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

Posted in Press Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EALA Speaker visits Kigali, meets President of Senate

Posted in Press Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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