The second week of the sensitisation of stakeholders in the Partner States has commenced and will see EALA Members continue with its outreach to regional stakeholders. The sensitisation activities which run up to the back-end of next week are themed:”EAC Integration Agenda: Accessing the Gains”.
In Uganda the Members met a number of stakeholders, with the country’s chapter’s outreach programme including courtesy calls on cabinet ministers and high ranking government officials.
During the meeting with Mr Otafiire the highlights of discussions focused on strengthening integration in readiness for the political federation, with the Minister assuring the legislators that the region was fully committed to the integration dispensation.
The EALA Chapter led by Hon Nusura Tiperu also met with the Minister for Trade, Hon Amelia Kyambadde where both parties agreed that Partner States need to ensure standardization of goods and to create an environment that facilitates trade. The legislators then paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Finance, Hon. Mattia Kasaijja and other parastatals. The EALA Members were joined by a section of their colleagues from the Burundi chapter.
Meanwhile, in Kigali, the EALA Chapter led by the Chairperson Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, held an interactive session with representatives and the membership of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Rwanda led by the Chief Executive officer, Stephen Ruzibiza.
The PSF members urged EALA to ensure the total and complete elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers on the corridors especially the Northern Corridor. Last year, EALA enacted the EAC Elimination of NTBs Bill 2015 and the piece of legislation is currently undergoing assent in the Partner States.
The sensitisation and outreach programs of the Assembly in the Republics of Kenya, Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania were also on course.
This is the second phase of the outreach programme following a successful phase held in the Partner States in April 2016. The three-week activity hopes to sensitise EAC citizens on the overall integration process and to promote liaision with key stakeholders in the process.
Stakeholders include representatives of local Government associations, and Universities and learning institutions. Other stakeholders are media, Parliaments, women and youth councils, the Private Sector and the women and youth organisations.
Sensitisation is a key component of EALA’s work. The EALA Strategic Plan (2013-2018) envisages a people-centred approach to widening and deepening of the integration agenda.
