EALA today approved the EAC Supplementary Budget amounting to USD 2,143,960 for activities aimed at strengthening integration this Financial Year (ending June 2014), before adjourning sine die (indefinitely).
This followed the passing of the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2014. The object of the Bill is to make provision for the supplementary appropriation out of the budget of the EAC of specified amounts of money for the services and purposes of the Community for the Financial Year ending 30th June 2014.
Presenting the Supplementary Budget Speech to the House yesterday, the Minister of State for EAC Affairs in Uganda, Hon Shem Bageine, remarked that the supplementary budget would prioritise on three main areas.
Out of the specified amount, USD 1,142,763 sourced from USAID shall be incurred on activities related to Agriculture, Trade and Customs. USD 494, 700 shall be allocated towards the EAC-World Bank Public Financial Management Harmonisation Project while a corresponding USD 506, 497 is expected to be expended to strengthen the East and Southern Africa-India Ocean (ESA-IO) Maritime Security Project.
Today, the House constituted itself into a Committee of Ways and Means as well as that of Committee of Supply following a motion tabled by Hon Shem Bageine. At the Bill Committee stage, Members went through the Bill stage by stage.
Prior to this, the House received a Report of the Committee on General Purpose on the EAC Supplementary Budget for the financial year 2014. The Report was presented by the Chair of the General Purpose Committee, Dr. Martin Nduwimana, before an attentive House. The Committee was informed that the financing arrangements had already been signed and that the activities were expected to start as soon as funds are approved by the Assembly.
During debate, Hon Bernard Mulengani however noted that the Assembly had not received a status report of the previous budget (last financial year). He said there was need for the EAC to have fewer consultancies and workshops and but more of programmes.
Hon Peter Mathuki said there was need to bring on board more stakeholder groups. “The budget only makes provision for conferences for People with Disabilities, youth and women in business. There are various other groups that need to be considered”, the legislator added
Hon Dora Byamukama criticized the notion of continuously presenting Supplementary budgets before the House. “We need to plan better in future”, she said Pierre Celestin Rwigema urged the EAC to work towards diversification of funds saying it was time for the region to look inwards for additional monies.
Members in support were Hon Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Celestine Kabahizi, Hon Joseph Kiangoi and Hon Sarah Bonaya. Others were Hon Nusura Tiperu, Hon Nancy Abisai, Hon Christophe Bazivamo and Hon Patricia Hajabakiga.
The Minister of State for EAC Affairs, Hon Shem Bageine assured the House that the EAC would present a Status Report as requested. “The Council of Ministers shall pick up the matter at its next meeting,”
The Minister hailed the support of Development Partners for walking hand-in-hand with the EAC.
Ends
For more information, contact:
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
Tel: Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036.
Email: Bodiko@eachq.org
