Fourth EALA inauguration on today

Parliament of Kenya late Thursday elected its nine representatives to the regional Assembly, setting stage for the inauguration of the 4th Assembly on December 18th, 2017, in Arusha, Tanzania.  

Top on the agenda during the week-long 1st Sitting of the 1st Session of the 4th Assembly, is the swearing-in of Members, election of the Speaker and that of Members to the EALA Commission as well as the constitution of various Committees.   

Parliament of Uganda was the first House to elect Members to the regional Assembly on March 1st, 2017. The 9-member team consists of three returning incumbents, Susan Nakawuki, Fred Mukasa Mbidde and Chris Opoka. 

The new faces to EALA are Rose Akol, Mathias Kasamba, Mary Mugyenyi and Paul Musamali. Others are Dennis Namara, and George Stephen Odongo.

Kenya's representatives are Simon Mbugua, Florence Jematiah, Mpuri Aburi, Aden Noor and Wanjiku Muhia. Other members are Oburu Odinga, Kennedy Kalonzo, Abdikadir Aden and Fatuma Ibrahim.

The 3rd Assembly wound up its tour of duty on June 4th, 2017 and was expected to have commenced on June 5th 2017.   However by then, only Parliament of Uganda, Parliament of Tanzania, Parliament of Burundi and Parliament of Tanzania had finalised the processes.

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan on its part, had to repeat its elections following an application filed at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) by a citizen of the country, Wani Salantino challenging the process.   The Parliament revisited the issue and held fresh elections on August 3rd, 2017, before filing the names with EALA.

Parliament of Tanzania returned Adam Kimbisa and Maryam Ussi from the 3rd Assembly. The newcomers include Josephine Lemoyan, Happiness Lugiko, Pamela Maassay, Dr Ngwaru J Maghembe,  Dr Abdullah Makame, Eng. Habib Mnyaa and Fancy Nkuhi.

Parliament of Rwanda's list submitted to EALA in May 2017, includes Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Martin Ngoga, Gasinzigwa Oda and Kalinda Francois Xavier, all who previously served in the 3rd Assembly. New faces include Alex Bahati, Fatuma Ndangiza, Rutazana Francine, Barimuyabo Jean Claude and Uwumukiza Francoise.

Parliament of Burundi on their part elected Jean Marie Muhirwa, Leontine Nzeyimana, Ahingejeje Alfred, Burikukiye Marie Claire, Burikukiye Victor, Karerwa Mo-Mamo, Nduwayo Christophe, Rurakamvye Pierre Claver and Nsavyimana Sophie.

South Sudan's representatives are Dr Ann Itto Leonardo, Gai Deng Nhial Deng, Dr Woda Jaremiah Odok, Gabriel Garang Ahol and Dr Gabriel.

Garang Arol. Others are Thomas D Deng, Mukulia Kennedy Ayason, Kim Duop and Gideon Gatpan Thoar.

Meanwhile, preparations for the forthcoming Sitting are at an advanced stage in Arusha with a number of Speakers from the Partner States' Parliaments expected to grace the occasion.

EALA is an Organ of the East African Community established in 2001 with a mandate of legislation, representation and oversight.  It is constituted of nine elected members from each of the Partner States.