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EALA hails Hon. Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, outgoing Secretary General of the EAC

The Assembly yesterday moved a Resolution to bid farewell to the outgoing Secretary General of the EAC, Hon. Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera for a job well done.

The Resolution moved by Hon. AbuBakr Ogle and seconded by Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, recognised the Secretary General for the great service rendered during his tenure of service to the Community.

The Resolution which received support from the whole House, cited a number of achievements in the programs and projects of the EAC during the five year period (2011-2016). Among the achievements are the recent introduction of the international EAC e-Passport, which the Resolution terms a critical milestone in the integration dispensation.

The Resolution also takes cognisance of the fact that Hon. Amb. Dr Sezibera’s tenure saw the conclusion and ratification of the Monetary Union, which is the third pillar of integration. It also cites Hon. Amb. Dr Sezibera’s key role in spearheading the granting of financial and administrative autonomy to the EALA and the EACJ, thus laying the foundation to commence on various amendments of the Treaty and the relevant EAC Rules and Regulations.

On matters of trade, the mover said the EAC Secretary General had sustained campaigns to ensure the realisation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) and that it had duly paid off. Also laudable, a section of the Resolution avers, is the EAC’s infrastructure programme which is set to spur development in the region apart from other parts of the continent in terms of competitiveness thus laying the Standard Railway Gauge and making unprecedented advances in investment of energy.

In order to ensure people centeredness, the Secretary General was instrumental in establishing and sustaining the quarterly Secretary General’s forum with the Private Sector.

In justifying the Resolution, Hon. AbuBakr Ogle hailed the Secretary General for the positive areas of integration but also added there were challenges as well during his tenure.

He remarked that the incoming Secretary General was taking over at a critical time for the Community.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Peter Mathuki said the outgoing EAC boss had made significant contribution towards strengthening of the integration process. He remarked that the addition of the Republic of South Sudan in to the bloc was a key deliverable that was facilitated during the tenure of the outgoing Secretary General.

“We need to appreciate some of the facts while understanding that in any given scenario, one can encounter obstacles during the tour of duty”, Hon. Mathuki said.

Hon. Shyrose Bhanji noted that during the tenure of Amb. Sezibera, many deliverables were realised. We have seen the reduction of NTBs and the Single Customs Territory (SCT) is also a reality. “We are also thankful for the developments such as the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) which have led to increase in Intra-EAC Trade. We are thankful to Hon. Dr Sezibera and his team”, she added.

“I want to assure him that we shall soldier on until we realise the objectives of the EAC. We shall definitely meet again in Arusha, Kigali or elsewhere in the region when we have a borderless EAC,” she said.

Hon. Martin Ngoga referred to Hon. Amb, Dr Sezibera’s tenure as one marked by great achievements.

“He has been a law maker, a Minister in the Government of Rwanda and a diplomat in his past service before coming to the EAC. He left great achievements elsewhere in public service no wonder his achievements as Secretary General of the EAC”, he said.

“We expect that the in-coming successor shall also take the Community to another level. It is our collective duty and responsibility to support the Office bearer,” Hon. Ngoga added.

Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa said during the tenure of Hon. Dr Sezibera, the Members had realised improved welfare. She remarked that the challenges notwithstanding, the achievements of the Secretary General were laudable.

Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi and Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo heaped praises on Dr Sezibera for the sterling job he had done for the Community. “The role of been Secretary General is extremely challenging. One must balance interest of the Community and have deep understanding of needs of Partner States,” they said.

Hon. Dora Byamukama congratulated the Republic of Rwanda for nominating Hon. Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera and said he had brought honour to the Partner State and the region.

Last week, Hon. Amb. Dr Sezibera addressed the House where he delivered the score-card of achievements during his tenure as the bloc’s Secretary General.

Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera whose tour of duty at the EAC comes to an end on April 26th, 2015 has had a successful career in public service as a Physician, Minister in the Government of Rwanda and as a Member of Rwanda’s Transitional Parliament. He has also served in the Army and as a diplomat.

At the 17th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State, the Heads of State appointed Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, the outgoing EAC Deputy Secretary General, Finance and Administration as the new Secretary General of the Community with effect from April 26th, 2016.

The Treaty of the EAC empowers the Secretary General to be the head of the Secretariat, and Accounting Officer. He is the Secretary of the Summit of EAC Heads of State and may carry out such other duties as conferred upon him by the Treaty.

