A key policy report on Climate Change and Gender is calling on EAC Partner States to promote pro-active approaches through adequate preparedness and appropriate strategies in light of Climate Change.
The Report which follows a regional Parliamentary workshop held in Burundian Capital, Bujumbura in March 2015 was this afternoon debated and approved by EALA. The Report was presented by the Chairperson of the Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources Committee, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo.
The Report says that approaches such as early warning systems and modalities for flood and drought management need to be inculcated. Closely related to this aspect is the need for the EAC Partner States and the East African Community to advocate for strong institutional and governance structures.
In addition, the Assembly is of the view that the Secretariat invests in climate / disaster-focused research and tools, Participatory Capacity and Vulnerability Analysis to boost the preparedness of the region.
The objectives of the workshop was to create awareness amongst Members of EALA on the critical cross-cutting subjects of Climate Change and Gender, and to consider existing international and regional policies, strategies and regulatory instruments and frameworks on Climate Change and Gender.
At the same time, the workshop sought to identify the role of Parliamentarians in implementation of Gender-sensitive Climate Change policies and practical measures.
In the past, EALA has passed several environmental Bills including Transboundary Ecosystems Management Bill (2010), the EAC Polythene Material Control Bill, 2014. The EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Control Bill (2014) is under consultation. Work has also commenced on the EAC Climate Change Bill and a Climate Change Fund.
During debate today, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi called for demarcation of specific areas for cattle keepers so that enough fodder is realised and sustainability is realised.
“We need a recommendation to that effect from the report such that it adds to the dimension of Climate Change and Gender. Farmers are predominantly women while cattle keepers are pre-dominantly men”, he said. “There is need for a region-wide policy to deal with any imminent clashes that may arise”, he added.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru said natural and man-made events both contribute to Climate Change. “We have the Disaster Risk Reduction Bill pending before the House. It needs to brought forth immediately by the Council of Ministers”, she said.
Hon. Susan Nakawuki lauded the City Council of Arusha for greening the City by planting more trees. “We should all borrow from the successes of the City”.
She called on the Partner States to ensure the EAC Climate Change Fund received funding.
Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza said the Assembly could champion the importance of the Climate Change Fund. “As an Assembly, we can support the Fund in a symbolic manner”, she said.
Hon. Dora Byamukama, Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon. Sarah Bonaya also supported the Report.
EALA has this afternoon passed a Resolution congratulating Republic of Uganda upon introducing national identity cards (third-generation) for its citizens and encouraged other EAC Partner States, which are still in the process of doing so, to finalise.
The Resolution moved by Hon. Susan Nakawuki hails Uganda saying the country has come a long way in the process of issuing national identification documents to its nationals in compliance with Article 8 of the Common Market Protocol.
“The ID card is to facilitate delivery of national development based on reliable and verifiable data, enable Governments plan properly and provide easy access to social facilities and services like the Health systems.
It also facilitates school capitation grants based on verifiable identities and data at local level, facilitates transparent and trustworthy business transactions, reduces level of crime in Community and improves security”, a section of the Resolution reads.
The Resolution further congratulates the Republic of Rwanda which had introduced machine-readable ID cards way before the entry of the Common Market Protocol and the United Republic of Tanzania which has also commenced on the exercise of issuing the same.
All EAC Partner States have embarked on the process of issuing 3rd-Generation identity cards including the Republic of Kenya which pioneered national ID systems and is now embarking on the upgrade from 2nd-Generation to 3rd-Generation IDs.
Identity cards also enable citizens to facilitate regional integration and travel. During debate, Hon. Hafsa Mossi called for accuracy in data management. “We can achieve this aim when coming up with the third-generation cards”, she said. Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi said getting right data was fundamental to improve the livelihoods of East Africans. Governments must know their people so they can systematically bring their people out of poverty.
“It is not just simply measuring, but reliable data can catalyse change”, Hon. Mwinyi said.
Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza said while oversighting the Common Market Protocol, she observed the slow pace of implementation. “This Resolution is important as it calls on all Partner States to move with the Protocol. We urge the Council of Ministers to urge Partner States to fervently implement the provisions of the Protocol”, Hon. Nyirahabineza said.
Hon. Dora Byamukama lauded the Partner States that have Identity cards and said a time should come when there is free movement of persons in totality.
EALA has this afternoon adjourned debate on the EAC Electronic Transactions Bill 2014 to pave way for stakeholders to make additional input.
The adjournment came after a request for deferment of the debate by the Chair of Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Abdallah Saadaala was approved. In his ruling, the Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega directed that the Bill be brought back to the Order paper during the next Plenary in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Chair of Council of Ministers reiterated total support of the Bill but added there was need for more time for the consolidation of further inputs and comments by stakeholders. At the same time, consultations are been called to allow for enrichment of the Report of the Committee of Communication, Trade and Investment (CTI).
