Kampala, Uganda – October 23, 2024 – The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) commenced its sittings today at the Parliament of Uganda. The session began with the swearing-in of Hon. Dr. Gladness Ladislaus Salema from Tanzania, who replaces the late Hon. Dr. Shogo Richard Mlozi who suddenly passed on in June, 2024. Additionally, Hon. Dennis Londo, the new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, the new Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs in Kenya, took their oaths of allegiance as ex-officio members of EALA in line with Rule 5(4) of the Rules of Procedure which requires a member take the oath of affirmation of allegiance to the Treaty.
This comes after a special sitting at State House in Entebbe, Uganda yesterday, where President Yoweri Museveni, a member of the EAC summit, officially opened the special sitting. Invited by Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker of EALA, President Museveni highlighted the progress in East African Community (EAC) integration and stressed the importance of regional unity for prosperity. He called for political integration as a means to strengthen the regional economic bloc, emphasizing principles of patriotism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.
President Museveni warned that without proper market integration, East Africa could face underdevelopment similar to Latin America, despite its rich natural resources. He also underscored the need for strategic security to protect regional interests, advocating for a political federation to unite political and security efforts.“
"Latin America is a very rich part of the world, but you see them on TV walking on foot to go to the United States which is not richer like them in terms of natural resources but it’s organized. Part of the problem of Latin America is the market which is fragmented. You people are historically very privileged. You should help us solve the problem of market integration,” he urged.
The President also emphasized the importance of strategic security as another historical mission of the African freedom fighters like the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He said if put in place, the strategic security will help East Africa and Africa at large to protect their interests.
“I heard that some people want to achieve superiority on land, air, sea and space, so how about us? People are going to the moon and they are looking at us from the moon and we are just here like ants. Now our countries are trying; they are developing and Uganda will become a first world country, and we shall definitely achieve this but the question is UK is a first world country, France, Germany the same but none of them has ever gone to the moon, they are all here with us. So, it seems there’s something about size,” he explained.
“Uganda will be a developed country, yes, but can we afford a space program to go to the moon? That’s why we the freedom fighters started long ago in the 1960s like Mwalimu Nyerere, we said you people you need a political federation. Even if you get market integration like the European Union, and you don’t address the issue of strategic security; you don’t unite the political and security efforts, you will not be able to defend yourselves,” he added.
Hon. Gai Deng, EALA Member of Eala from South Sudan gave a vote of thanks on behalf of EALA members, she, expressed heartfelt gratitude for hosting the plenary session in Kampala and praised President’s Museveni’s leadership in advancing the East African Community (EAC) and commitment to regional integration.
“We appreciate your dedication to upholding African values and traditions, and your efforts in national development, which serve as a model for the region. However, we face significant challenges due to budget constraints and non-remittance from Partner States, impacting our ability to deliver critical programs. We advocate for greater autonomy for EALA to mobilize resources independently and propose the establishment of an East African Investment Bank to fund large-scale projects. Adequate funding would enable us to fully implement the Common Market Protocol and realize the East African Monetary Union, enhancing economic integration and development across the region”.
Speaker Ntakirutimana welcomed President Museveni and praised his leadership in regional transformation. He noted the expansion of the EAC from three to eight countries and commended Uganda for hosting the Assembly. The special sitting, running from October 21st to November 12th, 2024, aligns with Article 55 of the EAC Treaty, promoting rotational sittings to enhance EAC visibility and public participation.
During this plenary, EALA will consider various bills, oversight reports, questions to the Council of Ministers, petitions from EAC citizens, motions for resolutions, and amendments to EALA rules of procedure.
The Assembly will also engage in joint activities with the Parliament of Uganda and conduct outreach programs, including discussions with local traders in Kampala to understand cross-border trade challenges.
Speaker Ntakirutimana expressed gratitude to President Museveni and Uganda for their support and highlighted the positive impact of President Museveni’s leadership on regional peace and security. “Through your wise leadership, the EAC has rebranded its strategies to boost our size. Before we were three countries, now we are eight. We thank you for your leadership. We are proud to witness the positive impact of your leadership not only in Uganda but across East Africa, as you continue to advocate for stronger economic and technological integration,” he said.
The decision to hold the sitting in Uganda aligns with Article 55 of the EAC Treaty, which encourages rotational sittings in partner states. Speaker Ntakirutimana appreciated the leadership of the Republic of Uganda for hosting the Assembly and recognized the excellent facilities provided by the Speaker of the Uganda Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among. Rotational sittings serve to enhance the visibility of the EAC, increase public awareness and participation in the integration process, and foster cooperation with national assemblies. It also gives Heads of State an opportunity to address East Africans and share their vision for a united and prosperous EAC.
About the East African legislative Assembly
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
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For further information, please contact:
Nicodemus Ajak Bior
Senior Public Relations Officer (SPRO)
East African Legislative Assembly
Arusha, TanzaniaTel: +255-768-885-633/,
+254729157207(WhatsApp)
Email: nbior@eachq.org
Web: www.eala.org
