Assembly also hails the fallen 1st Deputy Premier of Uganda, Rt. Hon Eriya Kategaya. EALA has today castigated the United Nations over its failure to prevent the Genocide against the Tutsi, nineteen years ago, despite having reports to that effect. Consequently, EALA has passed a Resolution to Commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi and urged the EAC Council of Ministers to designate April 7 every year, as the EAC Day of Reflection on Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Resolution in part admonishes the UN for its decision then, to reduce the numbers of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) troops, leading to the deaths of thousands of people who had sought refuge at the UNAMIR sanctuary. This, the Resolution states, was done despite a UN Resolution of 21/912 which had adjusted UNAMIR’s mandate and Resolution 918 (1994) that expanded the force.
The Resolution moved by Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar, takes cognisance, of the fact that the UN General Assembly globally adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the crime of genocide against humanity on December 9th, 1948. The Assembly, however reports of the saddening yet growing intention of denial with regards to genocide against the Tutsi and the widespread hate speech through media and other relevant channels worldwide.
When debate opened, Hon Patricia Hajabakiga remarked that Rwanda’s civil society and the National Commission had acknowledged EALA’s support during the commemoration period. Hon Nancy Abisai remarked that perhaps the EAC (had it been re-established) would probably have halted the horrendous act. She remarked that certain emotive issues such as land, religion and ethnicity though factors that embrace unity, could spiral negatively, if not handled well and called for home-grown solutions to the challenges facing the region. Hon Joseph Kiangoi congratulated the Rwandans for standing upright when they had been abandoned and for the gallant steps towards re-construction.
Hon Dan Kidega, Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana, Hon Taslima Twaha, Hon Mukasa Mbidde, Hon Makongoro Nyerere, Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza and Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo also supported the Resolution.
EALA thus resolved to support the decision of the Council of Ministers to ensure that all the archives of the International Court of Tribunal of Rwanda (ICTR) are transferred to Rwanda. The Assembly declared its solidarity with the people and the government of Rwanda as they commemorate the 19th anniversary of the callous act. The Assembly states that the ideology of genocide should never be allowed and it is important for East Africans to build capacity to halt any future genocide and plan for the region’s common future. It thus envisages holding a regional conference to that effect.
In the busy day of activities, the House also moved a Resolution paying tribute to the late 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC in the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon Eriya Kategaya. The late Rt. Hon Kategaya who passed away on March 2, 2013, was described as a key actor in the re-establishment of the EAC and for his amiable, yet strong character, as the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda and as the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers.
Rt. Hon Kategaya is credited as one of the individuals who with much dedication had sought for the revival of co-operation among the original Partner States (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) and later, the expansion of the Community to include the Republics of Rwanda and Burundi.
The Resolution moved by Uganda’s Deputy Minister for EAC and Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine and seconded by Hon Mike Sebalu, recognises the effective contribution played by the fallen deputy Premier to constitutional development, parliamentary democracy in Uganda and the legal profession in the EAC region.
During debate, Hon AbuBakr Ogle termed Hon Kategaya as a true democrat who was instrumental in the establishment of a number of protocols. Hon Susan Nakawuki described Hon Kategaya as a very humble man. The Counsel to the Community, Hon Wilbert Kaahwa, remarked that Hon Kategaya had made exemplary service towards strengthening the integration process and was a lawyer of high standing. Hon Christophe Bazivamo paid tribute to Rt. Hon Kategaya for his brilliant debates on the floor of the House. The Minister for EAC in Rwanda, Hon Monique Mukaruliza described Rt. Hon Kategaya as an elder and mentor of the Council of Ministers. ‘He used to advise us to discuss policy and strategic issues as opposed to small matters. May his soul rest in eternal peace‘Hon Mukaruliza said. Others were Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar and the Deputy EAC Minister in the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon Dr Saadala Abdulla Saadala.
The Assembly further read for the first time, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Bill 2013 and the East African Community Holidays Bill. The Bills which were tabled by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga and Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar respectively have been committed to the relevant Committees.
The DRRM Bill seeks to provide a legal framework for intervention and assistance for people affected by climate change and natural hazard related disasters and to protect the environment through integration of comprehensive DRR and management practices in the Community.
The EAC Holidays Bill on its part envisages a legal basis for holidays in the Community. Holidays hitherto observed by the Organs and institutions of the Community shall, upon the coming into force of the Bill, be observed in accordance with the provisions of this Bill. The Bill makes provision for remuneration of employees who may be required to work on a holiday and in situations where a holiday falls on a Sunday.
Two Members, Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar and Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana also asked priority questions on relevant issues to integration.
-End-
For more Information, contact:
Bobi Odiko, Senior Public Relations Officer;
East African Legislative Assembly;
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Arusha, Tanzania
