East African Legislative Assembly

Swahili: Bunge la Afrika Mashariki

History
Founded| 30 November 2001
Leadership

Speaker

Joseph Ntakirutimana[1]

Structure
Seats| 62 (56 elected members, 8 ex-officio members)

Political groups

Independents: 50 seats

Jubilee Party: 5 seats

National Super Alliance: 4 seats

Rwandan Patriotic Front: 1 seat

Vacant: 2 seats

Meeting place
Arusha, Tanzania
Website
www.eala.org

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is a sub-organ of the larger East African Community, being the legislative arm of the Community. Members are sworn into five-year terms.[2]

## History

[edit]

Since colonial times, a number of organizations have sought to integrate the region of East Africa.[3] During the Victorian Era, rail links were established, and a number of regional organizations, such as the East African Currency Board and the East African Court of Appeal were established.[3] A new wave of agreements and organizations were launched during the mid-20th century.[3]

The Treaty for East African Co-operation was signed in 1967, launching the East African Community.[3] However, due to political differences and weak participation, the treaty was nullified in 1977, ending the East African Community.[3]

Despite this, interest in further regional cooperation continued.[3] On 14 May 1984, the East African Community Mediation Agreement was signed, which pledged to "explore and identify areas for future co-operation and to make arrangements for such co-operation".[3] On 26 November 1994, representatives from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania signed the Agreement for the Establishment of a Permanent Tripartite Commission, which established a commission to further cooperation among the three countries.[3] On 29 April 1999, the Tripartite Commission completed its analysis on the prospects of regional cooperation, and the three countries signed an agreement to upgrade the Agreement to a treaty for 2000.[3]

### First Assembly (2001-2006)

[edit]

The East African Legislative Assembly was inaugurated on 30 November 2001 as the legislative arm of the newly revived East African Community.[3] The Assembly met in Arusha, Tanzania, where the Tripartite Commission announced it would upgrade to a treaty.[3] Abdulrahman Kinana, an Elected Member from Tanzania was unanimous elected the Speaker of the First Assembly.[3] The First Assembly met until 2006.[4]

### Second Assembly (2007-2012)

[edit]

On 1 July 2007, Burundi and Rwanda joined the East African Community, and, therefore, the East Africa Legislative Assembly.[3] Abdirahim Abdi of Kenya served the Speaker of the Second Assembly.[5]

Chama Cha Mapinduzi: 7 seats

CNDD-FDD: 4 seats

KANU: 2 seats

CNDD: 1 seat

FORD Kenya: 1 seat

FORD People's Party: 1 seat

MRC: 1 seat

United Democratic Party: 1 seat

UPRONA: 1 seat

independents: 23 seats

CUD: 3 seats

The elected members of the second EALA (2007–12) break down by political party as follows:[5]

Political party  | Burundi  | Kenya  | Rwanda  | South Sudan  | Tanzania  | Uganda  | TOTAL

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Independents or unspecified |  | 5 | 9 | N/A |  | 9  | 23
Chama Cha Mapinduzi |  |  |  | N/A | 7 |  | 7
CNDD-FDD | 4 |  |  | N/A |  |  | 4
KANU |  | 2 |  | N/A |  |  | 2
CNDD | 1 |  |  | N/A |  |  | 1
FORD Kenya |  | 1 |  | N/A |  |  | 1
FORD People's Party |  | 1 |  | N/A |  |  | 1
MRC | 1 |  |  | N/A |  |  | 1
United Democratic Party |  |  |  | N/A | 1 |  | 1
UPRONA | 1 |  |  | N/A |  |  | 1
Chama cha Umma Demokrati |  |  | 1 | N/A | 1 | 1  | 3
Totals  | 9  | 9  | 8  | N/A  | 9  | 8  | 45
Elected Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[6] Name  | Country  | Political Party

|
|

Abdirahim Haithar Haji Abdi | Kenya  |
Catherine N Kimura  | Kenya  |
Christopher Dove Nakuleu  | Kenya  |
Gervase Mathias Buluma Kafwa Akhaabi  | Kenya  |
Clarkson Otieno Karan  | Kenya  |
Sarah Talaso Bonaya  | Kenya  |
Augustine Loile Chemonges Lotodo  | Kenya  |
Reuben Oyondi Oyondi  | Kenya  |
Safina Kwekwe Tsungu  | Kenya  |
George Francis Nangale  | Tanzania  |
Abdullah Ali Hassan Mwinyi  | Tanzania  |
Kate Sylivia / Magdalena Kamba  | Tanzania  |
Walid Aman Kabourou  | Tanzania  |
Fortunatus Lwanyantika Masha  | Tanzania  |
Didas John Massaburi  | Tanzania  |
Said Gharib Bilal  | Tanzania  |
Sebtuu Mohamed Nassor  | Tanzania  |
Janet Deo Mmari  | Tanzania  |
Mike Sebalu  | Uganda  |
Lydia Wanyoto Wanyoto  | Uganda  |
Dora Kanabahita Byamukama  | Uganda  |
Daniel Fred Kidega  | Uganda  |
Bernard Mulengani  | Uganda  |
Mugisha Oyera Muntu  | Uganda  |
Dan Wandera Ogalo  | Uganda  |
Nusura Tiperu Omar  | Uganda  |
| Uganda  |
Francois Bizimana  | Burundi  |
Regine Katabarumwe  | Burundi  |
Leonce Ndarubagiye  | Burundi  |
Frederic Ngenzebuhoro  | Burundi  |
Georgette Nibitanga  | Burundi  |
Nzobonimpa Manasse  | Burundi  |
| Burundi  |
| Burundi  |
| Burundi  |
Abdul Karim Harerimana  | Rwanda  | Rwandan Patriotic Front[7]
James Ndahiro  | Rwanda  | representative for the disabled[7]
Odette Nyiramirimo  | Rwanda  | representative for civil society[7]
Pierre Damian Habumuremyi  | Rwanda  | Rwandan Patriotic Front[7]
Claire Kayirangwa  | Rwanda  | Rwandan Patriotic Front[7]
Patricia Hajabakiga  | Rwanda  | Rwandan Patriotic Front[7]
Jacqueline Muhongayire  | Rwanda  | Social Democratic Party[7]
Straton Ndikuryayo  | Rwanda  | representative for youth[7]
Valerie Nyirahabineza | Rwanda  | representative for women[7] |

