The Assembly has today reiterated the need for a more cohesive EAC region, moving a key Resolution. At the same time, the House granted two legislators leave to introduce Private Members’ Bills as it wound its business this week.
The Resolution of the Assembly moved by Dr. James Ndahiro urging the EAC Council of Ministers to adopt a policy on Social Cohesion in the EAC passed after debate on the floor of the House.
On her part, Hon Patricia Hajabakiga sought leave and is now expected to introduce the East African Community Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2013. The objective of the Bill is to provide a legal framework for the intervention and assistance for people affected by disasters and to protect the natural environment through integration of comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and management practices in the Community.
The Bill further delineates the roles and responsibilities of Partner States and seeks to promote uniformity and integration.
The leave granted to Hon Hajabakiga followed approval of the motion moved by the initiator herself and seconded by Hon. Christophe Bazivamo and Hon Bernard Murunya.
Similarly granted an opportunity to bring a Bill to the House is Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar. Hon Abubakar is expected to table the EAC Public Holidays Bill, 2013. The object of the Bill is to make provisions for holidays in the Community.
The Bill in part, provides for the commemoration of the EAC Day on November 30th annually and anticipates that the EAC shall use the day to reflect on the vision of integration, celebrate East African renaissance and showcase various aspects of East African life.
According to the mover of the Bill, it is necessary for citizens to meaningfully participate in the integration of the EAC and a legal framework that seeks to enable the region realize this objective is fundamental.
Both motions received overwhelming support at debate time.
Article 59 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community empowers any Member of the Assembly to propose any motion or to introduce any Bill in the Assembly. The same article is translated in the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and in particular Rule 64. Once ready, the progress of the Bills’ are carried out in the same way as that followed in respect of a Community Bill.
The House resumes on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
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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
