President Paul Kagame yesterday appointed former EALA Member, Hon Jacqueline Muhongayire, the new Minister for EAC Affairs. Minister Muhongayire was immediately sworn in alongside the in-coming Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba and Dan Munyuza, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, in a brief ceremony at the Parliament buildings.
Speaking after the ceremony, President Paul Kagame reminded the country’s leaders that for Rwanda to achieve its desired goals, there was need to coordinate activities, complement each other and communicate effectively.
The President emphasised that efficiency in service delivery was key and called on leaders in position not to be complacent.
Speaking to the media immediately after her appointment, Hon Muhongayire said that, she would build on what has been achieved to ensure Rwandans benefit from the EAC integration process.
“I have been in East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) for five years, I have experience in issues of the regional bloc and I am looking forward to deepen EAC integration,” said Hon Muhongayire, who has been a legislator at national, then regional level since 1994. The Minister replaces Hon Monique Mukaruliza who has been at the helm of the Ministry since 2008.
The appointment of Hon Muhongayire was a pleasant surprise for a section of EALA Members who were in Arusha attending a planning meeting. The Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa broke the news and wished Hon Muhongayire well.
‘’I wish Hon Muhongayire, who was the Chairperson of the Accounts Committee well in her new assignment. I thank President Paul Kagame, the appointing authority for the wisdom in appointing Hon Muhongayire’’, the Speaker noted.
The new minister, who was once Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Assembly, has the task of spearheading the realisation of the remaining pillars of the EAC integration process, namely the Monetary Union, Political Federation and establishment of a single customs territory among others.
The appointment means the Republic of Rwanda shall in due course elect a new Member to the Assembly. Hon Muhongayire shall however continue to participate in the activities of the Assembly as an Ex-Officio Member in accordance with the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.
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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 Arusha, Tanzania
