Assembly demands Policy framework to support Members, Staff with special Needs as it adjourns

East African Legislative Assembly, Zanzibar, Tanzania: 23 October, 2016: The EAC Council of Ministers needs to develop a policy framework to support EALA Members and Community staff with special needs, to facilitate them in undertaking their duties, a Resolution moved by Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo ascertains.

Consequently, EALA directed the Committee on Legal, Rules and Privileges to make specific proposals to cater for the special needs of the elderly Members of the Assembly to effectively participate in the affairs and activities of the Assembly.    

“The Committee on Legal, Rules and Privileges is to expeditiously make proposals on provisions that are necessary to facilitate members during pre and post-natal state and/or involved in nursing a newly born child or children, to effectively participate in the Affairs and activities of the Assembly.”, a section of the Resolution says. 

The proposals should be forwarded by the Speaker to the Chairperson of the Council for consideration and adoption.

In so doing, the Assembly is desirous to have principles of all rights including rights to non-discrimination to women and those with special needs adhered to.  The Resolution avers that at the last review of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly provisions, were made to cater for the facilitation of Members with disability so as to allow full participation of Members with disability in the affairs of the Assembly.

However, such facilitation was not extended to older Members in the Assembly and those nursing children.

According to the mover, Hon Dr Nyiramilimo, Article 14 of the Treaty for the EAC vests the Council with policy powers for purposes of approving EAC policies and recommending the Budget of the Community under Article 132 of the Treaty. 

The Resolution was supported by several legislators; Hon. Emerence Bucumi, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, Hon. Tiperu Nusura and Hon. Maryam Ussi. Others were Hon. AbuBakr Ogle, Hon. Martin Nduwimana and Hon. Oda Gasinzigwa.

Meanwhile, the House voted to halt recruitment of the staff at the EALA by the EAC citing irregularities. This follows a motion moved by Hon AbuBakr Ogle under Rule 30 (J) of the Rules of Procedure on matters of public interests.   

According to the mover, there is need for an audit following allegations of various irregularities in the processes.   Hon Abubakar Zein and Hon Nusura Tiperu rose in support of the Motion believe, prompting the Chair of the Council of Ministers to state the EAC Adhoc Public Service Commission would await the report of the Assembly before deciding on the way forward.

According to the Article 49 (2) (g), (f), the Assembly recommends to the Council appointment of the Officers of the Assembly.

Ends-

For more Information, contact: Bobi Odiko,

Senior Public Relations Officer;

East African Legislative Assembly;

Tel: +255-27-2508240 Cell: +255 787 870945+254-733-718036;

Email:   bodiko@eachq.org 

Web: https://www.eala.org

Arusha, Tanzania