Members of EALA today held an interactive meeting with the Members of the Parliament of Rwanda (Senate and Chamber of Deputies) in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting was opened by the President of the Senate, the Rt. Hon. Vincent Biruta.
In his remarks, the Rt. Hon. Biruta commended the Assembly for using the principle of rotation in holding its meetings, noting that it enabled citizens of the rest of the region to be aware of the work of EALA on the one hand, while enriching the experiences of the Members of respective National Assemblies on the other.
He said the Parliament of Rwanda (Chamber of Deputies) had amended the Rules of Procedure to enable the Parliament of Rwanda to accommodate the component on relations with EALA and to discuss matters of regional importance in the house. He said this was necessary so that the Parliament of Rwanda could oversee government’s implementation of the Community programs at every stage of the integration process.
The Rwanda Minister for EAC, Hon. Monique Mukaruliza noted EALA’s effort in enacting legislation and carrying out the representative and oversight functions at the EAC had contributed significantly to the integration process.
Three Presentations made at the half-day meeting chaired by the Speaker of EALA, the Rt. Hon. Abdirahin H. Abdi. The presentations included an overview of the latest developments in the EAC by Amb Juma Mwapachu, an overview on the work of EALA by Hon Dora Byamukama, EALA MP and another on the work, achievements and mandate of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), delivered by the Registrar of the EACJ, Dr. John Ruhangisa.
Amb Juma Mwapachu presented an account of EAC’s progress at a time when the region is making great headway and realizing achievements. He noted that the Customs Union had seen a phenomenal rise in intra-EAC trade of as much as 50%. He noted however that Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) continued to be a problem and that EAC was committed to the agreed elimination of NTBs to spur business in the region. On the Common Market, the Secretary General stated the realization of the Common Market Protocol was crucially hinged on resolute political will and clear and focused acceptance of the objectives of the Partner States. The presentation further delved into the spheres of social and economic aspects of regional integration.
The EALA presentation as made by Hon Dora Byamukama, narrated the mandate and role of the regional assembly as well as its achievements to date. “Since its establishment in 2001, the Assembly has passed over 30 pieces of legislation, a number of which are fundamental to the integration process”, Hon Byamukama said.
The Registrar of the EACJ, Dr John Ruhangisa highlighted the role of the Court in the integration process as the judicial body ensuring the adherence to the law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty. Dr. Ruhangisa noted the EACJ had so far proved to be impartial and independent thus modeling itself to the standards of a respectable and independent organ inspiring confidence in the litigants. The EACJ was however not well known and lacked enforcement mechanism of its own, the EACJ Registrar said.
Participants however requested the Summit of the Heads of State to expedite the determination of the permanent seat of the EACJ, currently situate in Arusha, Tanzania. Participants also noted the dire need to enhance the visibility of the EACJ to promote access to justice for East Africans. This should be followed by a marked drive to take justice closer to the people.
During plenary, Members also called for the review and amendment of the EAC Treaty and Protocols to take in to account the dynamic changes expected to trigger deeper and wider integration.
“There is need to take positive steps towards ceding some powers to the Community organs and institutions to further widen and deepen the EAC integration process. This will enhance the space, depth and breadth of integration. There is also a need to re-orient mindsets of public officials in respective Partner States to have a positive outlook on the EAC and its objectives”, Hon Safina Kwekwe said while summarising the resolutions of the meeting.
The meeting was closed by the Speaker of the Rwanda Chamber of Deputies, the Rt. Hon. Rose Mukantabana.
Parliament resumes on Monday, April 4, 2011.
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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 Web: https://www.eala.org Arusha, Tanzania