According to the Chair of Council of Ministers, the Bill has been shared with the East African Communications Organisation (EACO) headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda and the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC) for comments.
The EACO brings together a number of consumers of e-transactions. At the same time, the Minister affirms that EAC is also developing and implementing the electronic payments and settlements systems under the leadership of the MAC to enhance financial infrastructure in the region. The Secretary-General of the EAC, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera similarly wrote to the Assembly requesting for more time to consult stakeholders.
The Electronic Transaction Bill, 2014 seeks to meet the need of exploiting electronic transactions in the modern day business transactions. The Bill further wants to promote technology neutrality in applying legislation to electronic communications and transactions and to develop a safe, secure and effective environment for the consumer, business and the Governments of the Partner States to conduct and use electronic transactions. EALA has already undertaken a series of public hearings to source for views from stakeholders on this particular Bill.
The initiator of the Private Members Bill is Hon. Dr James Ndahayo.
Today’s debate was preceded by tabling of a report by the Committee on Communications and Trade Investment which undertook public hearings on the Bill. The Members of the Committee were divided into two groups to undertake the public hearings. One group covered the Republics of Burundi and Rwanda while another one covered the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Kenya and both groups then converged in the Republic of Uganda.
The stakeholders consulted included among others: Ministries responsible for ICT, including ICT regulators and the e-government agencies; Ministries of Trade and Commerce and the Finance Ministries. Others were Offices of the Attorneys General, including the Law Reform Commissions; Law Societies and Law Enforcement agencies as well as the East African Business Council and Private Sector Federation.
Hon. Judy Pareno said the mobile telephony exchanges and pay systems were necessary in the region. It should however be anchored by a relevant piece of legislation. “I thank the mover for coming up with it. Let us enrich it and have some safeguards in the legislation”, Hon. Pareno said.
Hon. Isabelle Ndahayo said businesses continued to face pressure to transact business electronically. “The need for speedy and efficient systems while cutting down costs is key”, Hon. Ndahayo said, adding, that it was time to have a regulatory framework in place.
The Bill will facilitate regional traders by offering practical solutions and provide security to those who use electronic modes of transaction. “It enhances the type of transactions necessary and prohibits others, thus builds trust and confidence among users”, Hon. Ndahayo said.
Hon. Abubakar Zein remarked it was time for East Africans to embrace the knowledge age we live in. “We should, however, consult more widely and pick more views from the stakeholders”, Hon. Zein said.
He challenged the Assembly to move also towards reviewing its own Rules of Procedure to be technologically compliant. He said the time to move to a paperless Assembly was now.
“Let use e-footprints, he said, while imploring EALA to go the e-business way”. Hon. Nancy Abisai said all five Partner States had made an effort to have legislation on electronic transaction.
Many of the Partner States are moving to e-government systems including implementing the single window systems. “This also includes the implementation of the customs systems. We thus need to ensure business is transacted in a manner that is legally binding”, she added.
The legislator remarked that the Central Banks and other authorities had raised key fundamental issues and such were considered by the CTI Committee during the public hearings. We must embrace the era of technology and internet services we are moving into.
Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga said the entry of the Common Market Protocol in itself was vital for the envisaged Bill. “We are not an island and cannot be isolated from the rest of the world.The fact that I can sit in Kigali and transact business in Dar es Salaam without picking a flight enables me save money and speed up business”, she said.
Hon. Susan Nakawuki said there was need to enhance security facilities on the sim-card’s chip especially on telephony. The email systems can also go viral and there are challenges to cyber security, including cookies and infringement of data.
Hon. Dora Byamukama termed the Bill important but said there were areas of additional input and clarification necessary to strengthen the Bill. She remarked that terrorism was a major concern but one that could be addressed if nabbed through electronic means.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru, Hon. Martin Ngoga and Hon. Pierre Celestin Rwigema supported the Bill. Others were Hon. Mike Sebalu and Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi.
Culture and Creative Industries in the region today received a shot in the arm following the passage of the EAC Culture and Creative Industries Bill, 2015 by EALA.
The Bill sailed through the 3rd Reading after intense debate on the floor of the House. The key Bill recognises people with talents and skills and creates an environment that promotes talents and the necessary infrastructure to develop the industries, many of which are considered nascent, while removing existing barriers.
The object of the Bill is to promote the Culture and Creative industries at the EAC. The Bill seeks to establish the Culture and Creative Industries Council that shall provide an environment conducive to the enhancement and stimulation of creativity and innovative endeavours among the citizens of the Community.
Once formed, the Council shall provide high quality training for skills and creativity development, and formulate policies and strategies to stimulate creativity and innovations among the youth to ensure long term supply of talents.
Culture and Creative Industries are considered one of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy and contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many developed and developing countries.
The Council is also to conduct a comprehensive mapping of individuals or groups involved in creative industries and design practical tools that assist individuals to effectively use and diversify their products to be locally and globally competitive.
