PRESIDENT MUSEVENI DELIVERS THE STATE OF EAC ADDRESS

President Yoweri Museveni has this afternoon delivered the State of EAC Address at a Special Sitting at the Parliament of Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda.

In the Address, President Museveni has reiterated the need for the region to resolve existing strategic bottlenecks if the EAC is to spur integration and to enable citizens enjoy the accrued benefits. The President maintained that it was time for the region to eye political unity as a stabilising factor to development and called on the East African Legislative Assembly to use its legislative agenda and mandate to support the same.

The President in essence, told the EAC to strive to solve what he called ‘the basic yet fundamental challenges’ dogging the bloc as it moves towards the tactical areas. 

“There are a number of strategic bottlenecks which are hampering development in the region.  However, two main issues are with regards to the existence of small markets and inadequate infrastructure, especially the energy issue’ President Museveni remarked.

The Head of State affirmed that during his tenure as the Chairperson of the Summit, he would prioritise on infrastructure development to enable the region take its flight to the next level.  ‘I have recently visited Russia and held discussions with the President.  I expect some investors to begin talking business with the EAC soon’, President Museveni said.

He also undertook to push for the amendments to the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC in response to a request by the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Dr. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa.

The Chair of the Summit noted that the EAC integration was the most progressive and with the brightest future since it aims for a key ultimate stage which is the political integration.

‘Though economic integration is good, there are certain crucial issues that it may fail to address – and which a Political Federation will cushion the region against’, President Museveni added.  He stated that a formula was needed to work how to share benefits arising from the Common Market Protocol.

‘We blame the Europeans for decolonising us – but apart from Ethiopia who were not colonised, the rest of us suffered since we were politically weak’ the President remarked.

‘Africa has a larger area in terms of squares per miles as compared to the likes of China, India and the US and the continent is fertile and well watered.  But we have failed to take advantage of our political strengths’, he added.

The President was categorical that such a move would ensure that Africa taps into further economic growth and enables a stronger voice in the international arena.  In the regard, the Head of State cited the need to harness energy and electricity for development.  He reminded the legislators that Africa’s Kilowatt per capita was extremely low.

“Uganda has 150 kilowatt per capita compared to South Africa and Libya which are edging close to 4200 Kilowatts.   The United States has 12,400 kilowatt per capita and more action is necessary on our part,’ President Museveni said.

The President’s speech delved into other strategic bottlenecks which he termed destructive to regional integration.   He cited tribal, religious and gender ideological disorientations, lack of viable pillars in the judicial and defence sectors leading to collapse of state authority, attacks on the Private Sector initiatives and under-development of human resources and skills.  Other challenges include an under-developed service sector, lack of industrialisation and lack of democracy.

The Chair of the Summit however noted that the region and Africa was on the path to recovery and had started correcting the wrongs. The President tasked the EAC to address existing weaknesses as it explores the continental move.   The President cited a number of challenges including the Non-Tariff Barriers as contributing to the weakening of the integration process.

In attendance was the Rt. Hon. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Rose Mukantabana, Speaker of Rwanda Chamber of Deputies and Hon Shem Bageine, Chairperson, EAC Council of Ministers.  Others were the EAC Secretary General, Amb Richard Sezibera, several dignitaries and high ranking government officials.  

On her part, the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Dr Margaret Nantongo Zziwa congratulated the Summit for the wise leadership noting that citizens had continued to enjoy the benefits of integration.  The Speaker however called on the Council of Ministers to bring forth more Bills for debate and legislation.

She remarked that more was required to be done to realise the Common Market Protocol and called on the Partner States to immediately enable their domestic laws to conform to the Protocol.

“Specifically, the Common Market Protocol which was signed three years ago spells out a number of benefits for the region including the free movement of persons, labour, goods and services among others.  We are yet to see real dynamism on the part of the Partner States to facilitate the implementation of the Protocol but we remain hopeful that they will act. Steps like issuance of national identity cards will go a long way in facilitating the free movement of the people especially the common person”, the Speaker remarked.

The Speaker once again called for the removal of Non-Tariff Barriers which she maintained continued to hamper business.

“Inadequate infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly roads, railways and energy have also hindered progress in a number of ways. NTBs continue to pose a big threat to the free flow of business in the region and this limits the people of East Africa from enjoying the benefits of integration. The time has come for the EAC region to collectively seek permanent solutions to the removal of NTBs”, the Speaker said.

