motion moved by Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana notes that agents of terror had the agenda of perpetrating grievous mayhem in the Partner States including killings, maiming and traumatizing harmless and innocent people.  It notes that peace, security and strong political relations are critical factors in creating a conducive environment for regional co-operation and integration.   

The motion thus condemned in the strongest terms possible the Westgate attack where more than 60 shoppers, staff and soldiers were killed.  The attack, allegedly occasioned by al-Shabab saw over 200 persons injured and properties worth millions of dollars damaged.

The Resolution paid special tribute to the gallant soldiers, the General Security Unit (GSU), and the police for putting their lives on the hook so that victims of the siege could live.   It named the medical and rescue teams for working tirelessly to save lives.

Hon Mike Sebalu said it was important for EALA to associate with any Partner State at a time of need and called for concerted efforts to ensure peace prevailed. “The response of Kenyans to the attack was unifying with citizens putting Kenya first. Leaders regardless of political affiliation joined the Head of State and this was commendable”, the legislator stated.

Hon Emerence Bucumi noted that the region has continuously suffered from terrorism. “We must rise together and jointly confront the ugly acts of terrorism”, Hon Bucumi noted.

Hon Dr. James Ndahiro remarked that Partner States had agreed under Article 5 of the Treaty to jointly purge terrorism and called for development of a sustainable mechanism to stem the terrorist groups in the region and internationally.

Also rising in support was Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana who called for immediate preventive measures including the Peace and Security Protocol, Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji, Hon Taslima Twaha, Hon Hafsa Mossi and Hon Maryam Ussi Yahya. Others were Hon Benard Mulengani and Hon Pierre C. Rwigema.   

The Chair of the Council of EAC Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine affirmed that the Peace and Security Protocol was already signed and is currently undergoing ratification.  “I wish to confirm that there is collaboration between the Partner States now in various areas in peace and security matters”, the Minister added.

Earlier on, the Assembly debated on the Report of the Committee on Accounts on the Audited Accounts of the EAC for the year ended June 2012.  The Report was presented by the Chairperson of the Accounts Committee, Hon Straton Ndikuryayo. 

Debate on the Report was suspended by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa to allow Members to study it further. The Report shall now be deliberated when Parliament resumes on Tuesday next week.

Tomorrow, EALA Members shall meet with the officials of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to take stock of matters related to conflict in the region.

Hon Mumbi Ngaru makes a point during the debate on the Kenyan ICC cases at the Burundi National Assembly.

President Kenyatta calls for Strong Regional Academia-Private Sector partnership

His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya has called for development of a strong academia-private sector partnerhsip with the support of the East African Community (EAC) governments for the realization of the regional aspirations.

 

“Such a partnership is critical for ensuring that the private sector, as a major employer of human resources from higher education institututions,contributes to curriculum development and delivery processes, as well as research and innovation programmes in our academic institutions,” he said when opening the two-day second Academia-Private Forum and Exhibitions in Nairobi at the Kenyata International Conference Centre, 24 October, 2013.

 

President Kenyatta, whose speech was read by Hon. Phyllis Kandie, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of EAC Affairs,Commerce and Tourism, pointed out that by doing so, the private would ensure the development of skilful,adaptive,competent and enterprising human and capital capable of meeting its needs.

 

“This has the potential to stimulate socio-economic development of the region,” he underscored, adding that the acdemia-private sector partnership would inspire creativity and boost entrepreneurship among young people across the region as they pursue their studies.

 

H.E President Kenyatta said: “This means our graduates will leave university well equipped to spearhead our industrialization; they will come out job creators and not job seekers.”

 

He also urged harmonisation of higher education and training systems in the region that would allow young East Africans to study in a university of their choice and allow for cross border movement of graduates.

 

The acting Chairman of the EAC Council of Ministers Hon. Prof. Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere from Uganda  commended efforts made by the East Africa’s Academia and Private sector to give a spin to the education sytem and make it contemporary.

 

“This is among efforts by East Africans to turn our economies and education to much higher levels and turn the region productive and prosperous,” he said.

 

The EAC Secretary General Amb.Dr Richard Sezibera  said that the dialogue between academia and private sector was critical for transforming the region into sustainable knowledge-based economy.

 

“There is a sense of urgency for this agenda.We are at historic junction in Africa’s march to socio-economic development,” he said, adding that East Africa must seize the moment to lift millions of its citizens out of abject poverty.

