EALA wraps up virtual sessions with key matters still unresolved
EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana entering the Chamber during a past session. The just-ended session was held virtually. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The decision to hold the sessions virtually, rather than in person as customary, was prompted by financial constraints. In addition to approving budgets, EALA members deliberated on a range of critical committee reports covering pressing regional issues, including security, agroecology, regional payment systems integration, and the campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM).
Arusha. The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has concluded its virtual special sessions, during which it approved the East African Community (EAC) budget for the 2025/26 financial year.
The Assembly endorsed a total budget of $109.05 million and passed two supplementary budgets for the ongoing 2024/25 fiscal year.
The decision to hold the sessions virtually, rather than in person as customary, was prompted by financial constraints. In addition to approving budgets, EALA members deliberated on a range of critical committee reports covering pressing regional issues, including security, agroecology, regional payment systems integration, and the campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM).
However, the Assembly adjourned sine die, without setting a date for resumption, leaving several significant motions and legislative proposals pending.
Among the unresolved matters was a motion urging the EAC Council of Ministers to renew and extend employment contracts for shortterm staff.
Also deferred were two legislative proposals: the EAC Statistics Bureau Bill, 2018, and the EAC Standards, Accreditation, and Conformity Assessment Bill, 2023. Another highly anticipated item, the report by the Committee on Legal, Rules and Privileges regarding allegations against former EAC Secretary General, Dr Peter Mathuki, was also postponed.
The matter is now pending further consultations with the chair of the EAC Council of Ministers. Dr Mathuki, appointed as EAC Secretary General on February 27, 2021, became the first person to exit the role before completing the stipulated five-year term. He was dismissed in March 2024 following serious allegations of misconduct and mismanagement. He was later appointed the country’s ambassador to the Russian Federation by Kenyan President William Ruto.
Reports quoted on The East African website cited concerns regarding the expenditure of over $6 million without the approval of the regional parliament.
The matter was raised by an EALA member from Uganda, Dennis Namara, who is also the chairperson of the finance subcommittee. He said failure to seek approval of the House on the said expenditure was a flagrant violation of the financial rules governing the Treaty establishing the EAC.
Reports on the East African website further said Dr Mathuki was present at the assembly but did not address the allegations against him. In his closing address, EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana commended members for their dedication, particularly in approving the EAC budget under the constraints of a virtual format. However, he advised against normalising virtual sessions.
“We hope all stakeholders now understand the challenges associated with this system. It should not become the norm, except under special circumstances,” he said.
