Press Release

Time to make One Stop Border Posts a Reality

Posted in Press Release

Citizens of the region are set to benefit a great deal through facilities offered by the One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) in the EAC Partner States. Already where the facilities are running bilaterally, there is facilitation of free movement of persons and the enhancement of trade between the Partner States, an EALA report adopted by the House states.

In the regard, regional legislators are calling for the fast-tracking of all remaining works of the OSBPs to allow its implementation for further integration.

At the same time, it is key for the assent of the OSBP Bill, 2013, in the Partner States to be finalised to give it legal effect in the entire region. It has been stated that Partner States are implementing the OSBP Initiatives bilaterally as they await for completion of the Assent process. At the moment, the Bill which was introduced by the Council of Ministers is in Rwanda for the final assent signature. Already, the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have assented to the Bill.

The recommendations are contained in a report of the Communication Trade and Investments (CTI) on the OSBPs in EAC Partner States debated and passed by the House. The report was presented to the House by Hon. Nancy Abisai on behalf of the Committees Chair, Hon. Mukasa Mbidde.

EALA Members undertook an On-Spot Assessment on the One-Stop Border Posts in EAC Partner States in the months of April and September 2015. Phase one of the assessment covered OSBPs of Mutukula (Uganda/Tanzania), Mirama Hill/Kagitumba (Uganda/Rwanda) and Rusumo (Rwanda/Tanzania) on 8th to 11th April 2015. The second phase covered Lungalunga/HoroHoro (Kenya/Tanzania), Taveta/Holili (Kenya/Tanzania) and Namanga (Tanzania/Kenya) from 30th September to 3rd October 2015.

The objectives of the One–Spot assessment was to find out the status of implementation of the OSBP initiative project and its effect on the movement of people and the EAC business environment. It also set to interact with stakeholders and identify opportunities and challenges affecting the implementation of effective OSBPs and to come up with relevant recommendations.

Stakeholders who participated in the On-Spot Assessments included Revenue Authorities, Immigration, Bureau of Standards, Police, Clearing and Forwarding Agents, and Traders. Others were Transporters, Local Authorities and Development Partners as well as officials from the EAC Secretariat.

One Stop Border Posts lessen days and facilitate inter-regional and international transport and road transit. According to analysts, when exiting one country and entering another, OSBPs combine two stops into one.

During the meetings, Members were informed that the construction of OSBPs were delayed at the Mutukula (Tanzania side) due to late handover of the site, power outages and floods among others. Mutukula on the Uganda side also had delays occasioned by re-designing challenges, delays in relocation of police posts occupying the area and delay in release of funds among others.

The OSBP on Mirama Hills, which was financed by TradeMark East Africa to the tune of USD 7.8 Million was however completed in time as was the facility at Kagitumba, Rwanda/Uganda border.

Construction at Rusumo border is expected to be concluded in time in December 2015. In Namanga, the Report indicates that construction on the Tanzania side has been completed even though not formally handed over due to a number of outstanding issues. On the Kenya side, a number of challenges continue to hamper the completion including erratic power supply, lack of drive through scanners for goods carrying vehicles and funding shortages.

Generally on all borders, there is limited knowledge on borders with regards to OSBPs, lack of operating manuals and inadequate water supply. In its findings, the report underscores training and sensitisation programs and the need for teamwork.

At debate, Hon. Shyrose Bhanji lamented that implementation of the decisions of the House were overlooked. “I had hoped to hear there is 100% implementation of the OSBPs. The reasons given for the delay are not good. Where is the problem, Hon Speaker”, she posed. “The process of getting the Bill has been costly. It is important that it is effected”, she said.

Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo said the Bill was key in ensuring trade facilitation. Hon. Bernard Mulengani said various basic amenities including school, water and housing were lacking and this may have impact on enhancing OSBPs. He further said Partner States were managing OSBPs on bilateral agreements and there was need to address the matter.

Hon. Hafsa Mossi rooted for awareness creation and requested Investment authorities should avail information on investment opportunities at the border. She further called for the harmonisation of the time zones between the Partner States. At the moment, Rwanda and Burundi are one hour in the time zone behind Kenya, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Secretary-General of the EAC, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera mentioned that the EAC Summit of EAC Heads of State was keen to assent to the Bills more efficiently. “In the recent past, they have assented to Bills including the EAC HIV and AIDS Management Act, 2012, EAC Conflict Management Act, 2012, EAC Elections Act, 2012 and the EAC Community Emblems (Amendment) Act, 2008. Others are the Customs Management Amendment Act, 2012 and the EAC Supplementary Act, 2012”, he remarked.

The Secretary-General reiterated that the EAC OSBP Bill and the Vehicle Load Bill were currently in Rwanda on the last stop and that the process of assent was on.

Hon. Sara Bonaya noted that the issue of ownership of land was necessary as was the standard of optimal parcels of land for future expansion. Others who supported the report were Hon. Taslima Twaha, Hon. Dr James Ndahiro, Hon. Pierre Celestin Rwigema and Hon. Dr Kessy Nderakindo.