EALA set to pass Omnibus Law on Integration

The East African Legislative Assembly has proposed enactment of an omnibus law to harmonise national laws appertaining to the Community and to institute an administration law for the Common Market Protocol.

The Assembly is of the view such a move shall cure, existing challenges of harmonisation of Partner State laws appertaining to the Community. At the same time, the Assembly wants the Council of Ministers to direct the Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs to hold regular meetings and to prioritize harmonisation of laws for EAC in order facilitate integration within the set time frames.

In order to meaningfully facilitate co-operation in legal and judicial affairs as provided for under Article 126 of the Treaty, EALA urges EAC Council of Ministers to expedite implementation of the entire Article which obliges Partner States to harmonise legal training and certification; encourage standardisation of judgments of courts within the Community as well as in establishing common syllabus for the training of lawyers.

Late yesterday, EALA approved the Report of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges on the oversight activity on the harmonisation of national laws in the EAC context. The Report presented to the House by Hon. Dora Byamukama on behalf of the Chair of the Committee, Hon. Peter Mathuki, follows an oversight activity carried out by the Committee in February 22- 26, 2016.

Chapter 24 of the Treaty provides for co-operation in Legal and Judicial Affairs. Specifically, Article 126 (2) (b) of the Treaty provides that “Partner States shall through their appropriate national institutions take all necessary steps to harmonise all their national laws appertaining to the Community”.

In line with that Treaty provision, EAC Partner States established a sub-committee on the approximation of national laws in the EAC context.

During the oversight activity, the Committee was informed that Partner States are at different stages of implementation of the directives of the Council of Ministers on harmonisation on national laws. It further observed that Partner States were slow when it comes to amending laws to comply with the directive of the Council of Ministers pertaining to harmonisation of national laws. Further on, the criteria used and timelines for harmonisation of laws is also unclear.

The Committee cites a number of challenges including frequent changes in the membership of the Task Force, conflicting commitments of members of the Task Force as well as different legal systems. In addition, the slow pace in the implementation of the harmonisation agenda at national level and the lack of monitoring mechanisms to ensure Partner States comply with the adopted approximation proposals are also cited.

During debate time, Hon. Judith Pareno said the activity of harmonising and approximating laws was a Treaty matter and said it was important for the Community to have a system of the laws to harmonise. Hon. Shyrose Bhanji remarked that slow implementation of harmonising laws was retrogressive for integration. She asked the House to request the Council of Ministers to share with the Assembly a matrix showing progress of implementation.

“We also need a special strategy to popularise the laws passed by the Assembly to the citizens”, Hon. Bhanji said. Hon. Martin Ngoga called for a rethink of strategy in the way the Community undertakes its mandate as it advances the objectives of integration. Harmonisation of laws is just one of the ways but there are a number of things we need to do with reference to Article 126.

“Why are we not publishing East Africa Law Journals? There are over 600 laws that we need to harmonise to make EAC realise the Common Market and we must move faster,” he said. The legislator said EALA must take the lead.

“It is the Assembly’s role to make laws and we should not take back the matter to Partner States” he said. “We must reassess our mode of work”, he added.

Hon. Susan Nakawuki remarked that it was key for the harmonisation of immigration laws to be speedily undertaken. “One of the key issues we need to address is that of the yellow fever certificates and I request the Council of Ministers to inform us of the position of the Community on the matter”, Hon. Nakawuki said.

Chairperson of the Legal Rules and Privileges Committee, Hon. Peter Mathuki urged the Ministers of EAC to be in attendance during the Plenary Sitting. “The continuous absence of EAC Ministers may be another reason for the slow implementation of activities of integration”, Hon. Mathuki said. The legislator also said bureaucracies needed to be reduced.

The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC in the Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja remarked that progress on the pillars of integration were notable while, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation, Hon. Dr Susan Kolimba remarked that the Council of Ministers was committed to ensuring issues brought to fore by Members are adequately addressed.

Also rising up to support the report were Hon. Joseph Kiangoi, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi and Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza.

Three Bills sail through first Reading in House

Three Bills yesterday sailed through the respective 1st Readings as the House resumed its business in Dar es Salaam.