According to the mover of the Bill, Hon. Dr James Ndahiro, there are citizens with talents and if such (talents) are well exploited, then individuals and the nation would greatly benefit. The Bill, Hon. Dr Ndahiro states, seeks to provide a legal framework for East Africans to excel in all forms of talent and creativity and contribute to the welfare of the Community.
We need to celebrate the integration aspirations but only if we take into consideration and overcome challenges been faced in the cultural and creativity industries. Such include unfair treatment in terms of permits to operate, discrimination of citizens from Partner States despite our co-operation and the opening up of region due to the Common Market Protocol, Dr Ndahiro maintained.
The debate today was preceded by a Report of the Committee on General Purpose presented to the House by the Chair of the General Purpose Committee, Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo.
The public hearings were held on 9-12th March 2015, to form an effective medium for sensitisation of stakeholders on the Bill and a forum for them to contribute to its enhancement. Stakeholders visited included the government officials from the Ministries of EAC, Culture Ministries, Private sector and officials of the Investment and revenue collection bodies.
Hon. Dr Nyiramilimo said it was necessary for the Bill to consider Intellectual Property rights which is a specialised and wide technical issue requiring consideration. The report also states that it is important for the region to consider the relevant provisions of the EAC Common Market Protocol and their operationalisation. The Report also states that digital media and other forms of art, including audio-visual media be included.
The debate on Bill commenced last week. However it was adjourned to give the Committee time to interact with the Council of Ministers. During debate today, Hon. Shyrose Bhanji said it was necessary to support local artistes. “There is not still a good market for artistes and it is vital for Governments to create budgets to enable them compete in the world market”, Hon. Bhanji said.
We have the likes of Juliana Kanyomozi, Ken Wa Maria, Bobi Wine, Kidum among others. They need to marketed widely so they also widen their scope”, she said.
Hon. Dora Byamukama said it was necessary to have intellectual property rights through a Bill to enable innovators to enjoy the royalties. She called for development and mapping of an inventory of artistes in the region as a marketing tool.
“Let us market our products aggressively but such products should also be quality”, the legislator added. Hon. Judy Pareno said there was creativity and energy among the youth that should be harnessed. “The Bill will address some of the issues that concern our youth”, she said.
“There is so much expertise in the bead work of the Maasai, for example. Have we patented them? We must protect intellectual property and the regional law goes a long way in addressing some of the areas including protection and harmonisation”, Hon. Pareno added.
Hon. AbuBakar Zein lamented that the Sauti ya Busara which showcases the best of artistes and one that brings together the globe to East Africa is unlikely to take place in 2016 due to lack of funds.
“This is sad thing should it happen, given that the occasion fuses a melt pot of creativity and innovation, he said. “The project of integration can wholly be inspired by arts”, he added.
Hon. Hafsa Mossi said the region was blessed by a rich culture and great potential in terms of arts. She said the media could play a key role in outreach. The Chair of Council of Ministers reiterated that United Republic of Tanzania was committed to the law and had submitted its inputs for consideration.
Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro, Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye, Hon. Ussi Maryam, Hon. Susan Nakawuki and Hon. Martin Ngoga duly supported the report.
Uganda’s EAC Minister, Hon. Shem Bageine said it was important to preserve, protect and defend the culture of Africa at all costs. “We should also strive to promote the Kiswahili culture”, the Minister said.
Regional legislators over the weekend made an incursion but of a different nature in Gulu Municipality, this time to sensitise citizens on regional integration.
It was the first such outreach programme for the Assembly in the Northern part of Uganda that witnessed a tree-planting exercise as well as delivery of key messages on the tangible benefits of integration. The function took place outside the Layibi College on the stretch of Customs Corner-Layibi road.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega led the tree-planting exercise with the area inhabitants coming together to plant sixty palm tree seedlings. The Local Chairman five of the Area, Hon. Ojara Mapenduzi confirmed the four kilometre road would be renamed Afrika Mashariki road in order to create awareness to the citizens of the area and to be a constant reminder that the integration process is alive.
“We are working on the necessary documentation and consulting with the authorities and this will see the road renamed Afrika Mashariki shortly”, he said.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Kidega remarked that the Assembly would continue to ensure sustenance of the environment through the tree-planting programme. “We hope we can work with different stakeholders here to keep the programme alive”, the Speaker said.
Uganda’s EAC Minister, Hon. Shem Bageine said the future of the region belonged to the youth and challenged them to dedicate and commit to the ideals of integration. He said the EAC was committed to realising all the pillars of integration eventually leading to the Political Federation.
The EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera said Gulu area was now a safe haven and called on the locals to embrace integration in order to ensure progressive development.
On his part, the President of the Democratic Party, Hon. Norbert Mao was emphatic that full integration would be realised in future.
