Eala launch in limbo as legislature faces $1.4 million budget shortfall

Arusha. Scarcity of funds looms large with a few weeks remaining before the unveiling of the 5th East African Legislative Assembly (Eala).

The regional parliament needs at least $ 1.4 million to perform all activities associated with the inauguration of its fifth edition.

The five year tenure of the current Eala, a legislative arm of the East African Community (EAC), ends on December 16th.

A source close to the Arusha-based organ intimated to The Citizen that unveiling of the House could ground without sufficient funds availed.

The inauguration plenary of the House entails a host of administrative support procedures to last for five to six days.

The newly elected MPs - 63 of them from the seven partner states - will have to be provided with air tickets to Arusha, among scores of ex-Officio members.

The funds availed so far are able to cover only a two-day activity “which is totally insufficient to perform all these,” said a note seen by this paper.

The House is now requesting the EAC Council of Ministers to intervene quickly by approving a supplementary budget for the purpose.

Out of the needed $1.4 million, some $326,580 will be for the inauguration plenary for the 5th Assembly on December 17th.

Another $ 380,200m will be spent for the inaugural induction training for the new MPs, some of whom without any previous experience as a lawmaker.

The induction programme helps the members to adjust to their new assignment and in so doing widening their understanding of the EAC integration agenda.

Eala is also seeking a supplementary budget to the tune of $770,280 for the inaugural outreach activity for its new members.

The outreach activity, specifically to the northern and central trade corridors, will enable them to acquaint themselves with what will shape their five year tenure.

Eala has often defended the outreach programme in that the new MPs would also visit a dozen EAC institutions scattered throughout the region.

“No budget provision was availed for this very important activity,” the regional Assembly said in its request for supplementary budget.

Outreach programmes also serve to enhance the abilities of the MPs as they seek for an efficient and effective Assembly.