The Bills are the EAC Sectional Properties Bill, 2016, the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016 and the EAC Customs Management (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The EAC Sectional Properties Bill, 2016 aims to regulate division of buildings into units and the individual ownership of the units. The Bill deals with the division of buildings into units and registration of sectional properties. It further seeks to vest the management of common property in a corporation consisting of persons who own units in the parcels to which sectional plan relates.

Part two of the Bill deals with the division of buildings into units and registration of sectional properties. In this part, the Bill seeks to apply the laws in Partner States for the time being in force governing the registration of land titles to the registration of sectional properties under the Bill.

According to the mover, Hon. Dr James Ndahiro, the Bill emanates from the Common Market Protocol which anticipates free movement and rights to establishment. He remarks that not all East Africans have the ability to purchase their own property and thus given an opportunity to purchase part of a building, such individuals earn some financial assets.

Hon. Dr Ndahiro further states that a legal framework is necessary to enable any willing investor to develop in a neighbouring Partner State. Generally, a sectional title describes separate ownership of units or sections within a complex, development or scheme. When one purchases into a sectional title complex, you purchase a section or sections and an undivided share of the common property. These are collectively known as units. The Bill on its part defines a unit as a space that is situated within a building and described in a sectional plan by reference to floors, walls and ceilings within the building.

The sale of units, holding of sale proceeds in trust, termination of developers’ management agreement and renting of units are among the matters provided also for in the Bill.

Another Bill which sailed through this morning is the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016. The Bill anchors the EAC Supplementary Budget estimates amounting to USD 1,566, 941 for the Financial Year 2015/16 to facilitate the activities of the EAC Organs and Institutions. The Bill was moved by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja, on behalf of the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Augustine Mahiga.

The EAC Customs Management (Amendment) Bill, 2016 also sailed through the first reading. The object of the Bill is to amend the EAC Customs Management Act, 2004 to facilitate smooth implementation of the Act, particularly on the implementation of commitments made under the protocol establishing the EAC Customs Union. The Bill moved by Hon. Dr Augustine Mahiga, Chairperson, Council of Ministers, thus provides for application of the COMESA and SADC preferential tariff arrangements which the Partner States agreed to implement.

In line with the Rules of Procedures, the Speaker committed all Bills to the relevant Committees for their action.

EALA passes key report on governance and project performance issues in EAC Institutions

A key report of the oversight activity of EAC Institutions with regards to governance, project performance was today adopted by the Assembly.

The Report presented to the House by Chair of the Accounts Committee, Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana emanates from oversight activities carried out by the Accounts Committee last month (February 2016) following queries obtained from the EAC Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June 2014.

It also set to establish the adherence to the extent of status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations. The Committee visited the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO) and the EAC Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) in Jinja and Entebbe respectively.

The Committee reported that the oversight activity at the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) which was envisaged was not undertaken as the heads of the institution were away as at time of the activity. The Committee however received information on governance and its adherence to the Assembly’s recommendations sent by the IUCEA.

The objectives of the assessment were to assess whether governance and management systems of the institutions are good enough to guarantee performance and proper discharge of duties. It further sought to establish the implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations, strengthen governance and management systems of EAC Institutions and to establish extent to which the said institutions apply modern governance and management of applied technologies.

At the LVFO, the Committee reported the need for Council of Ministers to fast track accession of other Partner States to the LVFO  as well as the need to urge the Council of Ministers to avail current data of fish to LVFO for updates. This the Committee ascertains, arises from the fact that the quality of fish is declining despite achievements and initiatives by LVFO. Therefore, the Committee informed the House that it was vital to carry out comprehensive sensitisation, provide all amenities and other facilities to fish farmers to spur increase in numbers.

The Committee generally noted progress with regards to the status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations at the Jinja- based LVFO. The Assembly however calls on the Audit Commission to report during the next audit on a number of areas including the unclaimed Value Added Tax (VAT) and other outstanding areas such as the persisting overdue receivables. Other thematic areas include need to harmonise guidelines for development of fish cages, setting of regional standards for fish-feed and evidence of a disaster recovery plan.

On CASSOA, the Assembly observed that the budgetary constraints at the institution, prevent it from attracting qualified personnel and thus the Organogram is yet to be filled. In this regard, the Assembly urges the Council of Ministers to amend the CASSOA Protocol to enable the Assembly to approve its budget in accordance with the Treaty for the EAC. The Assembly is also categorical that CASSOA management relays its progress reports to the House.

