President Paul Kagame has today opened the 5th Meeting of the 1st Session of the 3rd Assembly at the Parliament of Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda. In his remarks, President Kagame reiterated that it was time for the EAC region to multiply the level of satisfaction and benefits accrued into the continental bloc, affirming that such dividends were necessary for a united Africa.
The President was categorical that such a move would ensure that Africa taps into further economic growth and enables a stronger voice in the international arena.
‘A better performing East African Community is good for our citizens. It would be even more beneficial if we established links with other regions of the continent so that all Africans can enjoy the benefits of increased and larger markets greater safety, peace and stability and collective strength’ the President said.
President Kagame added ‘In this period of economic turmoil, Africa is the only region where the GDP has been growing at an average of 5% per year for the last few years. We have the world’s largest reserve of natural resources. Our population is youthful and increasingly, has more money to spend. We must tap into the opportunities”. He further called for increase in intra-African trade and the leverage of investments in the continent.
The President reiterated the need for the region to address existing weaknesses as it explores the continental move. The President cited a number of challenges as the integration process progresses.
‘In our case, for instance, we must ensure that commitments on the free movement of people, labour and services, which have not been fully or evenly implemented across the region are urgently addressed. The delay as we all know has caused business people, investors and ordinary East Africans immense frustration’, the Head of State remarked.
In attendance was the Rt. Hon. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Rose Mukantabana, Speaker of Rwanda Chamber of Deputies and Hon Shem Bageine, Chairperson, EAC Council of Ministers. Others were the EAC Secretary General, Amb Richard Sezibera, His Lordship Sam Rugege, the Chief Justice of Rwanda, several dignitaries and high ranking government officials. The occasion was also attended by visiting Parliamentarians from the Parliament of Zambia, Parliament of Uganda and the Parliament of Tanzania respectively.
The President maintained that the creation of a single customs territory was vital to facilitate trade across the region and called on EALA to enact relevant legislation and carry out its oversight role. The Head of State further called for the expediting of the institutional review of the East African Community to streamline the functions of the Community and make them more autonomous and accountable.
On her part, the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Dr Margaret Nantongo Zziwa urged the Partner States to ensure the pillars of integration are realised as embodied in the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. She remarked that more was required to be done to realise the Common Market Protocol and called on the Partner States to immediately enable their domestic laws to conform to the Protocol.
“We recognize the steps being taken by the Republic of Rwanda to this effect. However, the uptake of the said Protocol within the Partner States can be more encouraging and we remain hopeful that we shall allow our region to deepen integration. I assure you of EALA’s support with regards to required legislation to support the pillar’, the Speaker remarked.
The Speaker noted that the region needed to have its infrastructure bolstered in order to ensure sustained growth in the economies. In that regard, the Speaker called for the establishment of the East African Railway Authority so as to facilitate the implementation of the East African Railway Master Plan which she added was an economic lifeline.
Rt. Hon Zziwa congratulated President Kagame for the progress realised in the Republic of Rwanda. She cited some of the sectors where positive development had taken place as in the ICTs, aviation and the investment in youth, women and People with Disabilities (PWD).
‘The landmark achievements of this beautiful country, coming 19 years after the horrendous genocide, have been hailed far and beyond and it is only befitting that we too add our voice in heralding this notable achievement. Further, your Government’s desire to invest in people is remarkable and deserves accolades’ the Speaker remarked.
‘Further, your Government’s desire to invest in people is remarkable and deserves accolades particularly in the areas including in the universal education programme and the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) which is now emulated in East Africa’ Dr. Zziwa added.
In his remarks culminating in the vote of thanks, Hon Peter M. Mathuki noted that leadership was vital to ensure countries do not remain in crises. ‘In this regard, we note your exceptional leadership skills. He urged Partner States to take advantage of the existing resources that make them up and to adhere to good governance and noble causes’ the legislator added.
The meeting runs from today until April 26, 2013. Over the two week period, EALA expects to debate on the One-Stop Border Posts Bill and the Vehicle Axle Load Control Bill. Legislators shall also receive and consider Reports from various Committees.
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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
