In his Statement the EALA Speaker emphasized that “the Assembly had taken centre stage in the integration process by providing the required legislative framework and oversight to ensure the integration agenda remains on track”, the Speaker further added that at the centre stage of EALA’s legislative action has been the involvement of the people of East Africa in the legislative process and that the Assembly will continue to involve the citizens of East Africa in all major legislations though Public Hearing Workshops conducted in all the Partner States and a good example being the Protocol on the Common Market and the EAC Tourism and Wildlife Management Bill.
The Speaker on behalf of EALA extend his vote of thanks to H.E. President Pierre Nkurunziza, Hon. Gervaise Rufukyiri, President of the Senate and Hon. Pie Ntavyohanyuma, Speaker of the National Assembly for accepting to host the Assembly in the Republic of Burundi. H.E. President Pierre Nkurunziza, is expected to address the Sixth meeting of the Second East African Legislative Assembly at the Chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday 19th May, 2009 at 10.00 a.m.
EAC Secretary General Ambassodor Juma Mwapachu who was present and is an ex officio member of the EALA stressed on the urgent need for Burundi to adjust its financial year that runs from January to December to run in unison with the EAC official financial year that is from June to July.
This meeting of the Second session is expected to receive and debate the Budget estimates for the East African Community for the Financial Year 2009/2010 that will be presented by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the East African Community and Minister for EAC Affairs of the Republic of Rwanda, Hon. Monique Makaruliza on Thursday, 21 May 2009.
The Assembly will also debate (2nd and 3rd Reading) on the EAC Tourism and Wildlife Management Bill, 2008 in pursuant to the provisions of articles 115 and 116 of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community Tourism and Wildlife Coordination Agency. The primary objective of the Agency shall be to facilitate, encourage and assist in the development of responsible and ethical tourism and wildlife throughout the East African Region taking due consideration of the overall development needs of the people, the wildlife resources and other natural and cultural resources.
The Sixth meeting also expects to discuss the Appropriation Bill 2009 and receive Progress Reports from the various Committees, including the Report of the Select Committee on the reasons for the continuous delays in remittances to EAC by the Partner States.
Background Information
The EALA is the legislative arm of the Community which came into being on 29th November 2001 with representatives from the three Partner States of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The Membership expanded in July 2007 with the admission of two sister republics of Burundi and Rwanda. The MPs from the two Partner States took oath in 13th May, 2008 and have since then continued to make their valuable contribution to the EAC integration agenda. The EALA comprises of a total of 52 Members, 45 elected Members (9 from each Partner State) and 7 Ex-Officio Members comprising five Ministers responsible for EAC affairs, the Secretary General of the Community and the Counsel to the Community. The legislative lifespan of the Assembly is 5 years having commenced on 5th June, 2007.
In addition to passing legislation, the Assembly has adopted several resolutions and reports relating to the developments in the Community.
Kindly note that the laws enacted by the EAC have the full force of law and take precedent over similar laws in the Partner States on matters related to the Community.
Steve M. Machage
Public Relations Officer
East African Legislative Assembly
P.O. Box 1096
Arusha, TANZANIA
+254 7375800368:
Hon Abdirahin Haithar Abdi, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has said that the centre stage of the EALA’s legislative action will be to deeply involve the people of East Africa in the legislative process so as to enhance greater awareness, appreciation and participation in the regional integration process. The Speaker who was accompanied by other Members of the EALA was speaking on arrival at the Bujumbura International Airport in readiness for the Sixth meeting of the Second East African Legislative Assembly.
