#EalaUpadates 10/03/2016-17/03/2016: EALA began 2week bunge session last Tuesday here in Dar and the following took place: 

1. The opening session was graced by Premier Kassim Majaliwa on behalf of HE John Pombe Magufuli who is also the Chair of EAC Summit. 

• He highlighted a number of key issues pertaining to EAC integration such as the implementation of Single Customs Territory which has achieved minimum clearance time for goods at Ports and Customs.
• Development of One Stop Border Posts has reduced travel time for passengers and freight vehicles. EAC has done very well in reducing Tarrif related barriers. He underlined the importance of sensitization and awareness creation to the people so that they realise full benefits of integration. 

2. Eala passed a Motion for a Resolution to congratulate SSudan’s admission to EAC 

3. Eala also debated and passed a Bill on Disaster Risk Reduction Management which aims at curbing the impact of disasters in EAC coutries. The Bill now awaits assent by Heads of States in EAC.

4. The EAC Sectretary General bid farewell to Eala after the expiry of 5year term. 

During the 2nd weeks (Tue, Wed n Thu 15/03/2016-17/03/2016) the following took place:

1. The EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016 (first reading)

2. The EAC Customs Management Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016. (First reading)

3. The EAC Sectional Properties Bill, 2016. (First reading).

4. Report of Accounts Committee on the oversight activity undertaken to EAC Institutions was read, debated and passed. Among other challenges the report highlighted funding as one of the challenges facing Lake Victoria Fisheried Organisation (LVFO-one of EAC Instition). 

In my contribution I highlighted the importance of Lake Victoria hence the need for all parter states of EAC to inject more funds so that LVFO carry its operations smoothly. On the look of things LVFO is an integration agenda given the extent of the impact in Eac. 

• Lake Victoria has a multi sectoral dimension….it is a source of food sufficiency, employment to many who live and work on the shores of this lake; and source of income to the communities from fish export markets.
• I also called on LVFO to put in place sensitization strategy to reach out many stakeholders; public and private sectors so that with this awareness it will be easy to raise funds and carry out its operations smoothly. In my view, the biggest challenge facing LVFO is that little if anything is known by key stakeholders and the public. 

5. The Committee of Legal, Rules and Privileges on the oversight activity on the harmonisation of National Lawas in the EAC context was read, debated and passed. 

ACTIONS TAKEN BY EAC COUTRIES TO HARMONISE THEIR NATIONAL LAWS:

• Partner States are at different stages of implementation of the directives of Eac Council of Ministers on the harmonisation on national laws.
• The Commitee observed that the Partner States are very slow in amending their laws to comply with the directive of Council of Ministers of Eac.

6. Eala moved a Motion for a Resolution to bid farewell to Hon. Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera who is the outgoing SG of EAC. During the debate Members paid tribute to Dr. Sezibera for all the achievements during his 5year term.  Some of these achievements include the recent introduction of the International Eac e-passport, ratification of the Monetary Union, reduction of Ntbs, Single Customs Territory and One Stop Border Posts in Eac. All these developments have contributed to the increase in intra Eac trade. 

7. Eala passed a Motion for a Resolution to thank the Founding Fathers and their First Ladies of the First EAC (1967-1977). 

• Eala members paid tribute to the founding fathers; HE Julius Nyerere, HE Milton Obote and HE Jomo Kenyatta.
• The assembly also registered great appreciation to the former First Ladies for supporting their husbands.
• The Assembly requested First Ladies: Mama Maria Nyerere, Mama Ngina Kenyatta and Mama Miriam Obote to grace the next special sitting in Arusha.

8. Private Member’s Bill on Eac Counter Trafficking in Persons was introduced. This Bill seeks for common measures to prevent prosecution of perpetrators of trafficking in persons.  Eala completed its 2week session today 17/03/2016. Bunge was adjourned until next sitting in Arusha.