East African Court of Justice Arusha, 27th September, 2018: The First Instance Division declined to grant the Applicants the leave sought to appear as amicu curiae (friends of the Court) in a matter that challenges the government’s order (a Ministerial Ordinance No. 530/1922) dated 19th October 2016, that banned activities and programs of five Burundian non-governmental organizations and froze their accounts and assets.
The Court in its Ruling said that the Application falls short on proof of the Applicants’ expertise, neutrality or fidelity to the law and would therefore not succeed had it considered its merits. Further Court said that the benefits of the concept of amicus curiae hinge significantly on the neutrality, impartiality and independence of prospective amicus curiae, as well as the expertise it avails to a court underscored by its provable fidelity to the law.
That If sufficiently established by an applicant, these parameters would significantly hinder or mitigate the incidence of subjectivity or mal-advice in a successful applicant’s amicus brief. They would be, to that extent, fundamental determining factors in an application for leave to appear as amicus curiae. Consequently, an application that does not reasonably demonstrate proof of the foregoing factors would not justify an applicant’s admission as amicus curiae.
In addition Court said that it found no justification to satisfy the Court that the Application is justified as required under Rule 36(4) of the Court’s Rules to grant the Applicants leave to join matter Reference No. 12 of 2016 as amicus curiae.
Court also said that no reference whatsoever was made to or proof furnished of the Applicants’ neutrality. Most certainly, the Applicants’ expertise (had it been proven) would not in itself have amounted to sufficient proof of neutrality by the Applicants.
Further the Court said that, it reasons from the foregoing Rule a mandatory requirement for all formal applications filed in this Court to be supported by affidavits. Thus, in the absence of the sole Affidavit in support thereof, it follows that the Application before us remains unsupported by any affidavit and, to that extent, contravenes the mandatory provisions of Rule 21(5).
The Court hence dismissed the Application with no orders to costs. The Ruling was delivered by Honorouble Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi, (Principal Judge), Justice Dr Faustin Ntezilyayo (Deputy Principal Judge), and Justice Fakihi A. Jundu.
Parties present in Court to receive the Ruling were Dr Anthony Kafumbe representing the Secretary General of EAC and Wanjiru Mnaro holding brief for Catherine Anite representing the Applicants.
The Applicants (3 NGOs) are: KENYA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (KHRC); FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE (FHRI) & INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (FIDH)
Notes For Editors:
Applications for leave to appear as amicus curiae in this Court are governed by Rule 36 of the Court’s Rules of Procedure. It reads:
An application for leave to intervene under Article 40 of the Treaty and an application for leave to appear as amicus curiae shall be by notice of motion.
An application under sub-rule (1) shall contain –
A description of the parties;
The name and address of the intervener;
A description of the claim or reference;
The order in respect of which the intervener or amicus curiae is applying for leave to intervene;
A statement of the intervener’s or amicus curiae’s interest in the result of the case.
The applicant shall serve on each party who shall, within thirty (30) days, file and serve a response.
If the Court is satisfied that the application is justified, it shall allow the intervention and fix a time within which the intervener or amicus curiae may submit a statement of intervention and the Registrar shall supply to the intervener or amicus curiae copies of the pleadings.
Rule 21 (5) provides that: Every formal application to the First Instance Division shall be supported by one or more affidavits of the applicant or of some other person or persons having knowledge of the facts…
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For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 2162149 mail: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Court of Justice, Arusha, 25th September, 2018: The First Instance Division has granted an interim order restraining the government of Tanzania and its agents from evicting the residents of Ololosokwan Village Council and 3 other Villages from the disputed land bordering Serengeti National Park.
The Court ordered the Respondent to stop evicting, destroying the Residents’ homesteads or confiscating their livestock on that disputed land comprised of 1500 sq km of a land in the Wildlife Conservation Area bordering Serengeti National Park until the main Reference is determined.
Further the Court added that, the interim order against the Government (Respondent) restrains the office of the Inspector General of Police from harassing or intimidating the Applicants in relation to the Case pending the determination thereof. Again Court stated that, a grant of the interim orders sought in this case would in effect forestall the continued eviction and harassment of the Applicants’ Residents until the matter is concluded.