In his remarks culminating in the vote of thanks, Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana hailed the President for the remarks which he noted were progressive. The Plenary which has been taking place in Kigali, Rwanda since April 12, 2013, winds up business tomorrow.

 Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Dr Margaret Nantongo Zziwa welcomes President Yoweri Museveni at the Parliament of Rwanda

EAC One Stop Border Posts Bill inches a step closer to Law

EALA has today passed the One Stop Border Posts Bill, 2012, paving way for it to become Community Law if assented to by the EAC Heads of State.

The object of the Bill, initiated by the EAC Council of Ministers, is to provide for the establishment of One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) in the Community in order to facilitate trade through the efficient movement of goods and people within the Community.  Under the arrangement, Partner States shall implement one stop border processing arrangements by establishing and designating control zones at the respective border posts.

The Bill in addition seeks to extend Partner States’ national laws relating to border control officers of adjoining Partner States permitting their free movement within the controlled zone(s) in the performance of their duties, without producing passports, but by simply producing their appropriate identity. 

The Bill makes provision for the application of border control laws and provides for institutional arrangements in the co-ordination and monitoring of the one stop border posts.  In so doing however, the Bill does not affect the rights of any adjoining Partner State(s) to take temporary measures in the interest of defence, security, public safety and public order.

Common Border posts designated in the EAC as One Stop Border Posts include the Taveta-Holili border and the Namanga border (Kenya-United Republic of Tanzania), Busia and Malaba borders (Kenya – Uganda) and the Kanyaru-Akanyaru border (Burundi-Rwanda).  Others are the Mutukula border (United Republic of Tanzania-Uganda), Gasenyi-Nemba border (Burundi, Rwanda) and Lungalunga-Horohoro border (Kenya – United Republic of Tanzania).

Debate on the Bill was preceded by the tabling of a Report of the Committee on Communications, Trade and Investment presented by the Chairperson, Hon Dan Kidega. The report underscores the need for Partner States to develop, upgrade and modernise the required infrastructural facilities and to enhance technological advancement to enable efficient and effective implementation of the Bill.

The report was filed as a result of public hearings held in the Partner States on March 6-12, 2013 and April 11, 2013 to collate views from different stakeholders.  The Committee at that point received views from customs officials, clearing and forwarding agents and members of the business community among others.

The report urges the Council of Ministers to conduct sensitisation programs on the OSBP to the populace and to fast-track the process of processing the needed regulations.  ‘It is true the OSBP has been operating on some border points on bilateral arrangements within the Partner States; therefore the law is critical because it provides a regional legal framework’, the Report said in part.

At debate time, Hon Shy-Rose S. Bhanji commended the Council of Ministers for initiating the Bill noting that it would reduce the unnecessary bureaucracies at the border posts.  ‘This is a major achievement and we want the capacities of the personnel at the borders to be built so as to enhance service delivery’, the legislator remarked.  Hon Mike K. Sebalu noted that it was necessary for the OSBP initiative to be rolled out to all borders when finances permit so as to demystify free movement.   ‘Integration is people centred and we must make the processes easy to implement the Common Market Protocol’, he noted. 

Hon Joseph Kiangoi said the Bill would enable the region to open up for trade terming the region ‘a major economic bloc’ in the continent and bloc. Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro said the implementation of the Bill would reduce corruption and significantly eliminate bribes.  Hon Mukasa Mbidde and Hon Abubakar Zein also rose in support of the Bill. 

The Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine remarked that the spirit of working together (EALA and the Council of Ministers) would be the hallmark towards ensuring integration.  He reiterated the Council’s pledge to put in place regulations to support the Act when implemented.  

 “It is our desire and aspiration for example that during the implementation of the Act, the terms and conditions of staff working together to facilitate the OSBP are harmonised to retain staff of high calibre”, the Minister stated.

The Bill successfully passed through the second reading with amendments during the Committee Stage before it was passed for its third reading.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 24, 2013), the Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, President Yoweri Museveni is expected to deliver the State of EAC Address to the Assembly

The Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine.  The Council of Ministers tabled the One Stop Border Posts Bill, 2012

EAC SECRETARY GENERAL BRIEFS PRESIDENT KENYATTA ON UPCOMING EAC EXTRA-ORDINARY SUMMIT

The East African Community Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Richard Sezibera met His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya at State House in Nairobi Monday 22 April 2013.

