EALA has this afternoon sworn in its newest Member, Hon Celestin Kabahizi from Rwanda. Hon Kabahizi was elected on Monday this week by the Parliament of Rwanda, replacing Hon Jacqueline Muhongayire, who was appointed Rwanda’s Minister for EAC Affairs in July 2013.
The brief ceremony was conducted by the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa and the Deputy Clerk, Alex Obatre.
The Member took the oath in accordance with Rule 6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. The Rules of Procedure say in part that: “No Member can sit or participate in the proceedings of the House until the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Treaty is taken”.
Rule 6(3) specifically states that “when a Member first attends to take his or her seat other than at the first sitting of a new House, he or she shall be brought to the table by two Members and presented by them to the Speaker who shall then administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance”.
Hon Kabahizi was escorted into the House by Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon Mike Sebalu at exactly 2.40 pm.
According to the New Times daily of Rwanda, Hon Kabahizi has over 30 years experience in governance, from various levels. He is no stranger to issues of governance, decentralization and rural development
Formerly, the Governor of Western Province, Hon Kabahizi holds two degrees in economics and statistics.
Hon Kabahizi did his first degree in statistics and then obtained another in economics in Rwanda before enrolling for a master’s degree in management development economics in 2002 in Germany.
The Member is multi-lingual with a good command of English, French and Swahili. He can fairly communicate in German as well.
Rwanda’s other eight EALA members are Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, Hon Christophe Bazivamo, Hon Dr. James Ndahiro and Hon Straton Ndikuryayo. Others are Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana, Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema.
The House is expected to be adjourned this evening. Tomorrow, Members shall attend a one-day Sensitization workshop on the East African Monetary Union (EAMU).
-Ends-
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For more information, contact:
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036.
Email: Bodiko@eachq.org
