East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 June 2017:
The third Assembly has concluded its tour of duty. EALA late yesterday passed three Bills, two key reports and three Resolutions before dissolving.
In addition to passage of the EAC Budget and the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2017, the Assembly also enacted the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill 2017. The Bill moved by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, seeks to provide a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene materials.
In March 2017, debate on the Bill was adjourned by the regional Assembly, then sitting in Kigali, after the Private Sector under the aegis of the East African Business Council, asked for further consultations, while the government of the United Republic of Tanzania was given some more time to submit its views.
The Report of the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment on the Single Customs Territory in the EAC region and that of the Committee on Accounts for the Oversight activity of the new EAC Institutions (The East African Science and Technology Commission and the Kiswahili Commission) were also adopted.
The day-long Sitting also witnessed debate and approval of three key resolutions. A Resolution of the Assembly to introduce East African Community integration syllabus in EAC Schools was moved by Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji.
Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana on his part, moved a Resolution condoling with the families and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania on the tragic accident and loss of lives of 32 pupils of Lucky Vincent Primary School in Arusha. Both resolutions received overwhelming support on the floor of the House.
An annual EAC Film Festival is also to be established following passage of the Resolution on the same moved by Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro.As the Assembly completed its term, out-going Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega hailed the Members and staff for their contribution to the process. He said the 3rd EALA had realised significant achievements including passage of 31 Bills, over 90 reports and 67 Resolutions. The Speaker said EALA had further instituionalised the sensitisation programmes in the Partner States.
Meanwhile, the inauguration of the 4th Assembly earlier on scheduled for Monday, June 5 2017, has been shelved until further notice. This follows extensive consultations held by the leadership of the Assembly occasioned by the incomplete EALA electioneering process in the Republic of Kenya.
“As you may be aware, the Parliament of Kenya is still in the process of electing its Members to the 4th Assembly. Due to the foregoing, we are unable to proceed with the activities related to the inauguration of the 4thAssembly. We require the presence of all Partner States in order to transact any business”, a letter signed by the EALA Clerk, Mr Kenneth Madete, to his counterparts in the National Legislatures said in part.
“The first sitting of the Assembly and its related activities as communicated to you earlier, is hereby suspended until further notice”, the Clerk’s communication added.
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For more information, please contact:
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.
East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 June 2017:
EALA yesterday considered and approved a Budget estimates for the Financial Year 2017/2018, totaling $110,130,183.
Uganda’s State Minister for EAC, Hon Julius Maganda, last week presented the Budget Speech to an attentive House on behalf of the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC, Uganda and Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Dr. Ali Kirunda Kivenjija.
The Budget is allocated to the Organs and Institutions of the EAC as follows; East African Community Secretariat ($60, 183, 201), East African Legislative Assembly ($17, 996, 959) and the East African Court of Justice ($4,140,166).
The Inter-University Council for East Africa shall receive ($6,766,928), Lake Victoria Basin Commission ($11,960,643) while $ 2,466,655 is earmarked for the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization. On their part, the East African Science and Technology Commission shall receive ($ 1,500, 164), East African Kiswahili Commission ($ 1,553,098) and the East African Health Research Commission ($ 2,225,324). The East African Competition Authority is to benefit from $1,337,045 in the Financial Year 2017/18.
The 2017/2018 Budget is to be financed by Partner State contributions through the Ministries of EAC Affairs ($50,226,522); Ministries responsible for Education – ($ 4,848,431) and Ministries responsible for Fisheries ($ 1, 549,254). Development Partners will support the Community to the tune of ($52, 868,638) while Member Universities will inject in to the kitty $ 303, 435. The miscellaneous revenue is pegged at $ 333,903.
The 2017/2018 Budget themed: “Accelerating Implementation of the EAC Integration Agenda” is a step-up from $101,374,589 presented to the House in the previous Financial Year. The Budget speech prioritizes on the consolidation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) to cover all imports and intra-EAC traded goods, infrastructure development in the region and further liberalization of free movement of skilled labour across the Partner States.
The approval of the Budget speech was preceded by adoption of the Report on the EAC Budget presented by the Chair of the General Purpose Committee, Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo.
Several Members supported the debate. Hon James Ndahiro who suggested the amendment of the Budget Act to ensure that Financial Rules and Regulations need to be updated to reflect the current activities of the Community. On her part, Hon Emerence Bucumi said it was necessary for more funds to be injected into the agriculture sector.
It was noted that the EAC Budget for the Financial Year 2016/2017 had witnessed an unprecedented low outrun due to delay or non-remittance of funds from Partner States and Development Partners. As at15 May 2017, remittance of funds from Partner States stood at 43% resulting in delay of most planned programmes/activities.
Members therefore underscored the need for commitment and timely remittance of funds to guarantee effective implementation and set priorities in the EAC Budget Financial Year 2017/2018.