The Court also said that whereas evictions, destruction and loss of property and arbitrary arrests that characterized the social upheaval in that village could, if subsequently found to have wrongfully happened at the instance of the Respondent, be compensated by an award of damages. The Court was not persuaded that an award of damages in itself would be adequate recompense for the magnitude of loss that they represent.
That on the other hand stifling of peoples’ right to access to justice, if subsequently proven, appears to court to fall within the category of wrongs that might occasion irreparable injury given that once that right is lost in relation to specific facts.
The Court also carefully considered the totality of the circumstances of this case and it took the view that, in the short term, the important duty to avert environmental and other ecological concerns pales in the face of the social disruption and human suffering that would inevitably flow from the continued eviction of the Applicants’ residents.
It is undoubtedly apparent to the Court that the justice of the matter dictates a temporary intervention in favour of the residents’ representatives, to wit the Applicants. That the Party/ Applicant stands to suffer significantly more injustice, should the court decline to grant a temporary injunction in this matter than does the Respondent, therefore the balance of convenience is heavily skewed/tilted in its favour of the Applicant.
In addition Court said that the Applicants’ claim to protection from the violation of their property rights, as well as the right to access justice, would be weighed against the Respondent’s right to implement the Tanzania natural resources laws to protect the Wildlife Conservation Area from unlawful human activity, as well as its duty to ensure compliance by all persons with the Tanzania legal regime generally.
The Court hence allowed the Application and ordered that costs shall abide the outcome of the Reference and directed the matter to be fixed for hearing. The Application was filed on 21st September 2017 seeking temporary halt to the residents’ eviction and the destruction of their property pending the determination of the main Reference.
The Ruling was delivered by Honorouble Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi, (Principal Judge), Justice Dr Faustin Ntezilyayo (Deputy Principal Judge), and Justice Fakihi A. Jundu.
Parties present in Court to receive the Ruling were Mr Nelson Ndeki representing the Applicants.
Notes for Editors:
On 4th August 2017, the four Village Councils namely; Ololosokwan Village Council, Oloirien Village Council, Kirtalo Village Council and Arashi Village Council, received directives from the Government directing residents to remove their cattle and their homesteads from the Serengeti National Park to the West and in Loliondo Game Controlled Area, regardless of the legal proof of ownership of the disputed land.
On 5th August 2017, each Applicant was ordered by the Government through Ngorongoro District Commissioner to vacate their residents from the demarcated area bordering the Serengeti National Park and that the alleged eviction, removal of livestock and burning of their bomas (homesteads) took place on land that legally belongs to the Applicants.
The above alleged actions by the Respondent led to filing of Reference No. 10 of 2017 seeking orders for a permanent halt to their residents’ eviction, arrest and prosecution, as well as the destruction of their properties and reparations. The Applicants allege that the Respondent’s acts, orders and decisions violate Articles 6(d) and 7(2) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, as well as the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, Village Land Act, 1999, Wildlife Conservation Act, 2009.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 2162149 mail: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania, 25th September, 2018: The East African Community today held prayers for the more than 200 passengers who perished in the MV Nyerere ferry accident on Lake Victoria on 20th September, 2018.
The prayer meeting that was held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania brought together the Heads and Staff of all EAC Organs based in Arusha, namely the EAC Secretariat, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).
In attendance at the prayers were EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, EALA Speaker Hon. Ngoga Martin and the Judge President of the EACJ, Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja.
The prayers were led by EACJ Administrator, Mr. Haji Omar (Muslim) and Pastor David Philip Kimaro of the Calvary Temple, Arusha (Christian).
In his remarks, Amb, Mfumukeko condoled with the President, Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania in the wake of the unfortunate event.
Amb. Mfumukeko further disclosed that the EAC through the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) will continue contributing towards making transport on the lake safer and securer.
“The LVBC has set in motion plans for the construction of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres that will be supported by 22 Search and Rescue (SAR) Units spread along the shoreline and equipped with telecommunications equipment as well as speed boats and medical facility rescue boats. This project will be implemented over a period of four years starting this year,” said the SG.
“There will be a Regional Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania and sub-centres in Entebbe, Uganda and Kisumu, Kenya,” he added.
Speaking at the ceremony, EACJ Judge President Justice Ugirashebuja condoled the families of the deceased, the government and people of Tanzania further describing the tragedy as being of unimaginable dimensions.