EALA Members Tenure of Office under threat - Assembly Member moves Urgent Motion for Resolution

Posted in Press Release

EALA Member, Rt Hon. AbuBakr Ogle, late yesterday moved a motion for a Resolution advising the Assembly to urge Partner States not to introduce attempts to manipulate institutions, threaten Members or undermine their status, terming such a move unlawful and an affront to the principles under the EAC Treaty.

The Resolution condemns in the strongest term possible all attempts to undermine the authority of the Assembly and claims to the privileges and status of its Members.

The Resolution was however not debated. In its place, the EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, made a ruling deferring the matter to the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges for immediate digestion. He further tasked the Committee to refer back the matter to the House as soon as possible.

The Resolution follows a recent letter written to the EALA Speaker by his counterpart, the Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Rt Hon. Pascal Nyabenda, ceasing membership of four Members from Burundi to EALA. The four are Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana, Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro, Hon. Yves Nsabimana and Hon. Dr Martin Nduwimana. The letter written to Speaker Kidega earlier this month, avers that the conditions through which they (four Members) presented themselves for elections had now changed.

It says in part that the party on whose strength two Members were elected to EALA was no longer represented in the Burundi National Assembly. Two other Members had on their part ceased to be Members of their parties having duly resigned.

In his response to the said letter, the Speaker noted that the request was not tenable owing to the fact that it had contravened section 51 of the EAC Treaty among other provisions. Hitherto, the Counsel to the Community offered legal opinion on the matter after acquaintance with the Constitution of the Republic of Burundi and the Electoral laws in the country.

The Resolution which was seconded by Hon. Dr James Ndahiro noted that matters of privileges of Members touch on the integrity and independence of the Assembly and that any threats bring with it a potential to undermine the authority of the Assembly and compromises its functioning under the EAC Treaty.

Justifying the matter on the floor of the House, Hon. AbuBakr Ogle remarked that the letter written by the Burundi National Assembly was tantamount to a raid on the independence and privileges of the House. The Resolution further appeals to the Organs and Institutions of the Community to guarantee safety and security of all Members of EALA and staff as well as those of other Institutions of the Community.

The motion was moved under Rule 30 (j) of the Rules of Procedure which allows for a motion raising a question of privilege to be asked without notice.

At the commencement of the 3rd Meeting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly early this week, EALA Speaker remarked that the Assembly was concerned about what is happening in Burundi.

“Many lives have been lost, others maimed, peace disrupted, property damaged and the economy destabilised following the rapid escalation of violence and the instability over the last few months. The situation is worrying and could be dire and grave”, Rt Hon. Kidega said.

He remarked that he had reached out to the President of the Senate to rally legislators to work towards finding permanent solutions to the crisis.

“As an Assembly, we have also debated on and passed the Report of the Goodwill Mission of EALA to the Burundi Refugees in Eastern Province of Rwanda and in Kigoma in the United Republic of Tanzania. Last week, the Assembly also received a petition from concerned East Africans keen to see the impasse resolved”, the Speaker remarked.

Zinduka Festival 2015 pushes EAC Integration into Full Gear

Posted in Press Release

In celebration of East-Africaness, the East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, on behalf of the Secretary-General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, graced the official opening of the third Zinduka Festival held at Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania.

Meaning “re-awakening consciousness” in Kiswahili, Zinduka brings together participants from the fields of academia, social movements, civil society organisations, media, the business community, the EAC Secretariat and East African government bodies to engage in discussions regarding East African integration, to find collaborative measures to strengthen advocacy on EAC integration for sustainable development and to celebrate the region’s rich diversity.

Reiterating on the importance of integration, which is also the theme of this year’s Zinduka Festival, Mr Mfumukeko stressed on the need for more citizenry participation, adding that, “this is the only way that our collective dream can be realised. Popular ownership is the foundation for a secure and sustainable East African Community”.

The Zinduka Festival comes in time of EAC Day marked for November 30, 2015. With 15 years of integration already under her belt, the Community was in the forefront of the Customs Union in 2005, the Common Market in 2010, the signing of the Monetary Union Protocol in 2013, as well as continuous efforts in fast-tracking the process towards an East African Political Federation. In addition to this, in 2011, the EAC designed a Forum for the involvement of Civil Society and the Private Sector in the integration process.

“With women constituting over 60 percent of the EAC population, their role in boosting social and economic development of the Community and trade across the region cannot be overemphasised”, said Mr Mfumukeko. “Youth is another group that cannot be ignored. Many of our young people have brilliant and innovative ideas, and if we all should work together with them to create an environment where this potential can be fully tapped to drive growth and development”, he said.

The Zinduka Festival originated from the need for a people owned process envisaged in Article 127(3) and (4) of the EAC Treaty. Zinduka is a catalyst that compliments other ongoing as well as future efforts by state and non-state actors to build a sustainable EAC through active citizenry participation. The inaugural Festival was held between May 30 and June 1 2013 in Arusha.

More Articles ...

East African Community
EAC Close
Afrika Mashariki Road
P.O. Box 1096
Arusha
United Republic of Tanzania

Tel: +255 (0)27 216 2100
Fax: +255 (0)27 216 2190
Email: eac@eachq.org

Quick Guide:

Opportunities:

Tools & Services:

Help & Support: