EALA elects new committee heads, readies for business

The East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) on Tuesday appointed new members to its six standing committees, bringing normality to the regional institution after a tumultuous 2014 in which the former Speaker was impeached for abuse of office. On Monday the House started its ongoing session in Arusha, Tanzania, by electing members of the Eala Commission. The new Eala Speaker, Uganda’s Daniel Kidega, chairs the Eala Commission. This principal committee, which manages the affairs of the Assembly, organizes the business and programme of the House and nominates members of the six other standing committees and any other special committees. The Assembly has seven committees in total. After members were appointed on Tuesday, the Committees immediately moved to elect Chairpersons and Rwandans ended up heading two committees. Abdul Karim Harelimana took over the Committee of Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources from Burundi’s Isabelle Ndahayo whileDr. Odette Nyiramilimo is the new chair of the General Purpose Committee, a position previously held by Burundi’s Dr. Martin Nduwimana. The Committee on Accounts, once led by Senator Jacqueline Muhongayire, is now headed by Burundi’s Jeremie Ngendakumana. Uganda’s Fred Mukasa Mbidde takes over the Communication, Trade and Investments Committee from Tanzania’s Angela Charles Kizigha. Kenya’s Peter Mathuki will chair the Legal Rules and Privileges committee, which was previously led by Uganda’s Dora Byamukama, while Tanzania’s Abdullah Mwinyi chairs the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee that was previously led by Kenya’s Abubakar Zein Abubakar. Each standing committee has 15 Members who will serve for the House’s remaining tenure of two and a half years. The tenure of the previous Committee chairpersons expired last November. Kidega optimistic after turbulent 2014 There was an air of tranquility as business resumed on Monday following last years wrangles over the former Speakers alleged abuse of office. Speaker Kidega, in an interview with The New Times assured EAC citizens that the Assembly is back on track and will not disappoint them. “Let us keep hope alive. The integration process is the best thing that ever happened to our region,” Kidega said. “I assure East Africans that EALA is back on track and that it will continue to fully serve their interests.

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EALA elects new committee heads, readies for business