“We must begin to see ourselves not only as people of Gulu or Ugandans but as East Africans. This is absolutely important. I thank you for coming here to plant trees and to reach out to the citizens”, he said.
He remarked that it was necessary for the locals to speak Kiswahili more – given that it was the unifying language and the lingua franca of East Africa. In attendance were pupils from Mother Ludare Primary School and the Layibi College as well as the area inhabitants.
The four kilometres Customs Corner–Layibi road links to the Juba Highway and is a major transit area to South Sudan. The decision by EALA to enhance outreach activities is anchored in its Strategic Plan (2013-2018). The Strategic Plan envisages a people-centred approach to widening and deepening the integration process. Herein, the Assembly hopes to intensify sensitisation and a public awareness campaign.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has beseeched parents to educate their children terming it as the best insurance for latter’s future.
The President delivered the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon. Dr Ruhakana Rugunda during the thanksgiving service for EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu Municipality over the weekend.
“Government has committed itself to give you the basic education. Yes, Primary and Secondary education are just basics. You must strive to build on what Government provides to enable your children go beyond the basic living”, the Head of State said.
“So, it is evident that in order to rise on the horizon, one needs to do more than just the basics. We thank Rt Hon. Kidega for going beyond the basics and that is why we are here today”, President Museveni added.
He further told congregants to remember to thank the Almighty God for his supplications. “As human beings, we are good at praying and asking God to listen to our prayers but once our hearts desires are met, we are prone to forget the source from which these bounties come from”, he said.
“Very few people put time aside to count their blessings and say, Thank You Lord,” President Museveni added. The service which was conducted by the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, Rt. Rev Johnson Gakumba was attended by high ranking Government officials, EALA Members and MPs from the Parliament of Uganda, representatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), His Highness, the Paramount Chief of the Acholi (Ker Kwaro) and thousands of well-wishers.
In the sermon of the day, Rt Rev. Gakumba asked congregants to pray that God gives society leaders after his own heart. “Although, people casts votes, it is God who chooses leaders from among us according to the scriptures”, the clergyman explained.
“Leaders are a product of their society. When we choose leaders, as we shall do soon in the next election, the leaders we choose, good or bad, are groomed from among us and are the product of our society”, Rt Rev. Gakumba said.
“We thank God for the gift of leadership of Rt Hon. Daniel Kidega and we exalt and rejoice God who chose him,” Rt Rev. Gakumba said.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon Kidega thanked the National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Museveni for nurturing talent of the youth. He challenged the youth to steadfast and patriotic, inculcate self-belief and to work hard.
The Speaker hailed the people of Gulu for bestowing their full confidence in him. He told the citizens of Gulu Municipality to take advantage of the opportunities existing under the Common Market Protocol.
“The Protocol envisages free movement of persons and services among others. My plea to you is to get organised and to look for business and other opportunities across the borders”, Rt Hon. Kidega noted. The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon. Jacob Oulanyah lauded the people of Gulu for their support and said the integration process was strong and on course.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the NRM, Richard Todwong, hailed Rt Hon. Kidega terming his leadership at the Assembly as commendable. “May God continue to help him to serve East Africans”, he remarked.
Speaking on behalf of EALA Members, Hon. Peter Mathuki, Chair of the Legal and Privileges Committee, said the Assembly would fully support the EALA Speaker to ensure their mandate is realised. On his part, the President of the Democratic Party of Uganda, Hon. Norbert Mao termed integration key and urged the people of the area and Uganda to think beyond the borders.
Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega was elected unopposed in December 2014 to replace Rt Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa and to complete Uganda’s tenure of Speakership which ends in June 2017.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Friday addressed the 1st Meeting of the 4th Session of 3rd Assembly at the Parliament of Uganda in Kampala.
In his address, the President termed prosperity and security of the region as two key ingredients necessary to keep integration process on track. He urged the EAC to support prosperity of the producers in the agricultural sector to support integration.
“Prosperity is about services, markets and it is important to leverage and take advantage of the market”, H.E. Museveni said. The President maintained that it was time for the region to consolidate on the gains realised in the region.
The President said that Uganda was key to export its agricultural products in the EAC region including sugar products. “Uganda is today producing more sugar than it needs. Following the discussions with H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta recently, we have agreed to open the market for this products further”, he said.
The President maintained that Uganda was similarly open to receiving goods from Kenya under the integration arrangement. President Museveni said Kenyan exports to Uganda are estimated at US$ 700 million up from US$ 200 million in 1986 compared to imports worth US$ 150 million up from US$ 12 million in the same period.
He thanked President Kenyatta for agreeing to remove non-tariff barriers, deepen commercial ties and widen the regional market. President Museveni remarked that Uganda produces about 465,000 tonnes of sugar annually against a consumption of 320,000 tonnes, leaving it with a 145,000-tonne surplus.
