Posted in Press Release
The EAC Secretary-General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, held discussions with TMEA CEO, Mr Frank Matsaert to plan for TMEA’s support for the next phase, 2016-2022.
The meeting took place today at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, and was attended by Dr Enos Bukuku, EAC Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Mr David Stanton, TMEA Director General, and ministerial representatives from the five Partner States.
With the aim of improving the quality of life of East Africans through competitiveness, value-added production, trade and investments, the EAC, through TMEA support, has improved the infrastructure at Mombasa Port; constructed road network between Ntungamo to Mirama Hill in Uganda and Port Reitz to Kipevu West in Kenya; improved on the customs clearance time along the borders and carried out several sensitisation campaigns to small cross border traders on the opportunities and facilities of the Integration Process.
“I wish to express my gratitude to TMEA for supporting the Integration Agenda”, said Dr Sezibera. “As we move more towards monetary and fiscal integration, we need to strengthen institutional capacities, nurture vibrant trade and enhance financial markets within the region”, he said.
Despite the challenges since the re-establishment of the EAC, there is no doubt that Partner States have made considerable progress in their efforts to integrate. Efforts have been made in the harmonisation of policies, while improvements have been made in the areas of trade, macroeconomic policies, infrastructure and ICTs.
The decision by Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, East African Community and Southern African Development Community to establish a single free trade zone for the 26 member countries goes a long way to deepen the integration agenda for the Community.
“We are very keen on continuing supporting the Integration Agenda”, said Mr Matsaert. “With strong commitment and guidance from the Secretary-General and his team, we will be able to carve out key priority activities to carry out in the next phase”, he said.
Posted in Press Release
That EALA dethroned four time soccer champions, Parliament of Uganda 4-3 on post-match penalties to win the Inter-Parliamentary Games Football tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, was by all standards a remarkable feat…… It was celebrated.
And on Thursday, EALA passed a Motion for a Resolution hailing Members and Staff for their exemplary performance at the 6th Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament held in Kigali, Rwanda in December 2015.
The Motion which was moved by Hon. Bernard Mulengani and seconded by Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, lauded the football team for making history.
The Motion recalled that the Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament have been held six times to date and that it is the first time in the entire history of the Tournament that EALA / EAC wins gold medals and a trophy in football.
It thus congratulated its football team for defeating Parliament of Uganda to be declared the champions. The Assembly further resolved that it would provide time in every Plenary for its Members and Staff to engage in training and friendly matches since the disciplines have increased. In addition, and with additional resources, the teams would be involved in other tournaments besides the Inter-Parliamentary Games as a means of enhancing outreach in the Partner States.
Other Parliaments’ football teams are forewarned… that the Assembly further vowed that its football team would go ahead and win the next two subsequent tournaments so that it retains the trophy for keeps.
The Assembly also hailed the EAC Speakers’ Bureau for budgetary support leading to the introduction of additional sporting disciplines including netball, volleyball, golf, tug of war and athletics, while encouraging the participation of all National Assemblies and Parliaments in all games.
The motion congratulated other teams of EALA for significant improvements in their performance and as well as participation of the National Assemblies which was exhibited with high level of discipline.
The mover hailed the Members for their commitment and noted that some continued with much determination even in the face of injuries.
During debate, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo lauded the EALA Speaker for leadership which ensured a successful tournament with all teams exhibiting competitiveness and discipline.
Hon. Joseph Kiangoi remarked the Games had broadened integration as legislators from the National Parliaments and Assemblies take the message to the different constituencies in the region.
Hon. Odette Nyiramilimo requested the Speaker to consider Members with special needs, saying it was necessary to introduce games that are favourable to them. Others who supported the Motion included Hon. Isabelle Ndahayo, Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro and Hon. Pierre Celestin Rwigema.
The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games is a key aspect of building relations between the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the National Assemblies in the EAC region. Article 119 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community obliges the Partner States to promote close co-operation amongst themselves in culture and sports, with respect to the promotion and enhancement of diverse sports activities among other areas.
At the Games, Parliament of Uganda won the netball trophy while Parliament of Kenya won the men’s volleyball tournament, athletics (men) and the overall trophy in athletics. The women’s volleyball trophy went to Parliament of Rwanda.