Justice Ugirashebuja paid tribute to the rescuers and all other actors who did their best to save lives and prevent further losses.
In his remarks, EALA Speaker Hon. Ngoga Martin, disclosed that the Assembly would hold a special debate on the ferry incident when it resumes its sittings today afternoon.
Hon. Martin mourned the tragic loss of valuable workforce in the tragedy, adding that it was notable that the leadership had already set up a taskforce to investigate the causes of the tragedy in addition to recommending measures that would prevent a recurrence in future.
“I pray for the affected families to gather the strength and courage to cope with the loss,” said the Speaker.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 25th September, 2018: The EAC Secretariat in collaboration with GIZ and the East African Business Council (EABC) flagged off a Media Caravan on Monday, 24th September, 2018, to document and publicize success stories and challenges in the regional integration initiatives focusing on the Pharmaceutical Sector, Mutual Recognition Agreements, and Single Customs Territory in the Partner States.
The Media Caravan/Tour, which involves 13 Journalists, two professional videographers, and one representative from the EAC, EABC and the GIZ Corporate Communication Departments, will last from 24th September to 6th October, 2018 and cover the United Republic of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.
The Media Caravan/Tour will be conducted in the Republic of South Sudan once the Partner State has made considerable progress in the identified sectors.
The tour commenced at the EAC Headquarters with a training session for the Journalists delivered by the Desk Officers of the identified sectors before departing for the Partner States. During the tour, the media will conduct interviews with Regulatory Bodies, Private Sector leaders (Companies and Associations), Cross Border Traders, Students, Border officials, among other stakeholders.
The Expected Outputs of the Media Caravan are:
Success stories and challenges in the Pharmaceutical Sector, Mutual Recognition Agreements, and Single Customs Territory documented and publicized;
At least 40 stories/ articles published in the participating Media Houses during and after tour;
At least 5 you-tube-video news clips of 3-5 minutes prepared and shared on Social Media. Video Documentaries of 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 1 hourr are also expected;
At least 200 still pictures captured and shared Social Media, EAC publications and Website;
Increased awareness of EAC in the Partner States on the assessed sectors, and;
Increased awareness in the region of the regional initiatives and their benefits.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Science and Technology Commission, Kigali, 24th September 2018: The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) is a semi-autonomous institution of the East African Community (EAC) that was established by the fifth Extra-Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State on 18th June 2007, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaty on the Establishment of the EAC to promote cooperation in the development of science and technology. EASTECO’s overall objective is to promote and coordinate the development, management and application of science and technology to support regional integration and socioeconomic development.
Intellectual Property (IP) policy generally seeks to strengthen institutional, national and regional abilities to generate and commercially exploit economically valuable IP assets. The ultimate goal of a sound IP policy is to provide short, medium and long-term plans and guidelines that enable stakeholders effectively work together towards identifying, creating, protecting and commercially exploiting research results, innovations and creative works. IP protection, notably Industrial Property protection also provides a foundation for cooperation between universities, R&D institutions and industry, and promotes the transfer of technologies to productive and creative sectors.
The role of IP in stimulating socio-economic development is globally acknowledged with IP assets contributing significantly to National Gross Development Product (GDP) in developed countries. IP protection promotes innovation and affects commerce throughout the economy by providing incentives to invent. It is noteworthy that once acquired, IP assets spur higher quality research leading to enhanced invention, innovation and creative capabilities; encourage technology transfer, development and adaptation (typically through adaptation of public domain technologies); attract foreign direct investments (FDIs); trigger exploitation of traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and genetic resources.
The EAC IP policy will seek to provide a comprehensive framework for effective IP management, as relates to ensuring IP legislation, regulations, practices and strategies in the EAC region support and facilitate the achievement of Partner States, National Visions and Development Plans, as well as the overarching EAC Vision 2050. The overall objective of the EAC Regional IP Policy is to create a dynamic, vibrant and balanced IP system in EAC partner states. The policy will aim to establish an EAC IP system that can stimulate and drive innovation and creativity.
The purpose of this stakeholders meeting is to validate the draft East African Regional Intellectual Property Policy that will facilitate the harmonization of intellectual property rights across the region. This regional event will also provide a platform and opportunity for participative and constructive dialogue, networking and partnerships between stakeholders in the Science, Technology and Innovation Community.
