The EALA sittings ended yesterday with legislators passing a crucial Bill and adjourning debate on another. The Bill that sailed through the House is the East African Community Holidays Bill 2013. With the passing of the Bill, East Africans are expected to observe the east African Community day on November 30th as a Public Holiday in all Partner States.
If the EAC Heads of State give a nod to the Bill, then the day shall be an opportunity to reflect on the vision of integration and to celebrate the progress made and on-going activities and programmes to further the objects of the Treaty.
At the same time, the official celebrations shall be held in rotational order in the Partner States, celebrating African renaissance and honouring citizens who have championed the cause of integration. The Bill read by Hon Mike Sebalu on behalf of Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar hopes to provide a legal basis for holidays in the Community and makes provision for remuneration of employees who may be required to work on a holiday and situations where the said holiday falls on a Sunday.
The Bill recognises all the independence days celebrated in the Partner States as days off for the staff of all organs and institutions of the Community. The same applies for the religious holidays currently observed including: Good Friday and Easter Monday as well as the Eidd El-Haj, Eid-Ul-Azha and Eidd-El-Ul. The International Women’s Day commemorated globally on March 8 shall also be kept and observed by the EAC.
At debate time, the motion was supported by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, Hon Dora Byamukama, Hon Peter Mathuki and the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine.
The debate was preceded by the tabling of the Report by the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution. The Committee considered the Bill and incorporated a number of views and proposals for consideration and adoption.The Bill now awaits assent from the EAC Heads of State before it becomes Community law.
Meanwhile, the debate on the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2013 was adjourned under Rule 31 of the Rules of Procedure following a request by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine.
The Bill sponsored by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga seeks to provide a legal framework for intervention and assistance for people affected by climate change and natural hazard-related disasters.
It further anticipates the protection of the natural environment through integration of comprehensive DRR and Management practices in the Community and the creation of a regional mechanism that would enable a timely intervention in disaster situations.
The Council according to Hon Bageine hopes to re-introduce the Bill with changes as may be necessary once the Protocol on Peace and Security is accomplished.
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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