It also wants the institution to relay to the Audit Commission progress on status of implementation of the Assembly’s recommendations with regards to its commendation to segregate duties within the payment process systems and on expenditure by the institution that is inadequately supported.

At debate time, Hon. Shyrose Bhanji remarked that Lake Victoria was a key component of integration from a multi-sectoral approach.“It is a source of food, employment and income for many people in East Africa. Yet one of the challenges facing the LVFO is funding. It is high time Mr Speaker sir for the LVFO to be empowered and strengthened so we realise benefits”, Hon. Bhanji said.

She also called on the Council of Ministers to ensure adequate sensitisation activities of the LVFO to create awareness.

Hon. Yves Nsabimana said it was important for Partner States to remit their contributions on time so that the programmes and projects are on time. “Lack of adequate contribution has caused problems to LVFO including late recruitment and borrowing from the general reserve funds among others. In CASSOA, the institution is not attractive to personnel and consequentially, key positions at the institution are not filled.”, he said.

Hon. Mumbi Ngaru remarked that the IUCEA had failed to honour the meeting called by the Assembly. “They opted to send a junior officer who could not interface with us”, she said, adding that the institution had eluded EALA for close to four years.

Hon. Bernard Mulengani lamented over the zero incremental budgeting, which, he remarked was depriving the EAC of progress. “I appeal to Council to check on some of the decisions of the Finance and Administration Committee, that constantly proposes the zero-budget increment”, Hon. Mulengani said.

Hon. Christophe Bazivamo decried the decreasing production of fisheries in Lake Victoria as well as in other lakes and rivers and said it was necessary for adequate fish feeds to be provided.

Also rising in support of the report were Hon. Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon. Emmanuel Nengo and Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro

 

EAC Secretary General addresses Assembly

EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera yesterday delivered a moving Speech as the Assembly completed week one of its deliberations.

The EAC Secretary General's speech gave a score-card of deliverables during his tenure at the helm before an attentive House. The Secretary General cited five key areas in the broad vision and remarked that under his five year tour of duty, the bloc had witnessed significant achievements.

On the Customs Union, Amb. Dr Sezibera remarked that sustained campaigns to ensure realisation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) had duly paid off.

"Today, should one visit the Port of Dar es Salaam right here, you will witness revenue officials from the rest of the Partner States clearing goods", he said.

The time within which it takes to clear goods has reduced tremendously. At the central corridor it now takes 3 days, down from the 18 days while in the northern corridor, there is significant reduction from 21 days to 5 days," Amb. Dr Sezibera said.

He remarked that there was sustained pressure to rid the region of Non-Tariff Barriers and such, were paying off while the port clearance times were also reduced from three weeks to under ten days.

On the Common Market, Amb. Dr Sezibera remarked that three Partner States, the Republics of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, had employed the Inter-State passes to enhance free movement and said Republic of Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania would soon join in to the initiative. The EAC boss termed the recent introduction of the International EAC e-Passport as a critical milestone in the integration dispensation.

The Secretary General further termed the conclusion and ratification of the Monetary Union as a major milestone. "Despite the skepticism as a result of the challenges witnessed in Europe, the Monetary Union Protocol was completed and speedily ratified", Amb. Dr Sezibera said. He further remarked that the Central Banks had established a real-time settlement mode paving way for the EAC payment system to be a reality.

On other areas, the Secretary General informed the House of the tremendous progress realized. He said the ten year infrastructure programme would set the region apart from other parts of the continent in terms of competitiveness.

"For the first time, the region is laying the Standard Railway Gauge and making unprecedented advances in investment of energy. The region shall soon be able to transfer power from one Partner State to another as a result of the inter-connectors", he said.

The Secretary General stated that citizens of the region were now fully involved in the integration process.

The Secretary General further remarked that he was elated to be leaving the Community at a time when its Vision is in place. The EAC Vision 2050 anticipates the contrive of the bloc into an upper middle income region within a secure and politically united East Africa based on the principles of inclusiveness and accountability.

"It is in this era that per capita income is expected to rise up to USD 10,000 per person up from the current per capita income of USD 1000", Amb. Sezibera said.