The Secretary General congratulated him on his victory in the recently concluded presidential elections and thanked him and the people of Kenya for the exemplary manner in which the elections were conducted.

The Secretary General also briefed President Kenyatta on the upcoming EAC Extra-Ordinary Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, on 28 April 2013, which will be the first to be attended by the new Kenyan President.

Amb. Sezibera took the opportunity to exchange views on the status of the EAC integration and efforts to deepen and widen it.

Kenya’s President expressed his commitment to the integration as a key commitment of his administration, especially the need to promote free movement of people and labor as well as the   elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers in East Africa, among others.

President Kenyatta also shared East Africa’s critical desire for improved common infrastructure and a vibrant East African economy.

 HE. President Uhuru Kenyatta with EAC Secretary General Amb. Richard Sezibera at State House Nairobi, Kenya

PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM UGANDA CALL ON THE EALA SPEAKER

The EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr Margaret Nantongo Zziwa yesterday met a delegation of Parliamentarians from Uganda on the sidelines of the EALA Sitting in Kigali, Rwanda.

The legislators who are Members of the Committee of the East African Community Affairs in the Parliament of Uganda, were in Kigali on a one week tour to familiarise themselves with the activities of EALA and on the oversight activities of the Committees of EALA.

In her remarks, the Speaker called on the National Assemblies in the Partner States to work towards instituting mechanisms that shall see the respective Parliaments and Parliamentarians effectively debate regional integration matters in the House.

“I challenge Parliamentarians to go “regional in mind and thought”. In fact, they need not only debate more on the EAC, but likewise, they should lead the process of trickling the regional integration message to their constituents”, the Speaker noted.

At the same time, the Hon. Speaker urged National Assemblies to set up Parliamentary Committees charged with EAC affairs that shall scrutinize reports and keep their Assemblies abreast of the happenings in the region.

‘At the moment, only the Parliament of Uganda has a specific and stand-alone Committee on EAC matters while in other Assemblies, EAC matters are handled within other Committees.   I know other Partner States are cognisant of the need and I encourage them to move to create stand- alone Committees’ the Speaker reiterated.

On her part, the Chairperson of the EAC Committee, Hon Sarah Mwebaza hailed EALA for the progress it had realized and the process so far engaged in to enthuse integration. Hon Mwebaza urged the Partner States to harness their diversities and unlock the free spirit so that the region can integrate faster, noting that other parts of the Continent and the rest of the world were keen on developments happening in East Africa.

In attendance were Hon Auru Anne, Hon Ssali Baker, Hon Sseninde Nansubuga Rosemary, Hon Oulanya Gilbert and Principal Clerk Assistant, Martha Kaganzi.

The Committee also held discussions with the Secretary General of the EAC, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera.   The deliberations delved on strengthening regional integration.  The Secretary General told the Parliamentarians the EAC remained committed to key priorities citing removal of NTBs, challenges of border communities and introduction of One-Stop Border Posts as areas that needed interventions.

EALA Member, Hon Mike Sebalu hailed the visit of the Members and noted that such tours would enhance linkages between EALA and the National Assemblies.  

He maintained that communications between National Assemblies and EALA was vital and provided for under the Treaty for the Establishment for the EAC. Article 65 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community succinctly recognises the need to foster co-operation between the Assembly (EALA) and the National Assemblies of the Partner States.

 Rt. Hon Speaker, Dr. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa presents a copy of the EALA Newsletter to the Members of Parliament from Uganda

26TH EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETING OF EAC  COUNCIL  OF MINISTERS TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK

The 26^th meeting of the EAC Extra-Ordinary Council of Ministers will on Monday, April 22, 2013  to Thursday, April 25, 2013 hold its sitting in Arusha, Tanzania.

The 26^th meeting of the EAC Extra Ordinary Council of Ministers will be conducted through the session of Senior Officials 22-23 April 2013; the session of the Co-ordination Committee i.e. Permanent Secretaries 24 April 2013; and climax with the Ministerial session on Thursday 25 April 2013.

The High level decision making policy organ of the Community will be expected to consider among other; recommendations on the appointment of one new Deputy Secretary General from the Republic of Kenya; proposal to establish the Bureau of Speakers as an organ of the East African Community and a progress report on the implementation  of the directive of the Summit on extension of the jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice.

