Regional parliament 'a symbol of East African unity'

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East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) speaker, Joseph Ntakirutimana, is optimistic that the assembly will continue addressing the pressing challenges facing the East African region.

"EALA is a symbol of East African unity, many people come to visit us to learn from us," Ntakirutimana said. 

"While countries in the region have faced disputes like the one between Uganda and Rwanda, or Burundi and Rwanda, these challenges have been resolved. This demonstrates the capacity of EALA to mediate and bring stability," he adds.

Ntakirutimana’s Monday (October 21, 2024) comments came in response to questions from the Ugandan media during a briefing at Uganda's Parliament. The briefing, which marked the beginning of a three-week series of EALA activities in Uganda, was attended by 63 EALA representatives from the assembly’s six member states. 

EALA speaker, Rt Hon Joseph Ntakirutimana, from Burundi adresses the press at parliament on Oct. 21, 2024. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

The Speaker noted that Somalia was in the process of electing its representatives, and they hoped to join the proceedings soon. Representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were participating virtually via Zoom.

This session will be the third of the 5th EALA assembly, with both committee and plenary sessions to be held at Uganda's Parliament. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to address the assembly in a special sitting to officially open the proceedings.

Ntakirutimana outlined several key priorities for the session, including the passage of Bills to advance the integration agenda of the East African Community (EAC). Among the Bills on the agenda are that of Statistics, Financial Services, Pharmaceutical, Standards and Conformity Assessment, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), EAC Youth, EAC Investment and a Climate Change.

David Ole Senkok, Kenya’s EALA representative, praised the assembly for its role in fostering the free movement of people, goods and services within the EAC. 

"It is thanks to EALA that East Africans now enjoy greater freedom of movement and trade across the region," Senkok said.

Gerald Blacks Siranda, a Ugandan EALA representative, highlighted ongoing efforts to establish an East African political federation.

"Prominent figures, including former Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki, are contributing to drafting the constitution and leading consultations on the federation," Siranda said.

EALA speaker, Rt Hon Joseph Ntakirutimana from Burundi, in a photo with representatives at parliament on Oct. 21, 2024. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Representatives noted EALA's success in reducing non-tariff barriers across the region. Over the past five years, more than 590 such barriers have been removed, though new ones occasionally emerge. They reported significant improvements in logistics, with reduced delays for trucks traveling from the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to the interior of the region. Furthermore, communication within the EAC has improved, allowing for quicker resolution of challenges, especially at one-stop border posts.

However, journalists pressed EALA representatives on issues that continue to affect ordinary East Africans, including access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

They called on the assembly to ensure it maintains strong governance and financial accountability, avoiding any mismanagement that could undermine its progress.