The Committee is of the view that a well thought out and co-ordinated approach to resource mobilization should be adopted by the Institutions in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat.
The Chairman of the Council of Ministers Hon. Dr Kirunda Kivenjija reiterated the need for further co-operation between the Council and the EALA.
Other Members who contributed to the debate were Hon. Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Dora Byamukama, Hon Susan Nakawuki, Hon Bernard Mulengani and Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo. Hon. Chris Opoka, Hon Shyrose Bhanji, Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon.Nancy Abisai and the Secretary General of the Community, Hon Liberat Mfumukeko also gave a nod to the Committee Report.
Last week, Minister Maganda highlighted a number of achievements registered in the Financial Year 2016/2017, notably, the upscaling of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) through finalisation of operational instruments of the business manuals, deployment of SCT Monitoring and Evaluation tools and deployment of staff in some Partner States.
Following the successes registered during the initial stages of the Single Customs Territory, the roll out of goods cleared under the Single Customs Territory was expanded both on the Northern and Central Corridors.
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For more information, please contact:
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.
East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 31 May 2017:
Four crucial Bills sailed through the First Reading in the House yesterday.
The EAC Youth Council Bill, 2017, the EAC Mining Bill 2017, the EAC Appropriation Bill 2017 and the EAC Cross Border Trade in Professional Services Bill, 2017, were read for the first time yesterday and committed to the relevant committees.
The EAC Cross Border Trade in Professional Services Bill, 2017, which is expected to be a boost to the Common Market Protocol, is moved by Hon Fred Mukasa Mbidde. The Bill hopes to provide for the conduct and regulation of Cross Border Trade in Professional Services in the Community and to make provisions for purposes connected to the practice of professions through borders of the Community.
The Bill is premised on Article 104 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC under which the Partner States undertook to adopt measures to achieve free movement of persons, labour and services and to ensure the enjoyment of the right of establishment and residence of the citizens within the Community.
At the same time, the Bill should see the operationalisation of Article 76 of the Treaty which provides for free movement of labour, goods, services, capital and the rights of establishment. In the same regard, it takes into account the provisions of article 10 on free movement of workers and Article 11 on harmonisation and mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications.
The EAC Mining Bill 2017, moved by Hon Chris Opoka-Okumu hopes to provide legal framework for the regulation of mining operations in the Community. It seeks to implement the EAC Vision 2050 and specifically to operationalise Article 114(2) (c ) (iv) of the EAC Treaty which calls for harmonisation of mining regulations to ensure environmentally friendly and sound mining practices.
The Bill further provides for a transparent and accountable mechanism for the reporting of mining and mineral related activities in the Community. It is to ultimately reduce the differences in the operating environment for the mining sector.
Not to be left behind are the youth who make a significant percentage of the EAC populace following the introduction of the EAC Youth Council Bill, 2017. The Bill moved by Hon Susan Nakawuki, is premised on Article 120 of the EAC Treaty and seeks to implement the EAC Youth Policy 2014 which is an integral part of the 4th EAC Development Strategy 2011/2012 – 2015/2016. The Bill recognises that Partner States have diverse laws and policies regarding the youth in their territories. The Bill therefore attempts to uniformalise the laws and regulations pertaining to youth in the Community.
The Appropriation Bill, 2017 on its part, makes provision for appropriation out of the budget of EAC for specified amounts of money for the services and purposes of the Community for the Financial Year ending 30th June 2018.
Parliament meets for the entire day on Wednesday, 31st May, 2017.
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For more information, please contact:
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.
East African Community Secretariat; Juba, South Sudan; 31 May 2017:
The Secretary General of South Sudan Secretariat for the East African Community, Hon. Mou Mou Athian Kuol, on Tuesday launched the design competition for a corporate identity for the EAC at the Main Hall of the University of Juba, Republic of South Sudan (RSS).
Addressing students, members of the academic and non-academic staff, Hon. Mou Mou called upon the students and youth in South Sudan to take advantage of the opportunity being offered by the Community with regard to developing a new EAC corporate identity, as directed by the EAC Council of Ministers.
Hon. Mou Mou told the university community that South Sudan’s admission to the Community was a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to seek economic, social and cultural political integration with the citizens of the EAC, adding that RSS’s entry into the Community marked a major shift in the country’s foreign and economic policy.
“It is only since the proclamation of independence in 2011 that South Sudan was free to make its own regional and foreign policy and as part of this policy, we have made it clear that we want to be a part of EAC,” said the Secretary General.
Hon. Mou Mou told his audience that as part of integrating the RSS into the Community, the EAC Heads of State appointed Justice Dr. Charles Oyo Nyawello, from RSS as Judge to the First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice during their 18th Ordinary Meeting held on 20th May, 2017 in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
“Every citizen of the regional bloc including South Sudanese can now log cases in this regional Court. South Sudan will soon becoming a part of the visa-free area of the EAC and as a result, South Sudanese citizens will no longer need visas to travel to the region and vice versa for EAC citizens travelling to South Sudan,” said Mou Mou.