In addition, the meeting will consider progress report on the negotiations of the Protocol on the establishment of the East African Community Monetary Union and  the report of the Finance and Administration Committee.

The 26^th Extra-Ordinary Council of Ministers meeting will be followed by the 11^th Extra-Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State on 28 April 2013 also in Arusha ,Tanzania

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) resumes business next week holding its Plenary in Kigali, Rwanda. The Plenary which takes place from Monday, April 15, 2013, to Thursday, April 25, 2013 is the Fifth Meeting of the First Session of the Third Assembly.

President Paul Kagame is expected to address a Special Sitting on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. On his part, the Chairperson of the Summit of the EAC Heads of State, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is expected to deliver the annual State of EAC Address at a Special Sitting on Thursday, April 18, 2013.

The State of EAC Address is delivered once a year by the Chairperson of the Summit of EAC Heads of State.   The address espouses on matters of policy and sets momentum and impetus for the integration process.

The Assembly to be presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon (Dr) Margaret Nantongo Zziwa shall during the two-week period discuss matters of legislative business. The Sitting expects to debate on the following Bills and deliberations:

Prior to the Plenary, the EALA Members are expected to tour a number of development projects in Kigali and up-country over the weekend. The tour organised by the Office of the Prime Minister in the Republic of Rwanda shall see the legislators visit among other places: the Muhanga Concession mining in Muhanga District, Kinazi Cassava Plant in Nyanza District and the Kigali Special Economic zone.  

EALA will also tour the East Africa Granite Industries in Nyagatare in addition to participating in commemorative activities at the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Museum and at Rebero.

The Sitting shall be interspersed with a seminar on Millennium Development Goals for all Members.   According to EALA, the seminar is guided by the fact that the period set for the realisation of the MDGs soon expires, thus any impetus to plan for the post 2015 agenda is crucial.

EAST AFRICAN HEALTH PLATFROM TO BE LAUNCHED IN KIGALI MARCH  

Private sector and civil society Health and pharmaceutical experts from the Partner States will convene in Kigali, Rwanda, for two-days from 26 March, 2013 to launch the East African Health Platform (EAHP).

 

The launch, to be presided by the East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors Hon. Jesca Eriyo, is a culmination of a year-long joint efforts by the East African Community (EAC), the East African Business Council (EABC), the East African Community Civil Society Forum (EACSOF), the East African Health Federation (EAHF), the Federation of East African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (FEAPM) and the Eastern Africa Network of AIDS Service Organizations (EANNASO). The EABC and EACSOF are the regional apex associations for the private sector and civil society respectively.

 

‘’The creation of East Africa Health Federation (EAHP) will go a very long way in supplementing the EAC regional efforts in promoting and strengthening the health sector. I am therefore greatly humbled to preside over the launch and hope the platform will result in the creation of an enabling environment for a healthy East African population" underlined Hon. Eriyo.

 

“The development of the EAHP strategic plan comes at the right moment when the EAC has just adopted the dialogue framework for the participation of Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) and Private Sector Organizations (PSOs) in the regional integration process,’’ said Dr Amit Thakker, Chairperson EAHP.

 

Article 127(4) of the Treaty provides for the creation of an enabling environment for participation, strengthening of the private sector and engendering of cooperation among CSOs and PSOs in the region.

 

The focus of the strategy is geared towards institutional development of the platform and harmonization of policies and legislations aligned to the health undertakings in the region.

 

The EAHP is expected to be an effective and vibrant platform, where stakeholders can utilize the already built EAC dialogue channels and enhance promotion of the region’s health sector competitiveness in trade, service delivery and investments.

 

The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur international Zusammernarbeit (GIZ), the German International Development Agency, facilitated the EAHP’s initiation.

FOOD SAFETY A CRITICAL MATTER FOR THE REGION, SAYS EAC OFFICIAL

The region should consider food safety critical matter because food and nutritional security are the foundations of a decent life, a sound education and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, an EAC official has said.

The EAC Senior Livestock Officer Mr. Timothy Wesonga made the point when addressing food experts at the four-day East African Community Regional Workshop on Harmonization of Food Safety Measures in Africa which is taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. 

