Parliament resumes business today

KIMIHURURA - Following a two month recess both chambers of parliament are today expected to convene for the third term of the year 2009 sessions. Senate President Dr. Vincent Biruta and Parliamentary Speaker Rose Mukantabana, are expected to officiate over the sessions in the Senate and Lower Chamber respectively. Top of the senatorial agenda is to review, assess and approve a bill establishing the Rwanda Education Board. “The bill seeks to establish the function, operations and structure of the Rwanda Education Board,” reads the senatorial weekly programme. The board is expected to merge six institutions which include; the National Curriculum Development Centre, Teacher Service Commission, General Inspectorate, National Examination Council, Student Financing Agency of Rwanda (SFAR) and incorporation of an ICT in Education and Open Distance e-learning. However, the Higher Education Council (HEC) and Workforce Development Authority were left out of the merger. The Senate is also expected to review the April report on the discipline and individual conduct of Senators. The report was compiled and released on April 17 but its details have not been made public. Senators who traveled out of the country on official duty are also expected to present reports on their tours. Meanwhile, The Lower Chamber of Parliament has summoned the Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza, to explain the country’s economic policy and other issues related to the management of the economy. “Part of the bills to be tabled before the House includes a preamble of the bill that seeks to merge all laws related to elections into one,” Director of Communication’s in Parliament, Augustin Habimana, said. He also added that during this term, the Parliament will resume its amendment of the lengthy Penal Code. Ends