EAC wants stronger anti-corruption laws

KAMPALA - Officials from EAC partner states have called on the regional bloc to ensure that there are strict laws that will pave way for recovery of government funds stolen by corrupt government officials in the region. The recommendation was made during the just concluded two-day, 2nd EAC Good Governance conference in Nairobi, Kenya. “Legal instruments for recovery and forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth should be developed and effectively implemented,” the over 100 delegates recommended in a statement issued shortly after the closure of the conference, on Friday. They called for full exploration of alternatives to prosecution including measures such, exposure, and voluntary surrender of the proceeds from corruption. Amaible Havugiyaremye, a Principle State Attorney in the Ministry of Justice underscored the need to sensitize people on the ills of corruption, adding that it’s a vice when not dealt with early enough can negatively affect the larger population in society. Officials also said that there is need to expedite conclusion of the protocol on good governance with emphasis on entrenching provisions that promote popular participation and people centeredness in good governance issues. The EAC Deputy Secretary General (Political Federation), Beatrice Kiraso, had earlier said that the draft protocol on good governance was yet to reach the partner states for consultation, and that the process had begun with broader stakeholders like Chiefs of Justice and National Parliamentarians. On the role of media in promotion of good governance, delegates recommended the need to develop and implement regional mechanisms that guide development of a media that is responsible, responsive, professional and accountable. Fred Mufulukye, the Director General of Territorial Administration and Governance in the Ministry of Local Government, said that the media requires quality control to ensure that its role does not jeopardize national sovereignty, national development and social cohesion. The resolutions from the conference will be incorporated in the ongoing EAC programmes towards promoting good governance. Ends