The Assembly yesterday debated and passed three bills, allowed for introduction of two Private Member Bills and approved estimates for the 2011/2012 supplementary budget as the House concluded its two week sitting in Kampala , Uganda.
The Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2012, the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and the East African Community Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2011 passed following debate. The House on the other side allowed for the introduction of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management Bill 2010 and the EAC Elections Bill 2012 respectively.
The Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2012 makes provision for the supplementary appropriation out of the budget of the EAC of specified amounts of money for services and purposes of the Community for the financial year ending 30th June 2012.
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (Amendment) Bill 2011 seeks to amend the IUCEA Act 2009 in order to confer power and responsibility to the IUCEA to accredit higher educational institutions and universities to enable them function regionally trough out the EAC region. The Bill was moved by Hon Dan Wandera Ogalo
The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2011 aims at providing a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene bags. Its prime mover is Hon Patricia Hajabakiga.
Hon Lydia Wanyoto was granted leave to introduce the Private Member’s Bill on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management Bill, 2010. The HIV and AIDS Prevention Bill aims to promote rights based approach to dealing with matters relating to HIV and AIDS, promote public awareness about the modes and causes of transmission and promote responsibility and access to treatment. The Bill comes in at an important time for the EAC which is implementing the Common Market Protocol characterized by free movement of people among other ‘freedoms.’
Hon Dan Wandera Ogalo also sought leave to introduce the East African Elections Bill 2012. The envisaged law intends to put in place common principles and guidelines for elections in the region, itself an underpinning characteristic for good governance and the rule of law.
The EAC’s supplementary budget amounting to USD 14,624,493 for the Financial Year 2011/2012 received support during debate and subsequent approval by the Committee of Supply. The funds are set to bolster operations of the regional bloc as it consolidates its gains on the Common Market and lays foundation for the Monetary Union.
Kenya’s Assistant Minister of EAC, Hon Peter Munya while presenting for the Chairperson of the Council of Minister, Hon Musa Sirma stated the priority areas as the implementation of the Common Market Protocol, promotion of agriculture and food security and the implementation of EAC Industrialisation, investment promotion and private sector development strategies among others.
The Minister says under the supplementary budget, the EAC plans to implement various activities. Key among them is the regional political integration and human security support programme that aims to enhance the capacity of national and regional statutory organs and institutions.
The two week session saw the Assembly pass the following Bills
-The EAC Transboundary Ecosystem Bill 2010
-The Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2012,
-The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and
-The East African Community Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2011
The Assembly also received Reports and Motions.
The next session of the Assembly (4th Meeting of the 5th Session) of the Assembly is scheduled to be held in Nairobi in April 2012.
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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
