The EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa today paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Edward Ssekandi in his office. The Vice President congratulated Rt. Hon Zziwa following her recent election and elevation to the Office of the Speaker and hailed the electorate for the democratic process instituted during the EALA elections. H.E. Ssekandi pledged Uganda’s support to EALA noting that the country was committed to the EAC.
He remarked that all efforts were necessary in realizing the objectives of the Community and termed unity as a key ingredient in the region’s desire to realize the Political Federation.
The Vice President himself a former Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, urged Rt. Hon Zziwa to work hard to assist the Assembly move to greater heights.
‘As the regional Assembly’s Speaker, you must be neutral but again, you must guide Members. I appeal to you to encourage your Members to debate on the floor of the House before you edict’, H.E. Ssekandi remarked.
On her part, Rt. Hon Zziwa paid tribute to the Vice President for the support the Republic of Uganda had continued to render to EALA. She noted that as a former Member of Parliament, she had gained immensely during the tenure of speakership of H.E. Ssekandi.
‘I was privileged to serve the 6th and 7th Parliament and I thank you for your wise counsel and leadership then as Speaker of the august House’, Rt. Hon Zziwa noted.
Yesterday, the EALA Speaker held talks with her counterpart, Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda at the Speaker’s Chambers.
The Speakers pledged to work closely together for the benefit of the region. Rt. Hon Zziwa noted that relations between the EALA and the Parliament of Uganda were cordial and remarked that EALA would borrow and incorporate some of the existing best practices as it continues to play its mandate.
‘The Parliament of Uganda certainly leads the way in a number of values including that of checking on government to ensure good governance and upholding of freedom of expression. I am certain there are best practices we can adopt and replicate at EALA for the benefit of the region’, Rt. Hon Zziwa remarked.
Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga on her part pledged to support the 3rd Assembly. ‘ I assure you of all the unequivocal support as I gave to the 2nd Assembly under Rt. Hon Abdirahin Abdi’, she remarked.
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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