He called on the EAC bloc to negotiate together with other blocs in the globe. “We have a reasonable market now and we can effectively compete. Let us negotiate with China and other big players”, he said.
The President called on Partner States to add value to production in order to enjoy competitiveness. “The Federal Republic of Ethiopia which has a population of 90 Million people, today assembles its automobile industries and this has led to creation of employment of over 160,000 jobs for the locals. Automobile assemblage can reduce costs by 57%,” he said.
President Museveni said he submitted proposals to the Summit of EAC Heads of State to explore the possibility of local assemblage of vehicles. “We need to create jobs, transfer technology for the region to be prosperous”, President Museveni told the attentive audience.
The President maintained that the EAC was on course and its progress irreversible. The President noted that the Community was on the verge of prosperous economic development and better quality of life for its citizens following the significant progress in a number of socio-economic and political spheres.
The Head of State hailed the forefathers of EAC for their visionary leadership. “I hail President Moi and Mwinyi who together with myself resurrected integration after seeing the benefits. I am grateful to them and we have since moved together, making tremendous progress”, he added.
He lauded EALA for initiating the EAC Creative and Cultural Industries Bill saying it gave citizens such as performing artists to advantage of integration and to widen their markets.
On Security, the Head of State said that strategic security was key. “We must put our interests fast and secure ourselves from those who want to dominate us”, he said, adding that it was time for challenges such as NTBs to be weeded out once and for all.
He said Uganda was mapping strategies to be a first world country in the next 20 years and thus deemed it necessary to fight for its competitive space. “Even if these were to happen, the question is how secure would Uganda be by itself?“, the President paused.
The Head of State said the region was opening up and clearing up strategic bottlenecks to be more prosperous. He said the market fragmentation was now been consolidated. He however cited the challenges of insecurity faced in Burundi, South Sudan and Congo, and said solutions were necessary.
H.E. Museveni said a better infrastructure was now been realised and said the region was on the way to deepening economic integration. The President gave a nod to EALA Speaker’s request on modalities to streamline assent of Bills during the meeting of the EAC Heads of State.
“The principle of jointly signing (assent) of Bills when we sit as Summit is a good idea if we can finalise on the modalities”, H.E. Museveni said. The Head of State remarked that what the region now needed was to strengthen competitiveness, address costs doing business and reduce risks.
In attendance were key government officials led by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon. Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, EALA and Parliament of Uganda Members and representatives of the diplomatic corp among others.
In his welcome remarks, the Speaker of the EALA, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega noted that the Sitting was taking place at an irreversible time in the regional integration process. He called on the Summit of EAC Heads of State to hasten the process of the Monetary Union and inevitably the Political Federation. He told President Museveni and the Summit of the EAC Heads of State to revisit the issue of the fast-tracking the Political Federation.
“This will enable us to be stronger and more united for without the Political Union, we shall remain vulnerable to world forces”, Rt Hon. Kidega noted. The EALA Speaker noted that the Assembly had made progress since December 2014 and cited some of the milestones realised.
“Since I took over the Speakership of the Assembly in December 2014, the Assembly has passed a total of 6 Bills, 5 Resolutions, adopted 12 Reports and asked the Council of Ministers to respond to sets of questions deemed vital to strengthening the EAC.
We have also received 2 petitions from the youth and the regional Workers’ Union and the employer association. Both petitions are currently under review by the relevant Committees of EALA. Our representative function has continued to be felt through engagements with different stakeholders even though this is an area we need to further strengthen”, he said.
The Assembly which commenced business on 16th August 2015 has debated and adopted two key Committee Reports; one on Investment Strategies in the region and another on the Legal Framework and Implementation Policies on the Rights of Children. It has also commenced on debate on the EAC Cultural and Creative Industries Bill, 2015.
The Speaker cited challenges facing the Assembly as that concerning the Assent of Bills stating that it was necessary to speed up the processes. “Whilst it is purely in order for Heads of State to receive briefs, before assenting to Bills, the logistical mode of having to move from one Partner State to another in itself present challenges”.
“We are of the view that the region takes advantage of the Summit sittings which can create opportune moment for the Summit Members to exercise their mandate as stipulated under Article 63. Your Excellency, we shall seek your further advice on this matter”, Speaker Kidega said.
The Speaker also called on the stakeholders to ensure electioneering in the region does not disrupt nation building. “Unpatriotic politicians and citizens can stir emotions leading to disruption in society, erosion of investor confidence and lull in economic programmes”, Speaker Kidega said. He urged stakeholders in the Partner States to reverse the trend.
“There are undeniably some positive democratic milestones that we can be proud of as a region. There are also grave mistakes that we have made and that we must steer clear of in future. We appeal to all actors concerned with elections as a matter of necessity to ensure citizens’ enjoy their fundamental political and civil liberties, promote a culture of peace and tolerance and insulate electoral management bodies from undue pressures”.
