KIGALI - The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) will meet in Kigali, next week, for its plenary session, a 10-day gathering that will start on September 5.

EALA is the legislative arm of the East African Community (EAC) and has legislative functions as well as oversight of all matters pertaining to the bloc.

In an interview, Bobi Odiko, the EALA Senior Public Relations Officer, said that the meeting will debate on various bills, including the EAC Trans-boundary Ecosystem Management Bill of 2010.

"The Assembly to be presided by Speaker Abdirahin H. Abdi, shall, during this period, discuss matters of legislative business and debate on bills like the EAC Trans-boundary bill and the amendment of the inter-university council of EAC bill,” he said.

According to reports, if trans-boundary bill is passed, it would enhance the quality of the environment and also ensure sustainable utilisation of shared natural resources in the bloc.

However, according to the agenda of the plenary, the much contested harmonisation of tuition fees among regional varsities will not feature in the inter-university bill amendment.

"It will not be discussed, unless someone raises it during the session,” Odiko said.

He added that the first plenary session in Kigali will be addressed by President Paul Kagame.

The regional legislators are also expected to receive a number of reports for consideration by the oversight committee among them a report of the committee on science and technology.

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