The expected outputs of the regional stakeholders meeting is draft EAC Regional IP Policy validated and with stakeholders’ recommendation for its improvement
The workshop will gather about 65 stakeholders’ representative from EAC Partner States including National Commission/Council for Science and Technology; Ministries responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation; National Departments responsible for Intellectual Property in EAC Partner States; Universities/Academia; National Research Institutions; Private Business and Civil Society sector and Development Partners (UNESCO and UNECA).
The EAC IP Policy development process has been participatory and included national level consultations in all EAC Partner States.
After this consultative process the reviewed draft Regional Policies will be submitted to the EASTECO Governing Board for adoption before consideration and approval by the EAC Council of Ministers.
For more information please contact:
The Executive Secretary, The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), 2nd Floor Telecom House, Kacyiru, KIGALI – RWANDA. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
East African Court of Justice, Arusha, 19th September, 2018: The First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice has disallowed Application No. 7 of 2018, seeking Court to hear a matter challenging the legality of the Union of the Tanzania, in Zanzibar. The Application which was filed by 40,000 citizens of Zanzibar has as respondents the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, the Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Council of Zanzibar and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The Court, in its ruling said that, it is neither necessary nor desirable to direct that the proceedings in Reference No. 9 of 2016 or any other proceedings attendant thereto be held in Zanzibar as sought by the Applicants. The Court further said that, it shall deliver the reasons therefore upon notice to the parties. Rule 68 of the EACJ Rules of Procedure permits the Court to deliver its decision and not the reasons thereof at the close of a hearing.
The Court further directed that, given the nature of the issues therein, that the case and any attendant Applications arising there from, be placed before the Court forthwith for its expeditious disposal.
Before the Court delivered the ruling, the Applicant’s agent prayed to Court that, it is in the interest of the Applicants to attend the proceedings of their Case since majority are residents of Zanzibar, regardless of their financial abilities. The Applicant’s agent also argued that, because the matter is a public interest matter and therefore it is in the interest of justice that it is heard in Zanzibar.
However, the government of Tanzania represented by Counsel Mark Mulwambo, challenged the Application saying that the Applicants have no sufficient reasons for the matter to be heard in Zanzibar and asked the Court to dismiss the Application.
On 2nd November 2016, the Applicants filed the case EACJ challenging the legality, legitimacy and continued existence of the Union which created the United Republic of Tanzania, and the majority of the Applicants are residents in Zanzibar and that it may not be practical for them to attend court in the event that the matter proceed in Arusha.
The Court has discretion under Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure to direct that all or part of the Court’s proceedings in any case be held at a place other than the Seat of the Court, should it deem such course of action desirable.
The matter came before their Lordships of the First Instance Division Hon. Justices Monica Mugenyi, the Principal Judge, Dr Faustin Ntezilyayo, the Deputy Principal Judge, Justice Fakihi A. Jundu, Justice Dr Charles O. Nyawello and Justice Charles Nyachae.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 2162149 mail: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 19th September, 2018: Preparations are at an advanced stage for the 6th East African Community University Students’ Debate scheduled to take place from 30th - 31st October, 2018 at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Themed “Border management to address migrant smuggling and corruption at borders for stability and social economic development in the East African Community: Role and Implications for the youth”, the Debate is set to enhance youth participation in the EAC integration agenda and processes.
The EAC University Students’ Debate Model is an interactive and representational style of debating aimed at educating, discussing and making resolutions among the Youth in East Africa to nurture a bond of “East Africaness” with a distinct East African identity that is highly desirable. The objective of the Debate Model is to exchange information, share ideas and cultivate common ground on regional integration issues among the students and youth in the Community.
The EAC recognizes that youth are a crucial asset, an important key resource and partners in social economic and political development of the Community. The EAC has been undertaking various initiatives to promote continuous dialogue among the youth and promoting their participation in moving the EAC regional integration.
The EAC University Students’ Debate lays emphasis on the use of the value and policy approaches given that the EAC Integration is people-centred and Private Sector driven, hence giving the youth an opportunity to come up with policies that will enable the Secretariat develop programs and initiatives aimed at empowering youth in the region.
The debate provides a platform to promote dialogue among the youth and interest them in advocating for regional integration initiatives. The Debate aims to promote continued participation of the youth on issues of the EAC integration; encourage networking among university students/youth to enhance regional integration; as well as prepare the youth for future leadership roles at regional and international levels as they hold the mantle as Ambassadors of EAC integration in the region.
