Matukio EAC : EALA Speaker Calls on President of Rwanda Senate

Rt Hon Daniel Kidega shakes hands with the Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Hon Uwimanampaye Jean d' Arc as the Speaker, Rt. Hon Donatile Mukabalisa and Deputy Speaker, Hon Abbas Mukama look on.

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Rt. Hon Donatile Mukabalisa shares a light moment with the Speaker of EALA Rt. Hon Daniel Kidega.

President of the Senate, Rt. Hon Bernard Makuza (right) exchanges notes with the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Daniel Kidega (centre) as Hon Christophe Bazivamo looks on

The President of the Senate, Rt. Hon Bernard Makuza bids farewell to the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Daniel

The Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon Daniel Kidega is calling for further strengthening of relations between the regional Assembly and the national Parliaments to bolster the integration process.

Rt. Hon Kidega yesterday paid a courtesy call on the President of the Rwanda Senate, Rt. Hon Bernard Makuza and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Rt. Hon Donatile Mukabalisa in their respective chambers.

Rt. Hon Kidega hailed the Senate for its role in development of the country through effective oversight, legislation and its outreach program.  He said the Senate had played a key role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy and enhancing inter-parliamentary relations, commending its’ approach as progressive.

He informed the President of the Senate that EALA had at its 4th meeting in Arusha (January 2015), passed a Resolution to establish a Select Committee on genocide. The Select Committee is to study and consider ways and means of combating, outlawing and preventing genocide.   It shall make proposals on how EALA and other institutions of the EAC can provide leadership in the fight and prevention of genocide.  This should include the development of instruments and institutional capacity in the Community.

“This matter is close to my heart. When the genocide happened 21 years ago, it had a devastating effect on Rwanda and the region as a whole and we say it should never happen again,” Rt. Hon Kidega remarked.

The EALA Speaker stated that regional legislature had among other things, earmarked re-branding as one of its priorities following the leadership crisis it suffered last year. He thanked the Senate and Chamber of Deputies for bearing with EALA and for letting the democratic will of the people to be realized on the one side while embracing the principle of non-interference on the other hand.

He remarked that EALA was keen to catch up on with the backlog of pending work.  At the last Sitting in Arusha in January, we passed 2 key bills while another six sailed through the first reading.   A number of resolutions and reports were also debated and adopted.  We are on the run as an Assembly, and there is no looking back for now,” Speaker Kidega said.

The President of the Rwanda Senate, Rt. Hon. Bernard Makuza challenged EALA to refocus and to ensure it served the citizens of the EAC region with utmost dedication.  He remarked that the Rwanda Senate and the country as a whole, remained totally committed to the integration process.

“We shall play our part in enhancing the collaboration through the continuous participation in key activities such as the Inter-Parliamentary Relations seminars and the Inter-Parliamentary games which are good for sensitization of the publics”, Rt. Hon Makuza maintained.

Rt. Hon. Makuza also affirmed that the Senate would collaborate closely with the Select Committee on genocide to enable it accomplish its work.He said the Senate had initiated research into the genocide ideology and revisionism of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

“The research is expected to be completed in the next three months,” Rt. Hon. Makuza remarked.In attendance were the Vice Presidents of the Senate, Hon Harerimana Fatou and Hon Gakuba Jean d’Arc and EALA Members, Hon Christophe Bazivamo and Hon Celestine Kabahizi.

Earlier on, the EALA Speaker met with the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Rt. Hon Donatile Mukabalisa and discussions delved on matters of mutual benefit to both Assemblies. Rt. Hon Kidega lauded the Parliament of Rwanda Chamber of Deputies for the good work it was undertaking at the national level thus contributing to the transformation of the country through legislation.

He lauded the Council of Ministers for the recent introduction of the Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Bill, 2014 at EALA, noting that, if passed, would ensure free movement of goods for the betterment of the Community.

He re-echoed that Rwanda’s development was on track owing to the incisive leadership of President Paul Kagame.  “We are proud that we can associate with H.E Kagame and with the developments of this great country,” Rt. Hon Kidega said.

“I also hail the group of legislators that Rwanda has sent to the regional Assembly.  They are great debaters”, he added.   The Speaker paid tribute to Hon Abdulkarim Harelimana, a former EALA Member who resigned last month.   Hon Harelimana was appointed a Member of the Rwanda Elders Advisory Council.

Rt. Hon Mukabalisa said much more could be achieved through the EAC Speakers’ Forum including exploring avenues to facilitate the harmonization of national laws to the EAC Acts, implementation of the resolutions passed and sharing of best practices.

The Speaker pledged support to EALA noting that the new Speaker had come in after a challenging period that called for re-doubling of all efforts.  “I wish you well,” Rt. Hon Mukabalisa said.

Present at the occasion were Deputy Speakers, Hon Abass Mukama and Hon Uwimanampaye Jeanne d’ Arc. EALA Members Hon Christophe Bazivamo and Hon Celestine Kabahizi also attended.

Rwanda has a bicameral Parliament.  The Senate (Upper House) and the Chamber of Deputies. After the transitional period (1994-2003), the first legislature of the Chamber of Deputies commenced in the year 2003 up until the year 2008 while the second legislature’s term ended in 2013.

The first legislature of the Senate on its part, commenced in 2003 and ended in 2011. The term of the second legislature of the Senate is expected to end in 2019.