“In this way, we stand to secure the future of our region for posterity”, the regional Assembly Speaker stated. Moving the vote of thanks, Hon. Saoli Ole Nkanae noted that Uganda had progressed following the leadership of President Museveni.
“I have followed your history closely. Came from humble beginnings. In the short span, he has transformed country from sectarian dictatorship that was non-performing to an economic country with opportunities for all”, Hon. Nkanae said.
“Your role in resurrecting the EAC Community is laudable and we note that you have continued to fast-track integration and offer good leadership”, the legislator said.
Hon. Nkanae said that EALA was committed to actively playing its mandate to strengthen integration.
With the region grappling with major issues of human trafficking, the Assembly has today taken a bold step to arrest and stem the illegal trade. The Assembly at its sitting this morning passed a Resolution calling for urgent action to prevent trafficking in persons, protect the victims and persecute the perpetrators of trafficking.
EALA is also keen to see a regional law on anti-trafficking in persons enacted so as to address the cross-border aspect of trafficking in persons. With it, EALA also urged the EAC Partner States to enact comprehensive anti-trafficking persons legislation in accordance with the Palermo Protocol, which incorporates the prevention of trafficking in persons, protection of the victims and the prosecution of offenders.
Once again, EALA urged the Council of Ministers to operationalise Article 27 of the Treaty of EAC and conclude a protocol to extend jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice to handle human rights cases which encompass trafficking in persons.
The motion was moved by Hon. Dora Byamukama and seconded by Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro. The Motion received overwhelming support on the floor of the House. The Resolution avers that EAC Treaty provides that Partner States agree to enhance co-operation in the handling of cross-border crime and provision of mutual assistance in criminal matters. This it says includes the arrest and repatriation of fugitive offenders and the exchange of information on national mechanisms for combating criminal activities.
Article 5(3)(a) and (b) provides that the Community shall ensure inter-alia the attainment of sustainable growth by promotion of balanced and harmonious development of Partner States and this is anticipated to lead to improvement of quality of life among Partner States.
However, the Resolution states that trafficking in persons which is also known as modern day slavery is a grave abuse of human rights and is caused by several drivers including poverty, unemployment, promises of better life and corruption. This, the Motion states must be stemmed using a multi-faceted approach.
In her justification, Hon. Dora Byamukama, the mover of the Resolution says all EAC Partner States are source countries and destination countries. All countries have legislation on human trafficking but there is need for harmonisation of the same, the legislator said. The number of prosecutions, and convictions are low, she added.
She called for protection of victims and urged Government and Non-Governmental Organisations to collaborate on the same. During debate today, Hon. Pareno called for more stringent laws to punish perpetrators of the crime. We must prevent recurrence and punish the wrong-doers, she said. “We also need psychosomatic counselling to help victims recover and give evidence. The Partner States could go ahead and give them safe houses and legal counsel services as they recover”, the legislator said.
She added that training of immigration officers was necessary to enable them detect cases of trafficking. Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga said data with regards to numbers and gravity on the matter was alarming. According to the legislator, 70-80% of the trafficking cases are women, who are sold for slavery or sex work.
“In the last century, the continent went through slavery and we were never able to stop it. It is against African values, democracy and governance. Africa and EAC, in particular, must sit down and see how to protect itself”.
She urged the Council of Ministers to debate the Resolution further.
Hon. Martin Ngoga said human trafficking was ranked third after arms and drugs. He said EAC was the source, destination and route of the crime of human trafficking. Our law enforcement must acknowledge the magnitude of the problem, he said. We must have collective efforts at all levels. It is important for our embassies abroad to capture data on human trafficking as well.
Hon. Nusura Tiperu said the African women’s pride was been vandalised due to human trafficking. She lauded the governments of EAC Partner States for getting into arrangements with other countries to streamline employment opportunities overseas. Uganda, for example, has an agreement with Saudia Arabia to regulate mechanisms and track the numbers of employees going there, she said.
Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye said data capturing on adoption was vital and necessary while Hon. Ussi Maryam called for stiffer penalties on those who are convicted of human trafficking.
Hon. Abubakar Zein termed human trafficking a vicious crime which puts persons in bondage and one that was associated with blackmail, forced labour, slavery and rape among other heinous crimes.
Others who supported were Hon. Susan Nakawuki, Hon. Zein Abu, Hon. Joseph Kiangoi, Hon. Mukasa Mbidde, Hon. Nancy Abisai, Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza and Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo.
The 2nd Assembly passed a Resolution urging the Community and Partner States to take urgent and concerted action to end violence against Women in the EAC Region and particularly the Partner States. The Resolution resolved among other things to urge Partner States to condemn all acts of violence against women including trafficking in women.
The EAC needs as a matter of priority to embrace a regional approach to combat child-related criminal acts, the Assembly has recommended.
