EALA swears in new member

By Vision Reporter

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has sworn in Dr Susan Alphonce Kolimba, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation in the United Republic of Tanzania, as an Ex-Officio Member. 

The Oath of Allegiance to the House was administered by the Clerk of EALA, before the EALA Speaker, Daniel F. Kidega.

Dr.Kolimba took the oath in accordance with Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. The Rules of Procedure say in part that: "No Member can sit or participate in the proceedings of the House until the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Treaty is taken".

Rule 5(5) specifically states that "when a Member first attends to take his or her seat other than at the first sitting of a new House, he or she shall be brought to the table by two Members and presented by them to the Speaker who shall then administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance".

The EAC Treaty under Article 48 provides that the Assistant Minister, Deputy Minister of Minister of State may only participate in the meetings of the Assembly when the substantive Minister responsible for East African Community Affairs is unable to participate.

The Deputy Minister was ushered into the House by Angela Kizigha and Shyrose Bhanji. 

In her maiden speech, Kolimba who immediately assumes the Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers assured the House that the United Republic of Tanzania is fully committed to the ideals of integration and of her intention to ensure the objectives of the Community are realised.

Dr Kolimba, was appointed Deputy Minister by President John Pombe Magufuli in the cabinet named in December 2015.

Prior to her appointment, Dr. Kolimba rose through the ranks of the academic world to become Dean, Faculty of Law at the Open University of Tanzania, a position she held from 2010 to late 2015. 

Dr Kolimba, whose background is entrenched in law, taught in the institution for a number of years and also served in various administrative capacities. 

She holds a Ph.D. in Law from the Russian Peoples' Friendship University, Moscow and a Master's degree from the same institution.