 

“We cannot afford to remain in the deceptive cacoons of low expectations,dreamt markets and parochial national concerns,” he cautioned.

 

He also said that EAC should value its scientists and their important role in transforming our latent potential into tangible common benefits.

 

The Chairman of the East African Business Council (EABC) Mr Vimal Shah assured the meeting that the private sector was committed to getting involved in the development of curricula, supporting research and also commercialising the research output and innovations.

 

“The private sector has for a long time lamented the paucity of right skills among workers, especially the graduates being churned by the local universities. This will now come to an end,” he said in his speech read on his behalf by EABC Director Jim Kabeho.

 

The Execuitve Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa, Prof Mayunga Nkunya, informed that the idea of Academia-Private Sector was mooted in 2011 after realizing the need to provide the point of connection between knowledge/human resources and the private sector.

The First edition of the East African Higher Education Forum was held 24th – 26th October 2012 in Arusha, Tanzania. At the end of this Forum, resolutions focused on consolidating the IUCEA and EABC partnership by providing sustainability mechanisms. 

In this regard, EABC and IUCEA developed a medium term plan of action to guide implementation of the resolutions and recommendations, to be undertaken under the auspices of EAC. Among the items in the plan of action agreed upon was to organize a regional academia and private sector partnership forum and exhibitions on an annual basis, on rotation among the EAC Partner States.

 

 EALA passes resolution to mark International day of Democracy

The East African Community (EAC) is expected to recognize and to mark the International Day of Democracy on September 15, annually, following a Resolution on the floor of the House this afternoon.

The Assembly has through the motion moved by Hon Hafsa Mossi, urged the EAC Partner States to institutionalize the day while enhancing public awareness creation on how people can make their voices heard in the process of legislation or decision making.  It is expected that Partner States shall henceforth further undertake joint actions in the celebration of the day.

The International Day of Democracy is celebrated annually in line with the 2007 UN Resolution A/62/7.   According to the Resolution moved today, the promotion of democracy is necessary and desirable for the efficient implementation of the provisions of the Treaty in accordance with Article 131 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.

Rising in support of the motion were Hon ShyRose Bhanji who remarked that 35 African countries had so far subscribed to the African Peer Review Mechanism. She commended the governments in the Partner States for opening up the ‘political space’ through increased numbers of private media and political parties among others. Others were Hon Abubakar Zein, Hon Nancy Abisai, Hon Mukasa Mbidde and Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye.

The Members rallied in unison for the need for democracy and rule of law to prevail, freedom of speech with regards to the integration process, representative systems of governance with separation of powers and respect for ethnic, religious and cultural diversities. They want the African countries to ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance.

At the moment according to Hon Mukasa Mbidde, only Rwanda has signed and ratified the instrument.  Kenya, Uganda and Burundi have all signed but are yet to ratify the Protocol while the United Republic of Tanzania is yet to sign the instrument.

Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye however hit out at the west who he said, had only started practicing and preaching democracy when they had already developed.  “It is time for home-grown democratic solutions to our problems”, he remarked.

With the adoption of the Resolution, the EALA is also expected to enhance its role in awareness creation on democracy. The Chair of the Council of Ministers Hon Shem Bageine supported the Resolution and said it was important for citizens to have the right to elect their rulers regularly and enjoy freedom to write and speak.

A number of questions were also sought by Members and answered by the Chair of Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine.

                    EAC calls for promotion of Kiswahili as lingua franca for the region

EALA is urging the Council of Ministers to promote Kiswahili language as the lingua franca of the Community as per Article 131 of the EAC Treaty so that it may uphold East Africanness as an entity.  

The Assembly is also calling for the establishment of a mechanism for reaching out to the people of East Africa as well as to promote and espouse the fundamental principles of the Community. The recommendations sum up the Report of the Nanyuki (VII) Seminar (Inter-Parliamentary Relations seminar) which was tabled and adopted by the House today.  

The Report presented to the House by Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana was a culmination of a two day series held in Entebbe, Uganda on June 10-11, 2013. The Report further identified specific roles for specific stakeholders including academia, media and civil society as well as the Private Sector, Gender and Youth.  The theme of the Nanyuki VII was “Promoting a People-Centred and Market driven East Africa – the Missing Link in the EAC integration”

The June Seminar which was also addressed by President Yoweri Museveni further tasked the Council of Ministers to consider developing regional youth centres, exchange programmes and entrepreneurship to promote the youth agenda in the region.