A one-Page motivation letter explaining why they are interested to participate and indicating which University or institution you come from and the Year of Study;
A two-page essay on “Migrant smuggling, corruption and effectiveness of boarder management for youth empowerment in EAC,” and;
A scanned copy of University Identity Card and a bio data page of their Passport.
The 2018 edition of the Debate is will feature discussions on issues related to:
Border management for secure, safe and easy movement of people and goods;
Border management to minimize the risk of inter-state conflicts and tensions between neighbouring Partner States;
Young people as movers of the factors of production and the free movement of persons across EAC borders;
Migrant smuggling and human trafficking as threat to young people and EAC integration;
The issues of bribery and corruption at the border points as a threat to the security of the community; and
Other barriers to free movement across the borders
Participation in this debate is limited to students who are in their second year at the university pursuing a degree. Students who participated in the last three debates need not to apply to give an opportunity to others to take part. Interested applicants with good analytical, communication skills, and a good command of English are encouraged to apply.
Students from University or Institutions of Higher Learning in the East African Countries who are interested to participate should apply by submitting the following documents:
A one-Page motivation letter explaining why they are interested to participate and indicating which University or institution you come from and the Year of Study;
A two-page essay on “Migrant smuggling, corruption and effectiveness of boarder management for youth empowerment in EAC,” and;
A scanned copy of University Identity Card and a bio data page of their Passport.
The documents should have a font size of 12, Arial with single line spacing and should be sent as one attachment. To: East African Community, Nyerere Centre for Peace Research, on email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..The applications should be received not later than 28th September, 2018 at 5:00 pm East African time.
Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 17th September, 2018:The East African Community Secretariat has launched Gender Policy that seeks an inclusive Community which guarantees equal rights and opportunities for women and men, boys and girls.
The EAC Gender Policy, which was launched at the EAC Headquarters, in Arusha, Tanzania has been developed to provide guidance on institutionalizing gender strategies in the EAC integration process in addition to ensuring that the rights of women and men, boys and girls are promoted, protected and realised on an equal basis.
The policy further aims at strengthening the mainstreaming of gender concerns in the planning and budgetary processes of all sectors in the EAC Organs, Institutions and Partner States.
Speaking at the opening session, on behalf of the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon Christophe Bazivamo, the Director of Social Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, Ms. Mary Makoffu, said that the Gender Policy was developed out of the recognition that there still disparities among men and women in various spheres of life.
“For example, despite various accomplishments by Partner States in educating the girl child, and possessing various skills by women and girls, there was poor representation of women in the employment sector and more so in political representation,” said Director Makoffu.
Ms. Makoffu informed the participants at the launch that there was still misleading data and contradictions between targeted programme interventions and those incorporating gender perspectives across different sectors.
“This lack of accountability delays progress in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls and other marginalised groups,’’ she said.Ms. Makoffu said that Gender Equality was a key principle of the EAC integration process.
She said that under Article 6 (d) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC, Partner States committed to adhere to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, accountability, transparency, social justice, equal opportunities, gender equality, as well as recognition, promotion and protection of human and people’s rights.
Oh his part, Hon. Abdikadir Aden, Chairperson of the General Purpose Committee at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) informed the participants that in a bid to contribute to the quest for Gender Equality, EALA passed the EAC Gender Equality and Equity Bill, 2017 on Women’s Day of 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Hon. Aden said it was expected that the Bill, when fully assented to, would give an unprecedented boost to the observance and practice of gender equality in the region.“I am informed that the training that has been organized to provide relevant knowledge, skills and values that will allow participants to contribute effectively in the implementation of the EAC Gender policy and all efforts at mainstreaming Gender in their respective organizations and in the Partner States,” said the legislator.
He congratulate the EAC Secretariat for this great stride of launching the policy and called for all the EAC Organs and Institutions to practice, encourage and advocate for Gender Equality.
Dr. Kirsten Focken, the GIZ Programme Manager, underscored the importance of the EAC Gender Policy as an instrument saying that it would bridge the gender income inequality gap that has existed for over two decades within the EAC region.