He further revealed that RSS has already nominated nine Members of Parliament to the 4th East African Legislative Assembly, which will be inaugurated in July 2017 in Arusha, adding that the country had already appointed a Defence Liaison Officer from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs who will be shortly reporting for duty at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha.
The Secretary General urged the youth from South Sudan specializing in graphic arts and design to work hard and participate actively in the competition saying winners would be given awards.
The 24th meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning held on 30th June, 2016 in Nairobi, adopted the proposed EAC Brand Architecture Strategy and directed the EAC Secretariat to engage the Youth in the region to develop the new EAC corporate identity.
The EAC Brand Architecture Strategy proposes several activities that include re-designing a new EAC emblem and logo, developing a common unique identifier for all Organs and Institutions; developing one primary (main) EAC corporate colour and one secondary colour; and developing a single visual identity emblem for the Community.
There are several gaps that have been identified in the current EAC corporate identity, which the design competition is expected to address.
Prior to the launch of the Competition, the Secretariat undertook a sensitization workshop on the EAC Brand Architecture for the students mainly from the College of Arts, Music and Drama, who were joined by a few youth groups involved in graphic design from Juba and its environs.
Guidelines for participating in the EAC Brand Architecture Design Competition is available on www.eac.int. The Competition period is from 1st June 2017 to 31st August 2017.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 30 May 2017:
The East African Community Secretariat is set to launch a design competition among the Youth in the region for a new emblem and logo as directed by the EAC Council of Ministers.
The 24th meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning held on 30th June, 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya, considered and adopted the EAC Brand Architecture Strategy and directed the EAC Secretariat to involve the Youth in the region to develop the new EAC Brand Architecture.
The EAC Brand Architecture Strategy proposes several activities that include: re-designing a new EAC emblem and logo, developing a common unique identifier for all EAC Organs and Institutions; developing one primary (main) EAC corporate colour and one secondary colour; and developing a single visual identity emblem for the Community.
There are several gaps that have been identified in the current EAC corporate identity. For example, the Community does not have a clearly defined brand architecture for its Organs and Institutions and this has created a gap that has led to the inconsistent design of new logos by EAC Institutions.
There is also lack of a visual connection between the current three Organs – EAC Secretariat, East African Legislative Assembly and East African Court of Justice – and eight Institutions. Some of the EAC Institutions have adopted the EAC logo as their primary logo whilst others have developed their own unique logos. Both the EAC flag and logo have too many colours, moreover the current logo is not adaptable to the future expansion of the Community.
The absence of a common unique identifier for all Organs and Institutions, and having two different visual identity symbols, namely the flag and the logo, have created a big gap in the EAC brand architecture.
To kick-start the implementation of the Council Decision on the EAC Brand Architecture, the EAC Secretariat, in liaison with the Ministries of EAC Affairs in the Partner States, will conduct sensitization workshops for the youths/students on the EAC Brand Architecture and thereafter launch the EAC emblem and logo design competition in the National Universities/Institutes in the Partner States as follows:
Juba University – 29th to 30th May, 2017;
Ecole Techniques des Arts/Gitega, Burundi – 1st to 2nd June, 2017;
University of Rwanda – 5th to 6th June, 2017;
University of Dar es Salaam – 8th to 9th June, 2017;
University of Nairobi – 12th to 13th June, 2017, and;
Kampala, Uganda – 15th to 16th June, 2017).
Guidelines for participating in the EAC Brand Architecture Re-design Competition is available on www.eac.int. The Competition period is from 1st June, 2017 to 31st August, 2017.
