The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said that Africa and many developing countries face the challenge of high and growing youth unemployment, which if not addressed can potentially be a source of instability as has been the case in North Africa.
The President, who was this afternoon officiating at the official opening of the 1st East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition 2015 (EAMBS’15) at the Speke Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda said many African youth had lost lives as they attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of employment opportunities in Europe.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, President Museveni said “this is a painful lesson and we as leaders must think of a collective regional strategy to respond to unemployment including expanding the manufacturing sector capacity, promoting micro, small and medium enterprises and youth entrepreneurs.
President Museveni urged the private sector to invest sufficient funds in research, technology and innovation and called on both the public and private sectors to come up with a regional research, technology and innovation network to serve as a vehicle for fostering collaborative research and transfer of technology into the sector.
The President noted that EAC Partner States were giving high priority to the development of infrastructure and energy, which were critical for efficient operations of the manufacturing sector in particular, and facilitating business and cross-border investment. He said the regional target was to eliminate electricity supply deficits and achieve full interconnectivity of the region by 2017, making it (EAC) attractive for investment in heavy industries such as steel mills, petrochemicals, paper, cement etc.
“East Africa is on its way to become a regional hub for manufacturing and a gateway to investing in Africa”, said the President.
Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde hailed the EAC Secretariat, East African Business Council and the private sector for initiating the Manufacturing Business Summit. She said the Summit creates a relevant regional platform for building partnerships for growth of cross-border businesses and also facilitate advocacy on the need to improve business environment for a competitive manufacturing sector.
Uganda’s Minister urged the private sector in the region to bring on board the youth as part of the aggressive apprenticeships, internships and other skills development programmes. She also urged the region not to forget Political Federation as the ultimate goal of the East African Community, as well as peace and stability, which will be able to consolidate the gains that are were being made in the regional integration process.
The Secretary-General of the EAC, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera urged Partner States’ governments to take some tough decisions so as to turn the region into one viable economic entity by eliminating all barriers to the factors of production in the bloc; active involvement and commitment to industrialisation; and, financing of technology transfer and innovation.
“Governments in the region should also be bold enough to undertake investments in those areas where the private sector are afraid to venture into, as well as use of public preferential treatment to support locally manufactured goods, and the labour mobility by freeing labour market in the region”, said the Secretary General.
Amb. Sezibera said improving the business environment was critical, adding that the recent Kenya-Uganda sugar saga was the most unfortunate thing in the recent years of the integration process.
“Sugar produced in Uganda or in any of the Partner States is EAC sugar, there is no such a thing like Burundi avocado, Rwanda pineapple, Tanzania Rice, Kenya beef or Uganda sugar. These are all products produced within the EAC and are bound by the EAC Customs Union and Common Market protocols”, said Dr Sezibera.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, called for sustainable investment in an integrated manner in the region and noted that EAC was the gateway for Africa. Dr Kituyi said the region needs to model itself to the realities of the market, otherwise it will be left behind on the global market.
The Chair of the East African Business Council, Mr Dennis Karera, called for fast-tracking the harmonisation of domestic taxes, work permits and residence regimes within the bloc in order to improve on the business environment.
“In addition, governments need to improve road networks, do away with non-tariff barriers, and use the procurement system to promote local industries by providing opportunities for local sourcing so as to enhance the business environment and make the region competitive”, said Karera.
The Chief Executive Officer of Bidco Africa, Mr Vimal Shah said this was an exciting moment for region and EAC Partner States should start thinking of removing all the borders in readiness for rapid transformational change.
The two-day summit is running under the theme “Unleashing the Manufacturing Potential for Accelerated Development and Employment Creation in East Africa”.
Strong regional economic communities (RECs) are the key to Africa’s long term goal of creating a vibrant, united and prosperous continent.
South Africa’s High Commissioner to Tanzania and the East African Community, His Excellency Thamsanqa D. Mseleku, said his country was committed to the creation of strong and viable RECs across the entire continent, adding that RECs were the surest way to achieve the founding fathers’ dream of Pan-Africanism.
RECs are the first step to the African Union’s ultimate goal of creating an African Economic Community.
Amb. Mseleku said South Africa was keen to ensure that African countries build on the gains made in regional integration, democratisation, economic growth, good governance, security and political stability.
He noted that while Africa had made significant gains in these areas, there were still major challenges to be surmounted citing the situations in Burundi, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Somalia.
“On the economic front, there are sudden problems emerging in the world, which have a negative impact on African economies most of which are mainly resource-based”, he said.
The envoy said his country was open to increased cooperation and partnerships with the EAC, which he described as Africa’s fastest growing economic bloc.
Amb. Mseleku was speaking when he presented his credentials to the EAC Secretary-General (SG), Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Mr Manqoba Mdluli, the Third Secretary Political Affairs at the South African High Commission in Dar es Salaam.
In his remarks, Dr Sezibera hailed Amb. Mseleku on his appointment as South Africa’s High Commissioner to the EAC.