At the same time, the region intends to create about 2.3 million jobs by 2032 in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

The Secretary General of the EAC further informed the House of the completion of the Institutional Review of the EAC and said the Directorates of Finance and Planning had been ISO certified.

The Secretary General said there were challenges that need to be addressed including harmonization and approximation of laws in the Partner States to conform to the Common Market Protocol.

The remarks of the Secretary General were delivered to the House pursuant to Rule 40 of the EALA Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and the matter was not debated. It is anticipated that a Motion for a Resolution on the subject matter may be introduced for debate when the House resumes next week.

Assembly enacts legislation on Disaster Risk Reduction

EALA this afternoon passed the Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Bill, 2013, paving way for the region to take necessary disaster preparedness, management, protection and mitigation measures as well as in handling disasters in a more co-ordinated way.

The Bill sailed through smoothly at the Committee stage with Members adopting clause after clause of the same or with amendments before it came up for Third Reading. Debate on the Bill had commenced yesterday before the Speaker ruled that it be finalised this afternoon.

The Object of the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Bill 2013 is to provide a legal framework for the intervention and assistance for people affected by climate change and natural related hazards and to protect the natural environment through integration of comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management practices in the EAC.

The passage of the Bill is a culmination of about two years of work during which time the Assembly has consistently advocated for it.

Debate on the Bill, originally moved for second reading in August 2013, was halted following a request by the Council of Ministers to consult and consider its policy implications. At the same time, the move was to allow for pursuit of the ratification of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security which among other objectives, provides for co-operation in DRR management and crisis response. The Protocol on Peace and Security has since been ratified by all Partner States.

At the sitting in January 2016 in Arusha, debate was once again adjourned. This was occasioned by a Motion moved by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Susan A. Kolimba. The Motion sailed through but after further amendment tabled by Chair of the Regional Affairs and Resolution Committee, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, under Rule 30(a) to have the Bill brought back to the House at the March Sitting.

The Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo said the Bill anticipates support for both natural and man-made disasters. Yesterday, the Minister for EAC, Republic of Burundi, Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana informed the House the Council of Ministers had no objection to the passage of the Bill.

At debate time, Hon. Judith Pareno said the Bill had been before the House for a period of two years. “I recall that at time of public hearings and immediately thereafter, we had several disasters including the fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Central Market in Bujumbura and even the Westgate tragedy”, the legislator said.

“Disasters do not come knocking doors or give notice”, it is necessary that we pass the Bill”, she added.

Hon. Mike Kennedy Sebalu said the passage of the Bill was timely so as to mitigate the different disasters that have befallen the region.

“The frequency of disasters that have befallen our Partner States cannot be over-emphasised. We must create an environment that is less of disasters and thus a legal framework is the right way to go, Hon. Sebalu noted.

Hon. Adam Kimbisa said fire, drought and terrorism were some of the disasters the region continued to face. “All disasters care less about when to occur, where or when to hit,” the legislator said. He remarked that countries in the west had invested better in coping mechanisms than in the continent. “We must equally invest in risk reduction activities”, he added.

Hon. Martin Ngoga said the passage of the law was urgent. “It is a reflection of how prepared we are to protect the lives of the citizens”, Hon. Ngoga said.

Also rising in support of the debate was Hon. Saoli Ole Nkanae, Hon. Dora Byamukama, Hon. Sarah Bonaya and Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza.

The passage of the Bill whose original mover is Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, is a culmination of a process whose idea began five years ago. In December 2010, EALA Committee on Agriculture Tourism and Natural Resources held key discussions with a delegation from the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).

The meeting was called to raise awareness within the legislature on the importance of disaster risk reduction as an instrument for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). EALA and UNISDR further agreed to collaborate to develop a model legislation which can be used to support the efforts of the EAC Partner States in building disaster resilience in East Africa.

The next stage is the process of Assent by the EAC Heads of State in line with Article 63 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

Norway hails EAC integration

The Norwegian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Tone Skogen, who is on a four-day official visit to the United Republic of Tanzania, on Wednesday visited the EAC headquarters in a bid to show support towards the EAC integration agenda and gain insight on the status of the integration process.

Welcoming the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and her delegation to the EAC Headquarters, on behalf of the Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, the Head of the Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Mr Owora Richard Othieno, commended the Norwegian government’s support to the regional integration process.