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Notes to Editor:
EAC ORGANS
(I) EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT
The Secretariat is the Executive Organ of the Community. For more information please visit www.eac.int
(II) EAST AFRICAN COURT OF JUSTICE (EACJ)
The Court is the principal judicial Organ of the Community and ensures adherence to the law in the interpretation and application of compliance with the EAC Treaty. For more information please visit www.eacj.org
(III) EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (EALA)
EALA is the legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. For more information please visit www.eala.org
EAC INSTITUTIONS
(i) CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY OVERSIGHT AGENCY (CASSO)
CASSOA was established to work in the civil aviation sector towards air transport services that are safe, efficient and profitable, as well as adoption of common policies for the development of civil air transport in the region, harmonization of civil aviation rules and regulations, and improve co-operation in regional air transport security and safety. For more information, please visit www.cassoa.org
(ii) EAST AFRICAN HEALTH RESEARCH COMMISSION (EAHRC)
EAHRC is established as a mechanism for making available to the Community, advice upon all matters of health, and health-related research and findings that are necessary for knowledge generation, technological development, policy formulation, practice, and other related matters. For more information, please visit www.eac.int/about/institutions/eahrc;
(iii) EAST AFRICAN KISWAHILI COMMISSION (EAKC)
EAKC coordinates and provides advice to the Partner States on all matters related to Kiswahili research, teaching, learning and development as the lingua franca of the Partner States. For more information, please visit www.kiswacom.org;
(iv) EAST AFRICAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION (EASTECO)
EASTECO’s mission is to promote and coordinate the development, management and application of Science and Technology in the EAC Partner States, for an innovative, competitive and integrated East Africa, and for the wellbeing of her people. For more information, please visit www.easteco.org;
(v) INTER-UNIVERSITY COUNCIL FOR EAST AFRICA (IUCEA)
IUCEA coordinates harmonization of higher education and training systems in East Africa, facilitates their strategic development and promotes internationally comparable standards and systems. For more information, please visit www.iucea.org;
(vi) LAKE VICTORIA BASIN COMMISSION (LVBC)
LVBC is a mechanism for coordinating the various interventions on the Lake and its Basin, and serving as a centre for promotion of investments and information sharing among the various stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.lvbcom.org;
(vii) LAKE VICTORIA FISHERIES ORGANIZATION (LVFO)
LVFO promotes sustainable utilization of fisheries of the Lake, coordinating and managing fisheries and aquaculture resources, fostering cooperation among the Partner States by harmonizing national policies and interventions. For more information, please visit www.lvfo.org;
(viii) EAST AFRICAN COMPETITION AUTHORITY
The EAC Competition Act, 2006 (the Act) was enacted to manage competition regulation in the Community and came into force on 1st December, 2014. The Act seeks, inter alia, to promote and protect fair trade in the Community, ensure consumer welfare and to establish the EAC Competition Authority.
The Authority is one of the semi – autonomous institutions of EAC and its offices are temporarily based in Arusha, Tanzania. The Authority is in the process of becoming fully operational.
Specifically, the objectives of the Authority is as follows:
Protecting all market participants freedom to compete by prohibiting anticompetitive practices;
Protecting the opening of partner states markets against creation of barriers to interstate trade and economic transactions by market participants;
Guaranteeing equal opportunities for market participants in the Community, and especially to small and medium sized enterprises;
Guaranteeing a level playing field for all market participants in the Community by eliminating any discrimination by partner states on the basis of nationality or residence;
Providing consumers access o products and services at competitive prices and better quality;
Providing incentives to producers within the Community for the improvement of production and products through technical and organizational innovation; and,
Promoting economic integration and development in the community by creating a conducive environment for investment in the community and bringing the EAC competition policy and law in line with international best practice.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 30 May 2017:
A meeting of the East African Community Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI) is currently underway at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The five-day meeting which will run from 29th May – 2nd June, 2017 is being attended by trade, industry, finance and investment experts from the EAC Partner States.
The SCTIFI meeting kicked off on with the Session of Senior Officials which will run up to 31st May, 2017. This will be followed by the Coordination Committee which consists of the Permanent/Principal Secretaries on 1st June, 2017 and the Ministers Session one day later.
Among the items on the agenda of the SCTIFI are the consideration of the: Report of the Committee on Customs; Report of the Sectoral Committee on Trade; Report of the East African Standards Committee; Progress Report on Industry and SME sectors, and; Progress Report on Investment.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Court of Justice; Entebbe, Uganda; 30 May 2017:
The Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, Justice Bart Katureebe officially opened the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) mid-year plenary and strategic plan meeting which set off in Entebbe, Uganda. His Lordship represented by the Honourable Justice Eldad D. Mwangusya, judge of the Supreme Court Uganda, said that decentralization of the operations in the East African Court of Justice to each Member State is a noble idea and a grand milestone in terms of enhancing access to justice to the citizens of the region. “I therefore congratulate the Court on realizing the objective of bringing regional justice closer to the East Africans, Uganda in particular”
His Lordship further said that, he is reliably informed that towards the end of the negotiations of the Common Market Protocol, the EACJ was already in the Process of preparing its 5-year Strategic Plan 2011/15, among the main strategic issues identified was the need to improve the Court’s visibility in the Partner States. He added that the establishment of the sub-registries was identified as one of the ways the existence and presence of the EACJ would be better felt at Partner States level and “I believe this will remain a focal point in the Court’s future strategic planning and management and that the same will be fully utilized.” The Chief Justice stated.
Justice Mwangusya, also added that, as a regional court, the EACJ is expected to offer leadership, not only in terms of jurisprudence but also in innovative practices. I am therefore glad to learn of the technological achievements that have been realized by the Court, I am aware the Court introduced a case management and recording system which is already operational.” He noted. In the Chief Justice’s speech further said that, the Court sub-registries located in the Member States can now file and upload cases online where the Registrar and other staff in Arusha can have access and take them through the process from initiation to disposal electronically.
