The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has called on Members of Parliament from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to champion the cause of a united East Africa as Uganda prepares to host the regional Assembly's sittings.
EALA will convene its plenary sessions in Uganda from October 20 to November 12, 2024, as part of its initiative to strengthen regional ties, facilitate cooperation, and promote economic integration among East African Community (EAC) member states.
President Yoweri Museveni is set to officially open the EALA sessions on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
At a harmonization meeting with Uganda's representatives to EALA on October 18, 2024, Speaker Among encouraged the MPs to advocate for a barrier-free East Africa that fosters trade and movement between countries.
“We want you to champion a united East Africa, where trade can flow freely and people can move easily across borders,” Among stated. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing legislation and policies that directly benefit local communities by facilitating cross-border trade and movement.
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Among pledged full support from Uganda's Parliament to ensure the East African Parliament can fulfill its responsibilities. She also urged EALA MPs to engage with their Ugandan counterparts to exchange knowledge for the benefit of the EAC.
Hon. Jacquiline Amongin (Independent, EALA) highlighted that these regional sittings would offer Uganda’s MPs a chance to engage in open discussions with regional MPs, providing valuable feedback.
Hon. Gerald Siranda (Democratic Party, EALA) encouraged the public to submit their petitions, which will be addressed by various committees. “This sitting is an opportunity for us to hear from the people and understand their concerns regarding what they want the East African Parliament to tackle,” he noted.
Kumi Municipality MP Hon. Silas Aogon urged regional legislators to focus on improving cross-border communication challenges during the upcoming sittings.
Hon. Paul Musamali (NRM, EALA) mentioned the implementation of the One Network Area (ONA) initiative, aimed at reducing high telecommunications costs in the region. According to Musamali, ONA has now expanded to six of the eight EAC partner states, with DR Congo and Somalia being the exceptions.
Other representatives to EALA include Hon. Rose Akol (NRM), Hon. George Odongo (NRM), Hon. James Kakooza (NRM), Hon. Mary Mugyenyi (NRM), Hon. Dennis Namara (NRM), and Hon. Veronica Babirye Kadogo (Independent).