Mr Othieno briefed the Norwegian envoy on the current status of the EAC integration process and the milestones achieved so far. Among the key highlights of the latest achievements included the establishment of the Single Customs Territory, implementation of the Common Market Protocol and progress made towards a single currency by 2024.

Mr. Othieno made reference to the 17th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State which was held last week in Arusha, culminating in the admission of the Republic South Sudan as the sixth EAC Partner State.

“In addition, the Heads of State officially launched the new generation International East African e-Passport; a regional travel document that will fast-track clearance of East Africans within and outside EAC borders”, said Mr Othieno.

He informed the Minister that the positive developments taking place within the r

EALA Congratulates South Sudan following its admission into bloc

The admission of the South Sudan into the EAC received a thumbs up from the Assembly this afternoon, as it passed a Resolution congratulating the Sixth Partner State into the EAC fold. The Motion for the Resolution congratulating the Republic of South Sudan upon admission into the EAC was moved by Hon. Peter Mathuki and seconded by Hon. Dora Byamukama.

In the aforementioned, the Assembly thus urged the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to expeditiously sign the Treaty of accession and to deposit the said instrument with the Office of the Secretary General of the EAC.

The Resolution avers that the accession of the Republic of South Sudan into membership of the EAC will enhance co-operation and integration between the country and EAC Partner States.

According to the Resolution, the EAC conducted a verification mission to the Republic of South Sudan between July 15th - 31st, 2012, to check on its preparedness to join the Community. Further negotiations between the EAC and the Partner States took place between March and October 2015, at the headquarters in Arusha. At the last sitting of the Summit held in Arusha last week, the Summit of EAC Heads of State received the report of the Council of Ministers and admitted the country into the regional bloc.

Hon. Mathuki states that in joining the Community, the bloc shall be expanded and this provides potential growth for the region inclusive of over 160 Million citizens. It also is expected to promote business and general economic development as well as in stepping up towards the coveted African Unity.

At debate time, the mover of the motion further congratulated the Summit of EAC Heads of State for the timely move of admitting the Republic of South Sudan into the Community. He mentioned that it was necessary for the in-coming Partner State to observe all the tenets of the EAC Treaty.

Hon. Maryam Ussi said sensitisation was of absolute importance to enable citizens of the region to be fully aware of the benefits of integration.

"By the Republic of South Sudan joining they shall benefit from the benchmarks", Hon. Dora Byamukama mentioned. She remarked that previous visits to Jonglei and Unity States had shown the area was fertile and there was wealth in the area which would be good for the integration process.

Hon. Judith Pareno said entry of South Sudan in to the EAC signified the reunion of the family that was "once disintegrated by the colonial borders". "They are very much welcome on board," she added.

Hon. Martin Ngoga said the region was set to benefit more with the admission of South Sudan. "It is about the people of South Sudan, since we are people-centred. We need to have the challenges addressed," he remarked.

Hon. Shyrose Bhanji called on the Government of South Sudan to adhere to peace and ensure safety of all its citizens so they may reap from the benefits of integration.

Hon. Hafsa Mossi lauded the leadership of the Republic of South Sudan for having thought through admission into the bloc and for working hard to join the EAC immediately after its independence. "There is no better time for them (South Sudan) to join," she said. "I am very happy to see the development which shall definitely add value to the Community," the legislator added. She remarked that the Community had shown commitment to peace and said the latest peace agreement ensuing in South Sudan was signed in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Others who rose in support were Hon. Mukasa Mbidde, Hon. Sarah Bonaya, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, Hon. Mike Sebalu, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo and Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro. Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye, Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana and EAC Ministers, Hon. Shem Bageine (Uganda) and Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana (Burundi) also supported the Motion for the Resolution.

Hon. Abubakar Ogle said it was important for the region to adhere to all principles that include rule of law and governance in the entire dispensation.

The Secretary General of the EAC, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera said the Republic of South Sudan had requested to join the EAC on a fast-track basis and that the capacity of the country went beyond just verification.

"We worked together to strengthen their capacity in terms of revenue collection and customs administration among other areas," the Secretary General said.

"The verification report is also detailed in what the country must do. There are key recommendations with timelines and the issues raised on the floor

EALA swears in Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Mahiga as Ex-Officio Member of EALA

EALA yesterday afternoon administered the Oath of Allegiance to Hon. Amb. Augustine Phillip Mahiga, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation in the United Republic of Tanzania as the Sitting commenced in Dar es Salaam.