Dr. Focken, who was represented by Joyce Kimaro, Senior Adviser at the GIZ called for joint research among stakeholders on laws and regulatory environments which facilitate or hinder gender equality and women’s economic participation, and develop specific activities or interventions to remove the barriers in the region.
Notes to Editors
In 2012, the EAC Secretariat with support from the Society for International Development (SID) and the Eastern African Sub-Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI) commenced the process of developing the Policy. This was in compliance with the directive of the 25th Meeting of the Council of Ministers (EAC/CM25/Dir25) of August 2012 where the Council directed the Secretariat to develop policies on Gender Equality, Youth, Children, Social Protection and Community Development.
The EAC Gender Policy is anchored in Article 6 (d) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC where Partner States committed to adhere to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, accountability, transparency, social justice, equal opportunities, gender equality, as well as recognition, promotion and protection of human and people’s rights in accordance with the provisions of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights of 1986.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 14th September, 2018: More than 100 EAC experts, citizens and guests gathered in Arusha on 4-5 September 2018 as part of a table top exercise (TTX) to identify opportunities for improvement in emergency preparedness and response. A TTX is a role-playing activity, which uses a fictitious story to test processes and mechanisms during an emergency.
In the TTX, the fictitious story focused on an imaginary outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. In addition to Kenyan and Tanzanian representatives, three of six EAC Partner States – Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda – participated as observers.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) facilitated the exercise, with support from the government of Germany through the Deutsche Gesellschaft fürInternationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Rift Valley Fever is a disease that impacts both animals and humans, and thus requires a “One Health” approach, which integrates both human health and animal health expertise. The “One Health” approach acknowledges and respects the connection between the health of humans, animals, and the environment.
“The TTX was particularly timely, as our region is frequently impacted by outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever and other diseases of animal origin – including Ebola,” said Dr. Michael Katende of the EAC Secretariat. “The Secretariat honors the dedication of all in involved in “One Health” and the TTX, as we work together to address our shared regional concerns.”
The TTX provided an opportunity to train participants on their roles and responsibilities in preparedness and response – including risk and crisis communication, stakeholder coordination, logistics, management, and leadership.
The meeting attracted some 100 representatives from EAC Partner States, including Ministries of East African Affairs, Health, Agriculture, Tourism, and the Environment. The attendees included representatives from the military, tourism and trade, business, human and animal health, public medical facilities, Ports of Entry, communities, religious leaders and media.
External participants came from regional and international organisations, including the African Union, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO/ECTAD), the German Federal Friedrich Loeffler Institute for Research on Animal Health, KfW/Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), One Health Central and Southern Africa (OHCEA) and Public Health England (PHE).
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 14th September, 2018:The Extra Ordinary Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment dedicated to Industrialization and Small Medium Enterprises( SCTIFI) concluded at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania at the level of the Permanent /Principal Secretaries.
The extra-ordinary dedicated SCTIFI was convened deliberately to discuss on industrialization matters in the community which has become a major agenda for the EAC Heads of State Summit.
Among the items on the agenda were the consideration of the: EAC Automotive Industry Action Plan and Draft Concept note on the local assembly/ manufacture of affordable vehicles; Establishment of a Regional Automotive Industry Council/Platform of East Africa (AICEA); Concept Note on the manufacture/production of Low Cost Vehicles (Affordable Vehicles) in the Region and Age Limit for imported Used Vehicles.
Speaking at the opening session of the Permanent /Principal Secretaries, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Steven Mlote, noted that the dedicated session was important step to the prioritization of industrial development in the Community and a demonstration of regional commitment towards industrialization.
He underscored that the decision to convene a dedicated meeting on industrialization is a landmark achievement and a blessing as it signifies the priority the region is giving to industrialization issues, which have assumed prominence in the integration agenda.
Eng. Mlote disclosed to the meeting that the region is making good progress towards implementing the Summit directives on the Automotive; Cotton, Textiles and Apparels; Leather Sector and Pharmaceutical Sectors. The Community has reached a stage of integration where Industrial development and the promotion of manufacturing have become much more important and necessary than ever added, Deputy Secretary General.
The Deputy Secretary General informed the meeting that ordinarily, it would have been more reasonable to propose for a Separate Sectoral Council to deal specifically with industrialization and SMEs sector, however, mindful of the need for rationalization and resource constraints, we proposed the forgoing as a stop gap alternative, stated Eng. Mlote.
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