At the same time, regional legislators want EAC Partner States to strive for uniformity in the delivery and management of child-related services. They further recommend a regional approach that shall also comprise uniform standards on location of facilities, juvenile courts within local jurisdiction, their numbers and standards as well as guidelines on management and funding.
This morning, EALA passed a report of the Committee on General Purpose (GPC) on the legal framework and implementation of policies on the rights of children. The report was a result of oversight activities undertaken by the Committee in the Partner States on 22nd-26th February 2015.
The objective of the oversight activity was to assess the legal framework and implementation of policies related to rights of the child as well as to update on the challenges faced. The Committee report recommends the fast tracking of cases of violence against children by specialised and specific institutions that handle such matters within the framework of the law.
In undertaking the Oversight activity, the Committee interacted with actors in the area of protection of the rights of the child including concerned Government officials from the respective Ministries, Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society, representatives of National Commissions among others.
The report presented to the House by the Chair of the GPC, Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo further implores the EAC to establish a regional fund and sustainable financing for child-related issues of protection, prevention and management.
The institutional basis of such a fund would be coordinated at the regional level by the EAC and any children’s Committees, as the case may be. Such is notwithstanding the other sources of financing at national level, Hon. Dr Nyiramilimo told an attentive House.
“The Committee is of the view that children and youth are without doubt a very important part of the Community and have to be protected as the future depends on the quality of care, education as well as values inculcated into them”, the report says in part.
It cites some of the forms of child abuse as violence against children, denial of rights to play and corporal punishment and other forms of punishments. Other challenges that children carry to school include diminishing job opportunities, drug abuse, sexual abuse and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
EAC Partner States have put in place policies that protect child rights but that they face various challenges in the implementation. In Burundi, for example, the Committee observes that Burundi has ratified most of the international legal instruments relating to rights of the child – but there is need to harmonise and align the same to the national principles and legislations.
In Kenya, the Committee observes that FGM continues to be a major challenge terming the act detrimental and causing medical and psychological repercussions and calls for an immediate end to the practice.
In Rwanda, the Committee finds that a large number of children are orphaned as a result of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 and as a result of the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
In Uganda, the report cites the lack of enforcement of existing legislation and notes that only few Family and Children’s Courts were operational and with irregular Sittings. On its part, in Tanzania, the report cites inconsistencies between the Law on Marriage and that of Child.
Contributing to the debate on the floor of the House, Hon. Martin Ngoga said it was important for the Partner States individually and collectively, as EAC, to look into the legal machinery to deal firmly with the challenges facing children.
Hon. Dora Byamukama lamented that there were many cases of child defilement and FGM and that legislation should be enforced. The Member said human trafficking was as a result of poverty and said at an appropriate time a Bill on Human Trafficking would be tabled in the House.
Hon. Joseph Kiangoi said children were entitled to both parents to foster their upbringing. He further termed the abuse of drugs as deterring rights of children and said there was need to stiffen the penalties. The legislator also called for stronger laws to protect and streamline adoption and said the continued influx of foreigners going for adoption of children from the region was worrying. “Where are they taking our children?”, he poised.
Hon. Adam Kimbisa decried culture and customs, legal framework and economic situation as challenging to the debate. “Customarily, our girls still go through FGM even though such practices are clearly outdated. We must enhance education and sensitisation to address the issues squarely”, Hon. Kimbisa said.
Hon. Hafsa Mossi called for enactment of a regional law to put in place a holistic approach to the issues facing children.
“Poverty is a main factor. The entire region has street children and we must address and find solutions to the same. It is important for Governments to provide assistance to children who are abused”, Hon. Mossi said, adding that affected families at times lacked finances to institute legal measures.
The legislator said that ICTs had contributed to exposure of pornography and violence amongst others and called on Communication regulators to look into the matters urgently.
Hon. Christophe Bazivamo termed the children as the future of the Community and called for prioritising of children rights as a national obligation.
He said there was need for adequate budgeting to be allocated to children issues. The legislator decried malnutrition as a major problem and called for serious measures to be taken so that they develop and are able to benefit from education and other social rights.
Hon. Abubakar Zein called on Members themselves to be change agents and to engage other stakeholders including National Assemblies.
Others who rose in support of the report were Hon. Bernard Mulengani, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon. Peter Mathuki, Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo, Hon. Ussi Maryam and Hon. Mumbi Ngaru.
The Assembly wants the region to prioritise harmonisation of investment initiatives and incentives if the bloc is to be promoted as a single investment area. To this end, EALA is calling for the formulation of an advocacy plan to spur investment policy and strategy as well as enactment of a regional law on investments.
The legislators also want a framework in place to ensure that specialisation in investments are encouraged among the Partner States as opposed to intra-competition. In addition, they are calling for inculcation of mechanisms to enable investors to capitalise a certain percentage of profits in the EAC countries rather than repatriating all the money back to their home countries.