Amb. Dr Mahiga is now an ex-officio Member of the Assembly.

The Oath of Allegiance to the House was administered by the Clerk of EALA, before the EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega.

Hon. Amb. Mahiga took the oath in accordance with Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. The Rules of Procedure say in part that: “No Member can sit or participate in the proceedings of the House until the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Treaty is taken”.

Rule 5(5) specifically states that “when a Member first attends to take his or her seat other than at the first sitting of a new House, he or she shall be brought to the table by two Members and presented by them to the Speaker who shall then administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance”.

The Minister was ushered into the House by Hon. Adam Kimbisa and Hon. Angela Daisy Kizigha.

Under Article 48 of the EAC Treaty, ex-officio Members of EALA consist of Ministers responsible for East African Affairs from the Partner States.

Under the same provision, the Assistant Minister, Deputy Minister or Minister of State may only participate in the meetings of the Assembly when the substantive Minister responsible for East African Community Affairs is unable to participate.

Hon. Amb. Mahiga, was appointed Minister by President John Pombe Magufuli in the cabinet named in December 2015. Prior to his appointment, Hon. Amb. Dr Mahiga, a diplomat, served as the Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations. He was also the UNHCR Representative to Italy, Republic of Malta and Republic of San Marino. Between the years 1994 to 1998, Ambassador Mahiga served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Chief of Mission in New Delhi, India. He has also served as Chief of Mission in Monrovia, Liberia.

Amb. Mahiga was appointed by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to the rank of Ambassador while on secondment to the UNHCR. He rose into public service from the world of academia. Amb. Mahiga was once a Senior Lecturer in International Affairs and Regional Co-operation at the University of Dar es Salaam, a post he held from 1975-1977.

Amb. Mahiga earned a Bachelor of Arts (Education) at the University of East Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He earned his Master of Arts degree at the University of Toronto as well as a Ph.D. in International Relations from the same institution.

Rt Hon. Majaliwa delivers State of EAC Address to EALA

The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Rt Hon. Majaliwa, Kassim Majaliwa delivered the State of EAC Address at the commencement of the 5th Meeting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Rt Hon. Majaliwa delivered the Speech on behalf of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, who is also the Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State.

The remarks, gave a score-card on a number of areas related to the pillars of integration.

On the Customs Union, the Prime Minister noted the consolidated gains of the Single Customs Territory which initially commenced in 2014 on a pilot basis along the Northern and Central corridors. He cited this was realized through the finalization of key operational instruments entailing revision of business manuals, development of M&E tool framework, deployment of staff and revision of enforcement framework.

Rt Hon. Majaliwa remarked that the Community had adopted the use of One Stop Business Posts (OSBPs) as a trade facilitation concept to minimize delays at the border posts and on the major corridors in the region. He informed the House that out of the 15 borders earmarked to operate as OSBPs, 7 had been completed and 4 others were operating as OSBPs using bilateral agreements.

"The seven are Gasenyi/Nemba, Ruhwa, Lunga Lunga/HoroHoro, Holili/Taveta, Isebania/Sirari, Kagitumba/Mirama Hills and Rusumo," Rt Hon. Majaliwa said.

The Prime Minister remarked that intra-EAC Trade was expected to register phenomenal increase in the next few years.

"Trade is now at 23%, over and above intra-African Trade figure of 12%. "There has been a 300% increase in the value of trade from 2 Billion USD in 2005 to 6 Billion USD in 2014," Rt. Hon Majaliwa said.

"These numbers coupled with the combined GDP of 110.3 Billion makes our region a formidable trading bloc", he added.

The Prime Minister stated that the Business community in the region had established a Code of Conduct which he said, would check on corruption. Rt Hon. Majaliwa thus hailed the East African Business Council (EABC) for signing commitments to the ethical business standards to guide collaboration between various stakeholders in promoting trade.

He urged the region to push for total removal of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). "We all admit that we have done well in eliminating tariff related barriers, we must resolve to do away with the remaining ones," Rt Hon. Majaliwa added, citing the examples of removal of various roadblocks in the region.

On Infrastructure, the Prime Minister remarked that Partner States were actively engaged in the Standard Gauge Railway with Republic of Kenya having completed coverage of about 200 km out of 472 km of formation as of September last year.