During debate today, Hon Mike Sebalu remarked that the Nanyuki VII series was unique giving Parliamentarians, state and non-state actors an opportunity to positively engage on matters of integration.

“The meeting was an expression of what East Africa is all about and we should follow the recommendations in spirit and letter”, he maintained.  

He further called for free movement of labour and cited the need to teach Kiswahili across the region as key.  “Madam Speaker, it would be a good idea to have teachers from the United Republic of Tanzania crossing to Uganda to teach”, he stated.

The Chair of Council, Hon Shem Bageine noted that the Council would step up its work-culture in directing the affairs of the EAC.  “Previously, we have been rather bureaucratic with little time in looking at issues.  However, we shall begin sitting in Arusha every quarter to look at critical issues”, he said.   The Minister noted that there shall be shared responsibilities with each Minister taking charge of specific sectors. 

“In this regard, the Council shall also look at the recommendations of the Nanyuki VII report to assess the status of the same”, the Minister noted. He remarked that Kiswahili was already enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and that it was necessary to popularise it.  “We hope soon, Kiswahili would be introduced in schools in Uganda to bolster its popularity”.

Hon Dora Byamukama urged the EAC to pay more attention to the development of policies and the mechanisms that address Female Genital Mutilation and other issues affecting marginalized groups such as women.

Hon Maryam Ussi Yahya noted that more advocacy problems were needed to reach out to the populace.  “However, there is very limited funding for sensitization and this should be scaled up”, she added.

Hon Isabelle Ndahayo reiterated the need to effectively address matters of the agricultural sector with respect to the Maputo Declaration. (the Declaration urges Member Countries who penned their signatures to set aside ten percent of their national budgets for agriculture).

Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza emphasized the need to implement bills passed by EALA.  She however added that it was necessary to develop a roadmap enabling the harmonization of laws in a similar manner and fashion and in line with operationalisation of Article 65 of the EAC Treaty.

The report was also supported by Hon ShyRose Bhanji, Hon Susan Nakawukki, Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo, Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon Taslima Twaha and Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye. 

The Assembly further granted leave to the Chair of the EALA Legal Rules Privileges Committee, Hon Dora Byamukama to introduce a Private Members Bill entitled The East African Community Cross Border Legal Practice Bill, 2013.

Hon Byamukama informed the House that the object of the Bill was to promote cross-border practice and to facilitate free movement of professional legal services.   “If enacted, such a Bill would further pave the way for other professionals to benefit from the tenets of the Common Market Protocol”, the legislator added. 

Hon. Shem Bageine, Chair, Council of Ministers answer questions from Members of the August House during the EALA 2nd  Meeting in Burundi National Assembly.

President Nkurunziza launches EALA strategic plan

At the opening of the 2^nd Meeting of the 2^nd Session of the 3^rd Assembly yesterday, President Pierre Nkurunziza also launched the EALA Strategic Plan (2013-2018) in a colourful ceremony at the Burundi National Assembly.  

The President urged the Assembly to re-double its efforts in the next five years as the EAC consolidates on the gains already realized.   The President lauded EALA for anchoring the Strategic Plan on people-centredness and reiterated the need for citizens to be the core and centre stage of the process.

“The main achievements and lessons learnt in the last five years have no doubt played a fundamental role in helping EALA to develop and embrace its strategies for the future. The next five years should thus see the Assembly become more innovative, proactive and focused towards ensuring it remains on the cutting edge of regional integration” he noted.

 The President challenged EALA to rise to the occasion and serve the region more emphatically.

 “The process of formulation and completion of the Strategic Plan by the 3^rd Assembly is therefore only just the beginning.  The real work starts now.  The real test comes in the implementation of the set objectives”, the Head of State said.

 The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa noted that the formulation of the Strategic Plan was an all-inclusive process involving the EALA Commission, Members, staff and other stakeholders.

The Strategic Plan has six main strategic issues were the EALA’s main Administrative Autonomy, Capacity and Efficiency, negotiations for the EAC Pillars of integration and EALA’s Corporate image, institutional status, growth and development.

The other strategic plans are capacity building in regional Parliamentary Practices, effective, sustainable and Results-oriented communication and sensitization on EAC integration and robust and effective Monitoring and Evaluation.

