House grants leave to two Members to introduce Private Members’ Bills
The Assembly has granted leave to two Members to introduce Private Members’ Bills pursuant to article 59(1) of the Treaty and Rule 64 of the Rules of Procedure.
Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa will move the EAC Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 2015 while Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro has been granted permission to introduce the EAC Retirement Benefits for Specified Heads of Organs Bill, 2015.
The object of the Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 2015 is to create an enabling environment for both the Partner States’ citizens and non-citizens to disclose freely, information on corrupt or improper conduct both in the public and private sectors in the Community.
The Bill is premised on Article 6 of the Treaty in which Partner States undertook to promote the principles of good governance including adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, accountability, transparency, social justice and equal opportunities among others.
It hopes to provide for the protection from victimisation of whistleblowers as well as procedures for making disclosures.
In her justification, Hon. Zziwa decried the increasing reports of graft, corruption and public plunder of resources across board in the EAC region. The recent Papal visit according to Hon. Zziwa was in addition to seeking forgiveness, also an opportune moment to reflect on a number of issues.
“You will recall the Papal decried tribalism, sectarianism which has caused pain in Africa and called for forgiveness and love. He further urged leaders to desist from corruption likening it to the licking of sugar”, the legislator said.
“Corruption and graft has eaten on to the very fabric of our society and we must find ways out of the vice”, Hon. Zziwa said, adding that a number of stakeholders including Auditor Generals had shown support for the envisaged Bill.
The Bill will enhance accountability, social justice and ultimately, the rule of law.
Hon. Susan Nakawuki said it was time to put up a spirited fight to tame corruption. “To some extent even we as legislators sometimes receive anonymous letters from people who have information on matters under investigation. Such people are whistleblowers in their own rights and need to be protected. What is needed is a framework to protect them”, she said.
Hon. Martin Ngoga said though the envisaged Bill is self-sustaining, it was part and parcel of other bigger pieces of legislation that should be introduced in future to comprehensively tackle corruption.
A second Bill that shall be introduced to the House by Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro is entitled The East African Community Retirement Benefits for Specified Heads of Organs Bill, 2015.
The Bill seeks to make provision for retirement benefits for specified leaders who have honourably served and completed their terms on the service of the Community.
It specifically provides retirement benefits for the former President of the East African Court of Justice, the former Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly and the former Secretary General of the East African Community.
The mover said that the Heads of Organs of the Community are an embodiment of the Integration process.
“EAC should take care of their former leaders, since even in retirement, they are an embodiment of the EAC and a resource,” Hon. Ngenzebuhoro said.
The Bill is seconded by Hon. Dora Byamukama who says the practice of giving retirement benefits is not new to the Community.
“We are adopting best practices from some of the Partner States such as Uganda,” Hon. Byamukama said.
“It is from this House that we are also getting eminent persons who continue to be champions of integration and make a pool of resource for the Community”, she added.