Speaker Among urges EAC states to remove barriers

___________________

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has said despite substantial procedural and institutional progress made in realising East Africa Community (EAC) pillars on the Customs Union, Monetary Union, Common Market, and the political federation, more effort is required to eliminate existing barriers.

Addressing the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), she said that the workings of the Common Market Protocol have not been respected by some member states despite the aim to create a single market that eliminates tariff and non-tariff barriers.

“If we have agreed to use machine-readable national identity cards to cross borders, why should that be a problem with other countries? We should respect what we decide as institutions for the good of our countries.

“Where there are disagreements, let us not shy away from addressing them because peace and security among member states is a catalyst to economic prosperity and political federation,” said Among on Tuesday.

The EALA, chaired by Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana of Burundi, is holding its meetings of the Third Session in Uganda's capital Kampala.

In her message, Among urged EAC member states to implement the decisions taken and Bills passed by the EALA so as to ensure meaningful legislation.

The Bills up for consideration include the Standardization Bill, the Accreditation and Conformity Assessment Bill and the Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Bill, the latter of which is to be presented by Uganda’s representative to EALA, Jacqueline Amongin.

“It is imperative that member states domesticate these laws once passed. They should not only be passed here and remain here. This action should be done by the ministers that represent the different East African states."

'Active and vibrant'

On his part, Ntakirutimana appreciated President Yoweri Museveni for his commitment to the EAC federation. 

“I wish to thank His Excellency for the historic souvenir that he gave to each one of us on EAC political federation during the first EAC. We look forward to his continued guidance as we carry out our legislative businesses,” he said.

Ntakirutimana also congratulated Speaker Among on her election as the vice-chairperson of the Forum of African Speakers and President of Legislators, at last week's meeting in Ghana's capital Accra.

“Your election is a true testimony of Uganda’s growing influence in African parliamentary diplomacy and the unity for sustainable development. I further commend your Parliament for being one of the most active and vibrant parliaments in the region,” he added.