 The Strategic Plan is expected to be financed over the next five years to the tune of over USD 118,000.   The finances shall be sourced from the EAC as well as development partners.

 The formulation of the Strategic Plan which is the second such Plan for the Assembly was supported by the Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA) and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).  The WFD has further agreed to support the publication of a pocket friendly and popular version.

 The President goes for a handshake with the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa after the successful launch of the Strategic Plan

Burundi President Nkurunziza opens EALA Plerinary in Bujumbura

The Republic of Burundi’s Head of State, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza today opened the 2^nd Meeting of the 2^nd Session of the 3^rd East African Legislative Assembly in Bujumbura, Burundi.

President Nkurunziza was emphatic that a time had come to fully embrace the philosophy of ‘One People, One Destiny’ so that the integration agenda becomes fully realized. He called on EALA Members to come up with bankable resolutions that make a difference to the People of the region.

The President noted that the Monetary Union Protocol was on the verge of been signed at the next Summit and further called on the Partner States to accelerate realization of the Political Federation. 

“I do believe that we can accelerate the Political Federation to which the Burundian population and those from other Partner States have overwhelmingly responded positively to”, President Nkurunziza remarked.

The Head of State called for the full and speedy implementation of the Common Market Protocol to enable citizens to enjoy the mutual benefits.  “ We should also ensure the best practices of the Partner States are shared”, he said, noting that Burundi had carried a wide sensitization programme in the entire country.

The President remarked that Burundi was honoured to host EALA once again, noting that - it provided an opportunity for citizens to closely follow up and comprehend on the activities of EALA.

“I want to commend EALA for the decision to rotate the plenaries to enable citizens become more aware of the mandate of the Assembly”, he remarked.

The President hailed the EALA Members for the Community Initiative carried out in Cibitoke District when EALA visited Burundi last year. “The people of Cibitoke have sent me back to request you to visit the stadium which is on the verge of completion. I welcome you for a football time at an appropriate time” he said.

In her welcome remarks, the Speaker of the EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa noted that the Assembly was taking place at an irreversible time in the regional integration process.  She noted the envisaged entry of the Monetary Union as key in the integration process.

“We are pleased that the Summit shall be signing the Monetary Union, the third tier in the process.  The people of East Africa have patiently waited.  We remain confident that after years and months of complex negotiations and board room trade-ins, the people of East Africa look forward to a single currency”, the Speaker remarked.

The Speaker urged Partner States to review their domestic laws to conform to the commitments and undertakings made in the Common Market Protocol.

“We need to deliver on the promises we made to citizens including the machine readable cards, mobility of workers and harmonization of benefits”, Speaker Zziwa added.    She hailed the Partner States for rolling out the National Implementation Committee in respect to a directive from the EAC Council of Ministers.

The Speaker further noted that the Customs Union had led to significant increase in intra-regional trade. In 2011, intra-regional trade rose by 23% of the total values of exports according to the World Banks’ Doing Business Report of 2012.

Rt. Hon Zziwa shared the scorecard of EALA so far to an attentive audience.  She cited, inter-alia, the passage of 4 key Bills (One Stop Border Post Bill, 2012, EAC Vehicle Load Control Bill, 2012, EAC Appropriation Bill, 2012 and the EAC Public Holidays Bill, 2013), 5 Reports and 8 Resolutions – all key to integration dispensation.

The Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Rt. Hon Pie Ntavyohanyuma underscored the need to address cross border crime and terrorism.  “It is important for stakeholders to work together collectively to stem terrorism”, he remarked, while commiserating with the Republic of Kenya following the attack on the Nairobi Westgate Mall.

Rt. Hon Ntavyohanyuma called for closer collaboration between the EALA and the Burundi National Assembly in line with Article 49 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.

 Moving the vote of thanks, Hon Dan Kidega noted that Burundi had progressed following the leadership of President Nkurunziza.   President Nkurunziza is not only a leader par excellence, but a mediator who has brought Burundi from the precipice of war to a united country.  

He said Burundi had a gallant army that was now serving in Somalia, Chad, Haiti and soon, Mali.  The EALA Member further hailed the health care system which he noted provided free medical healthcare to expectant mothers.

  H.E Pierre Nkurunziza arrives to address EALA at the Bujumbura National Assembly Chambers