In addition, His Lordship, the Chief Justice went ahead and acknowledged the signing of the Protocol on extension of the jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice to matters of trade and investment. That this development came at a time when EAC Member States were in process of implementing the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocols. That the implementation will definitely give rise to disputes among traders and investors in the region. He also added that once the Protocol is ratified by the Partner States, the citizens will be able to file cases concerning trade and investment disputes across the region and this will make the Court not only busier but also more relevant to the entire citizenry in the region.
The Chief Justice Hon. Bert Katurebe, emphasized on the good co-operation between the EACJ and the Judiciary of Uganda. “We have been sharing some of our Judges with the Court, at the moment, we have 2 of our Judges, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire of the Appellte Division and Justice Monica Mugenyi Principal Judge of the First Instance Division, I wish to appreciate the two Judges for carrying our flag high” His Lordship stated. He also went further and pointed out the other areas for further co-operation of the Court, which they might exploit, training, judicial exchange and benchmarking are areas for greater co-operation. He also emphasized that, they hope to deepen the co-operation with the Court in technical and legal aspects such as the use of information technology in Court processes and administration, prompt sharing of court decisions and jurisprudence, research, among others.
His Lordship, strongly pointed out that, the participation by the Ugandan judiciary in the EACJ’s programs will significantly add to ideas that contribute to the harmonization of their laws and procedures towards the uniform dispensation of justice in the region and greater integration. That this is in line with the requirement in Article 126 of the Treaty which states that; “In order to promote the achievement of the objective of the Community set out in Article 5, the Partner States shall encourage the standardization of the judgements of Courts within the Community.
Finally, the Chief Justice’ s representative, concluded by re-affirming their commitment to offering further support to the activities of the EACJ as may be required and in line with the integration agenda.
The President of the Court, Justice Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja also in his opening remarks, pointed out that, the Judicial branch is an essential element of the infrastructure of the East African Society. Like most infrastructure projects, any judiciary requires continual maintenance, upkeep and renovation. He also added that, the Judicial branch, just like any other branch, is in a constant evolutionary mode, it develops over time influenced by events by social and political change and in turn its development yield further transformation. Rules and practices change, and in changing, they change themselves and us. That It is for this reason that we deemed it necessary to organize this second retreat with a view of taking stock of what has happened and charting the way forward in the coming years.
His Lordship further said that, the Judiciary of Uganda has over years undergone a tremendous transformation. “We are grateful that we will share the experiences of Uganda. I am also very sure that we will draw a lot of lessons and inspirations in the experiences” the Court’s President expressed. He again added that the Interdependence of our respective judiciaries require our greater consciousness to collaborate because as he recently pointed out in a colloquium organized by the Mechanism for the International Criminal Tribunal, more is demanded of them Judges in their societies and in the East African Community of which are part. “We have common vested interests in each other’s success”. That initiatives such as this retreat and insights from national judiciaries in all partner states of East African Community help us all contributed to that success.
Justice Ugirashebuja again said that, it is important to note that even though the Court may draw certain lessons from national jurisdictions such as Uganda, the East African Court of Justice can only draw those lessons which can be applicable to the circumstances the Court finds itself in. That the East African Court of Justice is a treaty-based court established by the EAC partner states and thus does not enjoy the strong protections enjoyed by National Judiciaries entrenched in constitutions. Needless, to recount the well-known scenario of how the Court underwent significant changes by a stroke of a pen after the ruling in the landmark case of Anyang Nyong.
He finally said that the developments have occurred which justify the need for this meeting. First, the East African Legislative Assembly passed the EACJ Administration of Justice Bill. That It is yet to be assented to by the Partner States of the EAC; the Council of Ministers granted financial and administrative autonomy of the Court, details of which the Court Judges will discuss in this Plenary. Second, the Court has an elaborate case management system which has not been utilized to its full capacity. He emphasized that, It is generally recognized that maintaining court files on paper is outmoded. That IT could be used more extensively and effectively to improve process in this era of communication is indisputable. Third, that the first Strategic Plan of the Court came to an end and they are in the process of developing a second Strategic Plan. He therefore added that all these changes as well as best practices found in other international jurisdictions as well as national jurisdiction will enrich their discussions in this meeting.
The President concluded by saying that Justice is central to the ongoing prosperity and fairness of our democratic society. That for this reason, it is important that the Judiciary is actively involved in leading and shaping the Justice system, in concert with other stakeholders.
In attendance were all the Judges of the EACJ, the Registrar, Deputy and other support Staff of the Court.
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For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 2162149 mail: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Court of Justice; Tanzania; 26 May 2017:
The East African Court of Justice mid-year plenary and strategic plan meeting is set for 29th May 2017, in Entebbe, Uganda, and will be officiated by the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, His Lordship, Bert Katurebe,. The Plenary for the Judges of the Court is a forum that brings together all the Judges, to carry out the planning as well as review the implementation of the previous activities, achievements and challenges of the Court on an annual basis. The Plenary also reviews the Rules of Procedure for the Court and makes amendments where necessary to suit all the operations of the Court and to include new developments.