On the Common Market, the Prime Minister gave an account of achievements realized in the Partner States to date. He remarked that Republic of Burundi now recognizes the academic qualifications, experiences obtained, licenses and certifications obtained for the workers from other EAC Partner States.

The United Republic of Tanzania on its part, has issued a total of 3,222 simplified Certificates of Origin were issued as at June 2015 as compared to 2,355 certificates issued in 2014. In Kenya, the Prime Minister said development of an SMS based NTBs Reporting System to facilitate reporting and subsequent elimination of NTBs had been initiated.

The Republic of Rwanda, the Prime Minister added, had eliminated all Non-Tariff Barriers and further harmonized demographic and social statistics for undertaking agricultural surveys and census. All the initiatives he added, were geared towards enhancing the Common Market Protocol. In Uganda, the value of goods from other Partner States accorded zero-tariff treatment grew by 9% while 360 EAC standards on traded goods had been adopted and were in application.

He however lamented that the region continued to face challenges, citing delay of issuance of electronic Certificate of Origin which were yet to be adopted regionally, and the need to fastrack the completion of the Annex on Mutual Recognition of Academic and Professional Qualifications. The Prime Minister was further categorical that the slow pace of harmonization of national laws into the EAC context hampered implementation of the commitments.

On democracy, peace and security, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister urged the EAC to subscribe to the ideals as tenets for progress.

"I am happy that as I address this House, the region is peaceful, secure and stable," he said. "Let the elections be credible, free and fair which abide and respect the Constitutions", he added.

The Prime Minister lauded the Speaker for EALA's continued role in legislation, oversight and representation and urged the Assembly to double its efforts in sensitization of the publics.

In his welcoming remarks, the Speaker of the EALA, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega remarked that EAC integration process was stronger given the commitment of various stakeholders in the process.

He however urged the EAC to instill quick interventions with regards to the Common Market Protocol. He said there was need to move faster and ensure free movement of persons as well as the rights to residence.

"As politicians we feel the tenets of the Common Market Protocol have not been fully met over the last five years. A sticking area concerns that of free movement of persons and the rights to residence. The East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) and the East African Employers Organisation (EAEO) did petition EALA on the matter, of which was debated and passed by the House", Rt Hon. Kidega said.

The Speaker hailed the United Republic of Tanzania for its commitment to harmonising work and resident permits as well as the necessary fees in line with providing preferential treatment to the citizens of the EAC Partner States. He remarked that the Republics of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda had already abolished work permit fees and introduced inter-state passes and that the move encouraged workers to move freely in search of opportunities.

Rt Hon. Kidega hailed the Summit of the EAC Heads of State for the significant announcements made at the 17th Summit of the EAC Heads of State held last week in Arusha, Tanzania. He welcomed the entry of the Republic of South Sudan to the EAC fold and said EALA looked forward to welcoming the legislators.

The EALA Speaker also lauded the Heads of State for launching the EAC International e-Passport. The e-Passport which replaces national and EAC Passports takes effect in January 2017.

He remarked that Tanzania had continued to realise progress and congratulated the new leadership.

"In the first 100 days of H.E. Dr Magufuli's leadership, the country has realized major transformation. Revenue collection has doubled from Tshs 900 Billion to average of Tshs 1.4 Trillion per month, while you have similarly enhanced efficiency in service delivery in government institutions. Further to this, we are appreciative of the Government's desire and the renewed spirit to tackle and fight corruption head on", Rt Hon. Kidega said.

Speaker of Parliament of Tanzania Rt Hon. Job Ndugai, said the region was looking forward to inclusion of the new Legislators from the Republic of South Sudan and it would enlarge the bloc. He further urged the EALA to be bold as it plays its rightful place in the integration process.

The State of EAC Address is delivered annually to the EALA by the Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State. The State of EAC Address sets the momentum and impetus for the integration process by reflecting on general policies that relate to the Community's progress while outlining the strategic challenges which require attention.

The novelty of the State of EAC Address dates back to the year 2008 when H.E. President Yoweri Museveni made the first inaugural Address to this Assembly in Arusha.

During the two week Sitting, EALA shall debate on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction Bill, 2012, EAC Bill on Persons with Disabilities, 2015 and the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill. The Assembly is also to consider, debate and approve various Reports of Committees of EALA.


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