“We consider South Africa as a very strong partner of the EAC. South Africa is a strong leader in terms of Pan-Africanism. South Africa’s leadership cuts across regional economic blocs and countries”, said Dr Sezibera.
Dr Sezibera said the EAC was trying to form a Political Federation as its contribution to Pan-Africanism, the realisation of which he said would reverse the negative legacy of colonialism on the continent.
“We have a Customs Union, a Common Market and are working towards the attainment of a single currency for the region by 2024. We are also working together with the South African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa to create a free trade area and to make it work”, said the SG, adding that he looked forward to South Africa providing leadership during the tripartite negotiations.
He said that for regional integration to succeed, big economies must be willing to make sacrifices more because in the end, they will be the biggest beneficiaries.
“There will be a temporary loss but big economies like South Africa, Kenya and Egypt will inevitably gain more in the end”, he said.
He praised South Africa’s efforts in trying to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Burundi and South Sudan.
EALA has this afternoon sworn in Hon. Dr Anthony Luyirika Kafumbe, the new Counsel to the East African Community (CTC) as an Ex-Officio Member of EALA.
The Oath of Allegiance to the House was administered by the Clerk of EALA, before the EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega.
Hon. Dr Kafumbe 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 Counsel to the Community was ushered into the House by Hon. Emmanuel Nengo and Hon. Dora Byamukama.
Hon. Dr Kafumbe was appointed Counsel to the Community by the Council of Ministers at its 32nd Meeting in Arusha in August 2015. This followed the retirement from service of the Community by long-serving CTC, Hon. Wilbert Kaahwa last year.
His duties shall include inter-alia offering legal advice to the EAC, attending and advising Council of Ministers and representing the Community at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).
Prior to his appointment, Hon. Dr Kafumbe was the Principal Legal Officer of the Community having joined the Service of the Community in July 2008. Hon. Dr Kafumbe holds a Ph.D from the University of Glasgow, Scotland (2006).
He further holds LLM from University of Pretoria, South Africa (2000) and a Masters of Business Administration earned from ESAMI, Arusha, Tanzania (2003). Prior to joining the Community, Hon. Dr Kafumbe lectured at the Makerere University. He has also served as a Senior State Attorney, Ministry of Justice in the Republic of Uganda.
David Rudisha, the 800 metres sprint “King is Back”. Rudisha led a number of athletes, including another comeback Vivian “Pocket Rocket” Cheruiyot, in bagging medals as Kenya made news in Beijing, China this week, putting the East African nation back on the athletics world map.
As Kenya’s athletes continued firing from all cylinders, their famous victories also caught the eye and attention of EALA at its sitting in Kampala, Uganda this afternoon as it moved a Motion for Resolution to support the East African Athletes from the Republic of Kenya at the on-going World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
The Resolution appreciated that Kenya had taken the lead in the Beijing games having amassed a total of 11 medals, 6 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze.
“Our East Africans of Kenyan origin need to be commended for their exemplary performance to uplift the name of Kenya in particular and the EAC region in general in World Athletics Championship”, Hon. Ngoga said.
Hon. Ngoga said it was necessary for the EAC to collectively take pride when one of its own (Partner States) excels. There is some excitement this year out of the games. Each medal Kenyans win is out of their sweat”, Hon. Ngoga added. “We need to recognise the prowess and mention that they are inspiring the young persons”, he added.
The Resolution further urges the EAC Council of Ministers to implore Partner States to provide more funding and establish the state-of-the-art facilities which if done, will enable EAC athletes to enhance their skills and dominance at the world stage.
EALA also resolves that EAC Partner States should protect sports personalities especially the females who are prone to different forms of abuse. The Resolution recognises that culture and sports play a key role in the existence and survival of the communities, particularly for social cohesion, solidarity, stability and identity.
This is further anchored by Article 19 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC which obliges Partner States to promote close co-operation amongst themselves in culture and sports with respect to promotion and enhancement of diverse sports activities. It also underscores the development of mass media programmes on matters that will promote the development of culture and sports within the Community.
During debate, Hon. Dr James Ndahiro termed the Resolution timely and that it was further in line with the enactment of the Culture and Creative Industries Bill, 2015 passed by the Assembly at the Sitting.
Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye said athletes were indeed the pride of Africa. Hon. Mumbi Ngaru said sports was key and mentioned that integration was on-going through sports. “The EAC Military Games are on-going here in Kampala, Uganda this week and it is in order that I applaud all participants”, she said.
Hon. Susan Nakawuki noted that She-Cranes (Uganda) had also performed well in the Netball World Cup as was a number of athletes from Republic of Uganda. She called on the EAC Partner States to establish rigorous infrastructure to effect anti-doping measures in the industry.
Hon. Mike Sebalu said it was time for the EAC to associate with the celebrities and icons of the region and in that way create awareness. Hon. Sarah Bonaya said the rest of the Partner States could learn from the successes of Republic of Kenya who have invested heavily in athletics and sports.
Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi rooted for grassroots’ support. “It is of critical importance as we broaden base of talent and opportunities at all levels. The EAC can think about a further competition. I commend them for organising debates. Let us have athletics, for example, also done”, he said.
He lauded Julius Yego, the gold winner of Javelin who threw 92.72 metres, setting a new continental and national record. The Gold winner picked up interest from YouTube videos. “This is a devastating example of technology allied with determination,” he said.
With the Resolution, the Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega adjourned the Assembly Sine die (Indefinitely).
At the Session, EALA passed at total of 6 Reports, 1 Bill, 3 Resolutions and deferred another Bill. The Assembly also administered the Oath to the incoming Counsel to the Community as an ex-officio of EALA.
The Defence Forces of the EAC Partner States (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi) concluded the Ninth Edition of the East African Community Military Games and Cultural Event on Wednesday, 26 August 2015 at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Officiating at the closure of the 11-day event, Uganda’s Minister of State for Defence, General Jeje Odong said that the EAC had come along way from the humble and bold steps taken in 1998 with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Defence Matters by the three original Partner States (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), amid the suspicions, mistrust and misunderstanding prevailing then among the Partner States.
He said the enthusiasm among the leadership in the armies within the region to renew the bond among them paved the way for the greater cooperation in the defence sector leading to the revision of the MoU in 2001.
“There is no doubt that today the military in our region have made remarkable and exemplary progress in the integration of their operations and if all other sectors could borrow a leaf from the defence sector, we would realise the EAC dreams that we all cherish sooner than later”.
The Secretary-General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera noted that it was a great inspiration to see members of the great profession gathered together under the auspices of the Community participating in the various sports and cultural events and that it was a living testimony that EAC integration was moving towards greater heights and the event offered concrete hope and prospects for future integration and progress for the people of East Africa.
He said today the people of East Africa increasingly express confidence and pride in their bright future as one people bound in one destiny under the banner of the Community.
“Their aspirations are for an East Africa that, first and foremost, continues to be peaceful, secure and stable and whose overriding agenda is to raise productivity and savings; and attract foreign investments in order to create wealth and improve the living standards of the people”.
The Secretary-General commended the Armed Forces for promoting the use of Kiswahili, the lingua franca for the East Africa Community and also for adopting a Regional Counter Terrorism Strategy as adopted by the EAC Council of Ministers, and sharing of Intelligence among themselves.
He noted that so far all the Partner States, except one, had ratified the Protocol on Cooperation on Defence and urged that Partner State to expedite the ratification process.
He also commended the sector for agreeing to use Defence Technical Facilities offered for joint utilisation by the Partner States namely; Muzinda Engineering Unit in the Republic of Burundi; Defence Technical College and the Defence Mobile Field Kitchen in the Republic of Kenya; the Kinyinya Asphalt and Concrete Plant in the Republic of Rwanda; Tanzania Automobile Technical Centre workshop facilities in the United Republic of Tanzania; and Uganda Mechanical Engineering College in the Republic of Uganda.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Katumba Wamala, who spoke on behalf of the other CDFs, said EAC Military Games and Cultural Event was a unifying factor in the regional integration and development process. He said at the parade, all the contingents were matching in unison and were in steps irrespective of which Partner States they were coming from.
“I wish the Partner States and all of us could match in steps in the regional integration process, in fact EAC should match in unison so as to achieve our desired goal”, said Uganda’s CDF.
General Katumba Wamala hailed the EAC Council of Ministers, the Sectoral Committee on Cooperation in Defence and the EAC Secretariat for the support they have continued to give to the defence sector including permission to host the games and cultural event.
He commended the performance of the Contingents and wondered why the Military was not producing country and international champions in the various disciplines.
The East African Community Military Games and Cultural Event is an annual rotating event that started in 2005 when the first edition was held in Kampala, Uganda. Other editions of the games have been held in Nairobi, Kenya (2006), in Zanzibar, Tanzania (2007) and in Kampala (June 2008).
The primary objective of the Military Sports and Culture Week is not competition but to contribute to confidence building and esprit de corps among the EAC Defence Forces; as well as for the individual soldiers to appreciate their diverse cultures.
The Military Games and Culture event is held within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Defence Matters, which was signed in 1998 and revised in 2001. The MoU has specific provisions for Sports and Cultural co-operation as well as Joint Military Exercises, among other joint activities among the EAC Defence forces.
The MoU has been upgraded into a Protocol. Under it, the EAC Partner States pursue an elaborate programme of activities, which include exchange of visits and regular meetings of Defence Chiefs and other cadre of the defence forces; joint training; joint exercises and promotion of various joint sports, and cultural activities and seminars; and mutual assistance in disaster management, and technical co-operation.
The Chiefs of Defence Forces agreed and announced that Rwanda will host the 10th Edition of the EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2016 in August 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda.
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.