Representing the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge Productive and Social Sectors Hon Jesca Eriyo, Mr Wesonga noted that food safety is vital is for protecting human health and trade and further informed the food experts that the initiative on food safety is aimed at ensuring safe and nutritious quality food that will contribute to reducing food insecurity in the region and enable EAC products access international markets in tandem with the EAC Food Security Action Plan and the EAC Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Strategy.

The EAC official noted that as the EAC is currently implementing its Food Security Action Plan (2011-15), one of the priority areas is to improve the sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures along the food value chains.

“We believe therefore that the regional food safety measures being developed will play a leading role in ensuring improved safety food in the region.

The Partner States in Articles 108 and 118 of the EAC Treaty have committed to co-operate in the health, social and cultural fields and, in particular, in the fields of human and animal medicines, as well as food and feed safety

The workshop is a follow-up on the first workshop of food experts in Nairobi, Kenya held January this year. 

The focus of the second workshop is to improve the food safety document and ensure that all areas covered are in line with the EAC Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) Protocol.

4^TH EAC HEALTH AND SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE FOR 27-29 MARCH IN KIGALI

East African Community to launch Open Health Initiative on opening day of Conference

The Rwandan capital, Kigali, will host the 4^th EAC Health and Scientific Conference and International Trade Fair & Health Exhibition that is scheduled to take place from Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 March 2013 at the Kigali Serena Hotel.

The main theme of the three-day Conference is: Regional Health Priorities and Opportunities: “Evidence for Action in the Changing Global Financial Situation. Prof. Khama Rogo, Lead Health Specialist, World Bank and Prof. Charles Mugone, Executive Director, European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) will deliver the keynote address at the event that will bring together at least 200 health researchers, scientists and policy-makers from all over the world.

The Conference has four sub-themes namely: Maternal and Child Health (Achieving the MDGs for Maternal and Child Health); Non-Communicable Diseases and Trauma; Health Systems Strengthening and Quality of Health Care.

Five symposiums are also planned, covering subjects that include population, HIV & AIDS, sexual and gender based violence, disaster preparedness and tobacco control.

“The EAC is cognizant of the need for joint collaboration in strengthening regional cooperation on health and specifically in the area of health research,” says EAC Secretary General Amb Dr. Richard Sezibera, who adds that the meeting will provide a platform to promote evidence-based health policy formulation.

The 4th Annual East African Health and Scientific Conference will be preceded by the 8th Joint Meeting of Health Professional Boards and Councils from 25 to 26 March 2013 and the 9th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Health from 25 to 26 March 2013.

During the Conference the East African Community Open Health Initiative to Improve Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health will be officially launched. The Open Health Initiative, which the EAC Summit of Heads of State gave their stamp of approval last November, aims to support the EAC Partner States reach their goals for women’s and children’s health by focusing on three thematic areas: ‘Accountability for Results and Resources’, ‘Results-based Financing’, and ‘Innovation’.

The 4^th EAC Health and Scientific Conference and International Trade Fair & Health Exhibition sponsors include: Rwanda Ministry of Health; USAID East Africa (Makerere University Regional Centre for Quality of Care); Population Council; EAC Secretariat; LVBC Secretariat; ECSA-HCS Secretariat; HEALTHY FUTURES Project and QWeCI Project; Sida; WHO and SACIDS.

 

The 4^th EAC Health and Scientific Conference and International Trade Fair & Health Exhibition is convened in fulfillment of the resolutions of the EAC recommendations and other relevant Treaty provisions (Article 118) with regard to regional cooperation and integration in the health sector and the resolutions of the 12th Ordinary Session of the EAC Council of Ministers in 2006.

The EAC Health and Scientific conferences are convened by the EAC Secretariat and hosted on a rotational basis by the Partner States through their respective National Ministries responsible for Health,  National Academic and Health Research Institutions, National Health Professional Boards/Councils/Associations in close collaboration with other regional and international health-related non-governmental and civil society organizations, individual health care providers/practitioners/institutions and other stakeholders in both the private and public health sectors.

The 1st Annual East African Health and Scientific Conference was hosted by Uganda from 28 to 30 March 2007 in Kampala, Uganda. The conference incorporated an international health exhibition and trade fair.

The second edition of the conference was hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania from 26 to 28 March 2008 in Arusha, while the subsequent edition was hosted by Kenya from 25 to 27 March 2009 in Nairobi.