Speaker, Regional Assembly condole with United Republic of Tanzania following tragic road accident in Karatu, Arusha

Posted in Press Release

East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 May 2017:

EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega has sent a message of condolence to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E. Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, following the tragic weekend accident in Karatu District, Arusha, that claimed lives of over 30 children.

The pupils and teaching staff from St Lucky Vincent School in Arusha perished on Saturday morning when the minibus they were travelling in, veered off the road and plunged in to a river in Rhotia area, Karatu, under rainy conditions.

In his message, Rt Hon. Kidega, who is away on official duties, termed the tragic accident a national tragedy.

“Death has robbed the United Republic of Tanzania and the region at large of young pupils who had a great and promising future. I am indeed saddened by this national tragedy”, the condolence message read in part.

“The Assembly and I condole with the families and relatives of those who lost their loved ones and pray to the Almighty God to grant all comfort at this hour of grief”, the Speaker said.

The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan, led government, leaders of all walks of life, as well as thousands of Arusha residents to pay last respects to the demised at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, where the public farewell took place.

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For more information, please contact:

Mr Bobi Odiko
Senior Public Relations Officer
East African Legislative Assembly
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255-27-2508240
Fax: +255-27-2503103
Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036|
Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org
Web: www.eala.org

About the East African Legislative Assembly:

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

Assembly hits road on last phase of Sensitization

Posted in Press Release

East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 25 April 2017:

EALA late last week commenced on its last leg of sensitisation activities for the Financial Year 2016/17 in the Partner States.

The twelve-day activity which started on April 20th, 2017, is premised on the theme; EAC Integration Agenda: Accessing the Gains. The sensitisation phase hopes to bring EAC citizens up to speed on the overall integration process, promote liaison with EAC National Assemblies and key stakeholders and create awareness among the populace on the gains and challenges of integration. It also seeks to enhance mutual relationships between EALA and the citizens of the region. Each EALA Chapter shall engage with different stakeholders in-country. The stakeholders include institutions of learning, Member of Parliaments, civil society and private sector representatives, media and the border communities among others. The Ministry responsible for EAC Affairs in each Partner State is coordinating the activity.

This is the third and last sensitization activity to be carried out by the 3rd Assembly before its tenure ends in June 2017. EALA held two other phases of sensitization in the Partner States in April and June 2016 respectively.

The Assembly in August 2016 debated and adopted the sensitization report of the last activity. The Sensitisation report presented by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, Chair of EALA Rwanda Chapter, was a culmination of outreach and sensitisation activities carried out in the Partner States by the various country Chapters of EALA in June 2016.

EALA’s Sensitisation activities, emanate from the policy guidance by the Summit of EAC Heads of State and the decision by the Assembly’s Commission to reach out to the people of East Africa as part of its mandate on representation, on the one side. On the other, the move is in accordance with EALA’s Strategic Plan (2013-2018) that is based on a people-centered approach.

The Assembly is of the view that the region would totally benefit if the Common Market Protocol is fully embraced. Members have further underscored the importance of sensitisation saying if the citizens are informed, then full integration is bound to be achieved.

The legislators have urged the House to ensure sensitisation is institutionalised in the calendar of activities of EALA and rooted for use of Kiswahili as a key language that bonds and enables citizens of the region to communicate effectively and efficiently.

At the same time, the Assembly has also recommended that the EAC Anthem and the flag should go hand in hand with respective national ones (flags) at all times.

- ENDS -

For more information, please contact:

Mr Bobi Odiko
Senior Public Relations Officer
East African Legislative Assembly
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255-27-2508240
Fax: +255-27-2503103
Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036
Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org
Web: www.eala.org

About the East African Legislative Assembly:

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.