The issues are summed up in a report of the Communications Trade and Investment (CTI) on investment promotion policies in the region that was debated and adopted this morning as the EALA Session commenced in Kampala, Uganda.
The report follows a workshop on Investment Promotion policies conducted by the Committee and held in Kigali, Rwanda in April this year. The Objectives of the Report include:
to understand the regional investment policies and strategies in EAC
to understand the individual EAC Partner State investment codes/strategies and
coming up with possible recommendations on the way forward for investment, Private Sector and industrial development.
The report presented to the House by the Chair of the CTI, Hon. Mukasa Mbidde, states that investors have shown renewed interests in the region and this is based on the premise that Africa is on the verge of transformation. The continent should thus continue to receive inflows to improve balance of payment into their national economies, the MP stated.
Industries and Industrial development is a critical area of co-operation by Partner States as outlined in Article 79 and 80 of the EAC Treaty and envisaged under Article 44 of the EAC Common Market Protocol.
According to Hon. Mbidde, proper policies and strategies need to be sought to promote Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) development. Priorities in this area include the region’s institutional capacity to deliver business development services and creation of an enabling environment for improvement of SME policies and regulations.
The report states that though the volume of intra-EAC investments is still low, there is potential to enhance it. Republic of Kenya is the leading cross border investor in the EAC while the United Republic of Tanzania is a leading recipient of cross-border investments according to the report. The leading investment segments include ICT, Energy (Oil and Gas), agro-processing, building and construction and services which include wholesale, finance, insurance, health and education). In Rwanda, there is a conducive business environment which includes e-registration of companies and electronic single window for customs declarations. The country also passed over 21 business laws between the years 2008-2011.
In Burundi, the country has continued to improve its business climate including removing customs duty on investment goods made in the EAC and COMESA region. In Uganda, the country has secured investments by anchoring the same under the Constitution and the Investment Code (1991). Its investment strategies include the establishment of a one-stop centre as well as nurturing and development of SMEs.
The EAC Investment Code was formulated in 2006 as one of the tools for investment and private sector promotion as envisaged in the EAC Development Strategy – 2011/12 to 2015/16.
The objective of the EAC Model Investment code is to enhance qualitative and quantitative local, regional and foreign investment into the region. The Model Investment Code intends to facilitate adoption of transparent, predictable regulations and laws to the potential investors, especially in matters relating to compensation for loss of investment and dispute settlement mechanism. The model code thus introduces the need to nurse private investments well beyond the initial period of attracting and facilitating new investors.
At debate today, Hon. Nancy Abisai appealed for Partner States to ensure they created conducive environment for businesses.
“We have good policies of investment in the Partner States, but they are disjointed. Let us look for a way to harmonise them”, she said. “Burundi has easy mode of registration while the United Republic of Tanzania Investment Act provides excellent opportunities for incoming investors. In Uganda, the Government permits locals, foreigners and joint ventures to invest freely. Kenya on its part has removed a number of licenses that previously hindered registration making it easier now. All this needs to be lauded”, she said.
“The point of disconnect is the failure to capture the business environment regionally”, she added.
Hon. Mike Sebalu called on EAC citizens to spread their investments in the region citing employment, generation of revenue and improvement of livelihoods as necessary.
“I salute H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, who was recently here for his pro-trade and investment agenda. This is focal for promoting integration”, he said.
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji said the re-establishment of EAC also sought inter-alia to improve the livelihoods of its citizens. “Unfortunately, lives are disheartening even though we are talking of big investments. There is little or no room for employment for many youth who are university educated”, she said.
Hon. Bhanji called on Partner States to put emphasis on small-scale farmers to create employment and said EALA can play a key role in educating the masses.
Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye called for a regional law on anti-corruption and stiffer penalties to stem the vice, lamenting that it was contributing to killing investments in the region.
Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga said real economic development can be realised by meeting with investors to ascertain that the policies on the ground are actually been implemented.
Others who supported the debate were: Hon. Peter Mathuki who called for efficient transport network and infrastructure systems for the region to facilitate movement of goods and services. He called for means to curb corruption to enable citizens enjoy their rights. Hon. Zein Abubakar called for good governance as a pre-cursor to enhancing investment in the region. Hon. Fredric Ngenzebuhoro, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, Hon. Martin Ngoga, Hon. Sarah Talaso and Hon. AbuBakr Ogle also rose in support of the report.
Hon. Shem Bageine, Minister for EAC, Uganda and standing for the Chair of Council of Ministers remarked that the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) had already taken up its place as the Judicial organ to arbitrate on trade disputes. This follows the extension of the jurisdiction of the Court to include matters of trade and investments. He said that the region was keen to see export trade enhanced and that the Council would keenly study the recommendations of the report with a view to harmonising the investment codes.
