Gender Bill top on agenda as EALA sitting begin in Kigali next week

The EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016 is among the three key legislations on agenda as the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) holds its rotational two-week sitting in Kigali, starting next week. The Bill which makes provision for gender equality, protection and development in the regional bloc was deferred during the last sitting held in Kampala. As is customary whenever EALA sits in Partner States, President Paul Kagame, as the host Head of State, is expected to address a Special Sitting sometime next week, according to a statement from the regional assembly. The session which will conclude on March 16, will also look at the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill and the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill. The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill moved by MP Patricia Hajabakiga (Rwanda) aims at providing a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene materials. The Bill was re-introduced during the August 2016 sitting in Arusha, Tanzania. The EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016, on its part, anticipates provision of legal framework for matters relating to sexual and reproductive health, to protect children, adolescents and young children from sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation and to provide for assisted reproductive technology and for related matters. Also to be deliberated on during the two week period are reports from various Committees of the House, including that of the Communications, Trade and Investment Committee on the status of the Railway Infrastructure Development in the Partner States and another on the oversight activity on the One Network Area in the EAC.

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Gender Bill top on agenda as EALA sitting begin in Kigali next week