On the plenary agenda, the Court will deliberate on various items that will include; reports from the Judge President, Principal Judge, and the Registrar; progress reports on EACJ 2016/2020; EACJ Administration of Justice Act, 2017; EACJ Administration and Financial Autonomy; proposed draft Terms of Reference for various Committees of the Court; report from the Rules Committee; (draft Code of Conduct); and proposed amendments to EACJ Rules of Procedure.
The Court also will embark on the development of the 2nd EACJ 5-year Strategic Plan 2016-2020, as well as review the achievements of the previous one (2010- 2015), to enable the Court achieve its goals and objectives.
The strategic plan will help identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Court, thereby providing an insight to the future. It is hoped that the strategy will build upon strengths and take advantage of the opportunities while overcoming and minimizing the effects of weaknesses and threats.
The meeting will also bring in the participation of a consultant and staff of the Court who will work towards the transformation of EACJ through implementation of the strategy. The strategic analysis plan is part of the efforts the court is making to define its own specific integral role in EAC integration process.
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For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 2162149 mail: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 25 May 2017:
The EAC today presented for consideration Budget estimates for the Financial Year 2017/2018, totaling $110,130,183 to the East African Legislative Assembly Sitting in Arusha. Uganda’s State Minister for EAC, Hon Julius Maganda, presented the Budget Speech to an attentive House on behalf of the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC, Uganda and Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Dr. Ali Kirunda Kivenjija.
The 2017/2018 Budget themed: “Accelerating Implementation of the EAC Integration Agenda” is a step-up from $101,374,589 presented to the House in the previous Financial Year. The Budget speech prioritizes on the consolidation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) to cover all imports and intra-EAC traded goods, infrastructure development in the region and further liberalization of free movement of skilled labour across the Partner States.
Other key areas Hon Maganda said, include enhancement of regional industrial development through investment in key priority sectors and improvement of agricultural productivity with an aim to enhancing food security. Also of essence is the promotion of regional peace, security and good governance, on the one side and institutional transformation to spearhead the Community’s agenda on the other.
The Budget is allocated to the Organs and Institutions of the EAC as follows; East African Community Secretariat ($60, 183, 201), East African Legislative Assembly ($17, 996, 959) and the East African Court of Justice ($4,140,166).
The Inter-University Council for East Africa shall receive ($6,766,928), Lake Victoria
Basin Commission ($11,960,643) while $ 2,466,655 is earmarked for the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization. On their part, the East African Science and Technology Commission shall receive ($ 1,500, 164), East African Kiswahili Commission ($ 1,553,098) and the East African Health Research Commission ($ 2,225,324). The East African Competition Authority is to benefit from $1,337,045 in the Financial Year 2017/18.
The 2017/2018 Budget is to be financed by Partner State contributions through the Ministries of EAC Affairs ($50,226,522); Ministries responsible for Education – ($ 4,848,431) and Ministries responsible for Fisheries ($ 1, 549,254). Development Partners will support the Community to the tune of ($52, 868,638) while Member Universities will inject in to the kitty $ 303, 435. The miscellaneous revenue is pegged at $ 333,903.
The Minister cited a number of assumptions on which this year’s budget is pegged on to include the continued and consolidated political support of the EAC integration and the availability of adequate financial resources and remittances. Political stability and good governance as well as safe and stable security across the region are other areas of consideration.
The Minister informed the House of challenges the Community will have to address. “Mr. Speaker, the key anticipated challenges during the implementation of Community programmes and projects may include: persistent delays in remittance of funds from Partner States and Development Partners and limited financial resources (overall budget declining yet the demand is increasing on the Community to deliver more services to East Africans), occasioned by reduced support from Development Partners”, the Minister said.
“Delayed harmonization of national laws that impact on the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and understaffing, which is seriously impacting on effectiveness and efficiency in implementation of projects and programmes are other challenges, we need to address”, the Minister added.
The Minister however reiterated mitigation strategies to address the challenges. “Mr. Speaker, the Community will closely follow-up on the remittances by Partner States to facilitate timely implementation of programmes and implement the institutional review as per the directive of the 17th Summit of the Heads of State,” he said.
The EAC Political Federation is yet another key priority area on the agenda in the coming Financial Year. In a bid to promote good governance, the EAC will dispatch Election Observer Missions to observe general elections in the Republic of Kenya and Republic of Rwanda in August 2017. The Minister also affirmed that the Community will continue to hold the annual EAC University Debates. The debates which lead to the appointment of the Youth Ambassadors have been critical in promoting the agenda of integration among the University student community.
On Peace and security, the Minister succinctly called for measures to ensure effective policing to counter terrorism and crime.
“The success of the EAC integration process must be supported by a predictable security environment. During the reporting period, the Peace and Security sector continued regular consultations towards joint action against Terrorism and other transnational and cross border organized crimes. The next Financial Year will see Standing Operating Procedures in Policing function developed as well as operationalization of the Police Regional Centres of Excellence in the Partner States”, he said.
On the global economic performance outlook, the Minister informed the House the global economy had expanded by 2.9 % in 2016 compared to a revised growth of 3.1% in 2015. The slowed growth was occasioned by constrained global trade, subdued investment and heightened policy uncertainty associated with the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) and elections in the United States of America (USA).
“The real GDP in the EAC is estimated to have grown by 6.1% compared to 5.8 % growth recorded in 2015. The growth was largely supported by investment in public infrastructure, buoyant private consumption and low oil prices. Tanzania recorded the highest real GDP growth in the region, expanding by 7.2% in 2016, compared to a growth of 7.0 % in 2015. Kenya and Uganda recorded improved economic performance of 5.8 % and 4.8 % respectively in 2016, compared to 5.7 and 4.8 % in 2015. Rwanda recorded a decelerated growth of 6.0 % compared to 6.9 % in 2015. Real GDP in Burundi contracted by 0.5 % in 2016 compared to a contraction of 4.0% in 2015,” he said.
The Minister highlighted a number of achievements registered in the Financial Year 2016/2017, notably, the upscaling of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) through finalisation of operational instruments of the business manuals, deployment of SCT Monitoring and Evaluation tools and deployment of staff in some Partner States.
Hon Maganda maintained the consolidation of the Customs Union remained a key priority during the period under review. The operationalization of the Single Customs Territory, the establishment of One Stop Border Posts and the development of the regional Customs instruments underpinned the drive to promote conducive trade and investment in the region.
Following the successes registered during the initial stages of the Single Customs Territory, the roll out of goods cleared under the Single Customs Territory was expanded both on the Northern and Central Corridors.
On legislation, the Minister informed the House the One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) Act was fully assented to and gazetted for its commencement. The OSBP Regulations were finalized by the Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs and adopted during the 35th Meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The Chair of the Council of Ministers further stated that the EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Bill (NTB), 2015, passed by EALA was undergoing assent and would spur business and enhance the free movement aspects. The United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Uganda have assented to the Act. The Act, according to Hon Maganda, has been sent to remaining Partner States for assent.
The EAC Non-tariff Barriers (NTBs) Act is expected to address outstanding NTBs in the EAC Time Bound Programme (TBP) in pursuit of promotion of Intra-EAC Trade and to curtail the proliferation of NTBs in the region. According to Hon Maganda, the status of NTBs in EAC region as at the end of December 2016, indicated that sixteen (16) NTBs are unresolved, four (4) new NTBs had been reported, and one hundred and thirteen (113) NTBs had been cumulatively resolved since 2009.
The Minister informed the House the Secretariat was undertaking the acquisition of Infrastructure to support the payment and settlement systems in the region. He said a number of payment systems had been procured with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Minister said automated clearing house systems (ACHs) to accommodate cheque truncation system for National Bank of Rwanda was in place with disaster recovery sites and business continuity infrastructure for Central Bank of Kenya, National Bank of Rwanda and Bank of Tanzania now secured.
“At the same time, an upgrade of the large value payment system-UNISS is ongoing in Uganda and the bidding documents for the upgrade of Central Bank of Kenya and Bank of Tanzania large value systems have been submitted to AfDB for consideration and approval”, he added.
Hon Maganda said bids to procure and implement disaster recovery and business continuity infrastructure equipment for Bank of the Republic of Burundi were successfully evaluated and the contract to for SWIFT connectivity to enable the Burundi integrate to the East African Payment System (EAPS) signed in March 2016.
On Infrastructure, the Minister informed the House of the completion in May 2017 of the 90 Km long Taveta – Mwatate road, itself, a part of the multinational Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi road.
In addition, the Minister said feasibility studies and detailed designs of two key links for the Republics of Rwanda and Burundi to the Central Corridor commenced in April, 2016.
“One project is the 250-km long Nyakanazi – Kasulu – Manyovu road in Tanzania linking to the 78-km long Rumonge –Bujumbura road in Burundi. The other is the 92-km long Lusahunga – Rusumo road in Tanzania linking to the 70-km long Kayonza – Kigali road in Rwanda” Hon Maganda said.
On railways, the Minister informed the House of the near completion of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway line in Kenya, adding that its inauguration was scheduled for June, 2017. Similarly, construction of the new Standard Gauge Railway of the Kampala-Malaba section in Uganda, is expected to commence during FY 2017/18. For the Central Corridor, the construction of the Dar-es-Salam-Morogoro section commenced in April, 2017.
On agriculture and food security, the EAC is strongly committed to support implementation of the June 2014, African Heads of State Malabo Declaration on Agriculture Growth and Transformation in Africa.
The Minister remarked the 34th Council of Ministers had adopted the EAC Food and Nutrition Security Policy and the EAC Livestock policy. “The process of developing an implementation strategy for the food and nutrition security policy has commenced, whereas the development of the implementation strategy for the livestock policy will commence in the early days of the new financial year”, he added.
On energy, the Minister remarked that all efforts were underway to increase production and to reduce costs, saying it was expensive in the region.
“Energy in EAC region remains expensive with a regional average cost of 15US Cents at the grid three times higher than 5 US cents in Ethiopia. He remarked that shared hydropower plants and interconnectors were some of the initiatives been used to reduce costs”, he said.
The Minister informed the House of implementation of projects under the Power Master Plan, which had raised the region’s installed capacity from 4,635MW in 2015 to 4,893.3MW in 2016, against a peak demand of 3,587.3MW in 2016 for the interconnected system.
The Minister also presented the priorities for the Tourism and Wildlife sector to include exploring innovative ways to brand EAC as a Single Tourist Destination and development of more diverse promotional materials. He further remarked that the region would be undertaking awareness programmes and other initiatives geared towards full implementation of the Single Tourist Visa by all Partner States.
In the area of EAC Health Systems and Health Policies Harmonization and Integration, the Council had in the financial year 2016/17, approved and officially launched several documents including the EAC Regional Health Policy (2016) and the EAC Health Sector Strategic Plan (2015-2020).
In order to strengthen the Monetary Union, the Minister said the Council will initiate Bills to establish, key EAC Institutions. He outlined them as the East African Monetary Institute Bill, 2017 and The EAC Statistics Bureau Bill, 2017 to establish the EAC Statistics Bureau.
The House is next week expected to debate on the presented Budget.
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For more information, please contact:
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.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 25 May 2017:
The EAC Secretariat, the Government of Burundi and other EAC Partner States are finalizing preparations for the 8th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE’17) set to be held in Bujumbura, Burundi from 7th to 9th June 2017.
The three-day conference themed "East Africa - An Emerging Hotspot for Oil and Gas Exploration, Infrastructure Development and Commercialization" will bring together top players in the oil and gas sector as well as policy and decision makers from the region to dialogue on the potential that lies within the region while sharing information on the status of development of the sector in each Partner State.
EAPCE’17 will include an exhibition where investors, enterprises, researchers and academia will collectively showcase new products and services as well as exhibit the latest advances in the exploitation of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
The Conference programme also integrates field excursions to selected sites in each Partner State for participants to see the rich geological variety that the region possesses as well as the touristic attractions that the region is well known for.
H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi, has been invited to grace the official opening ceremony of the Conference.
Other high level dignitaries expected to attend the Conference include Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko, the EAC Secretary General as well as line Ministers and heads of the respective Agencies from all EAC Partner States, who shall engage stakeholders on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking ahead of the Conference, the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko said the Conference provides unique networking opportunities with government, private sector, regional organizations, academia, technology developers, investors and civil society.
“Recent discoveries of oil and gas in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in addition to the existing oil industry in South Sudan have positioned East Africa as the world’s most promising frontier for petroleum exploration and development,” added Amb. Mfumukeko.
The Secretary General said the EAC Partner State shall share their policy, legal and regulatory frameworks and other initiatives aimed at continually improving the enabling environment in the sector.
EAPCE’17 is taking place at the peak of EAC's transforming into a Common Market. This transformation is geared towards providing great opportunities for business and investment in all sectors as the single market provides for free movement of goods, capital and services within the region.
EAPCE’17 will among others address the following critical issues:
Exploration and development in the East African Rift and Coastal Basins as well as Deep water and Inland Basins;
Commercialization of discovered oil and gas resources from field development, reservoir management and data management;
Local content in Africa and how it is likely to impact the future development of the petroleum sector;
The latest technological advancements in the petroleum sector; and
The balance needed between environmental management and the development of the petroleum value chain.
Registration for participation at the Conference closes on 6th June 2017. For more information on EAPCE’17, visit the conference website: www.eapce17.eac.int
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Notes to Editor:
The EAC has been holding the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE) biennially since 2003 to promote exploration, development and production of oil and gas. The main objective of the Conference and Exhibition is to promote investment in the oil and gas sector by demonstrating to the world the potential that lies within the region and sharing information on the status of development of the sector in each Partner State.
The Conference offers a wide range of technical presentations reflecting developments in the oil and gas industry in East Africa and around the world. The Conference provides a forum for discussing the legal and policy framework and the overall business environment prevailing in the region. It gives stakeholders in the oil and gas sector an opportunity to interact with EAC senior government officials and decision makers.
The Conference integrates an exhibition and field excursions that have become a popular feature of the Conference, attracting more and more participants with each successive Conference.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