### Third Assembly (2012-2017)

[edit]

Margaret Zziwa of Uganda served as the speaker from 2012 to 2014.[4] She was the first woman to head the regional assembly and defeated her only rival Dora Byamukama 27 votes to 18 in the first round and 33 votes to 12 in the runoff.[8] She was succeeded by Daniel Kidega, who served from 2014 until the end of the Third Assembly in 2017.[9]

Elected Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[10] Name  | Country  | Political Party

|
|

Margaret Zziwa  | Uganda  |
Dora Byamukama  | Uganda  |
Dan Kidega  | Uganda  |
Fred Mbidde Mukasa  | Uganda  |
Bernard Mulengani  | Uganda  |
Susan Nakawuki | Uganda  |
Chris Opoka-Okumu  | Uganda  |
Mike Sebalu  | Uganda  |
Nusura Tiperu  | Uganda  |
Nancy Abisai  | Kenya  |
Abubakar Zein Abubakar  | Kenya  |
Sarah Bonaya  | Kenya  |
Peter Mathuki  | Kenya  |
Mumbi Ngaru  | Kenya  |
Saole Ole Nkanae  | Kenya  |
Abubakar Ogle  | Kenya  |
Joseph Kiangoi  | Kenya  |
Judith Pareno  | Kenya  |
Shy-Rose Bhanji  | Tanzania  |
Adam Kimbisa  | Tanzania  |
Angela Kizigha  | Tanzania  |
Bernard Murunya  | Tanzania  |
Abdullah Mwinyi  | Tanzania  |
Perprtua Nderakindo  | Tanzania  |
Makongoro Nyerere  | Tanzania  |
Issa Taslima  | Tanzania  |
Mariam Ussi Yahya  | Tanzania  |
Emerence Bucumi  | Burundi  |
Hafsa Mossi  | Burundi  |
Isabelle Ndahayo  | Burundi  |
Leonce Ndarubagiye  | Burundi  |
Martin Nduwimana  | Burundi  |
Emmanuel Nengo  | Burundi  |
Jeremie Ngendakumana  | Burundi  |
Frederic Ngenzebuhoro  | Burundi  |
Yves Nsabimana  | Burundi  |
Christophe Bazivamo  | Rwanda  |
Patricia Hajabakiga  | Rwanda  |
Abdulkarim Harelimana  | Rwanda  |
Jacqueline Muhongayire  | Rwanda  |
James Ndahiro  | Rwanda  |
Straton Ndikuryayo  | Rwanda  |
Valerie Nyirahabineza | Rwanda  |
Odette Nyiramilimo  | Rwanda  |
Pierre Celesitin Rwigema  | Rwanda  |  |

### Fourth Assembly (2017-2022)

[edit]

The Fourth Assembly has a total of 62 members, of which each member state submits 9 elected members, and 8 ex-officio members.[11] Its speaker is Martin Ngoga of Rwanda.[2]

The following table lists the elected members of the Fourth Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly:

Elected Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[2] Name  | Country  | Political Party

|
|

Mnyaa Habib Mohamed  | Tanzania  |
Nkuhi Fancy Haji  | Tanzania  |
Maryam Ussi Yahya  | Tanzania  |
Kimbisa Adam Omar  | Tanzania  |
Hasnuu Makame Abullah  | Tanzania  |
Lugiko Happyness Elias  | Tanzania  |
Maghembe Ngwaru  | Tanzania  |
Maasay Pamela Simon  | Tanzania  |
Josephine Sebastian Lemoyan | Tanzania  |
Thoar Gatpan Gideon  | South Sudan  |
Jago Odok Woda Jeremiah  | South Sudan  |
Ann Itto Leonardo | South Sudan  |
Gabriel Garang Aher Arol | South Sudan  |
Kim Gai Ruot Duop  | South Sudan  |
Deng Dut Gatkek Thomas  | South Sudan  |
Gabriel Alaak Garang Diing  | South Sudan  |
Deng Nhial Gai  | South Sudan  |
Ayason Mukulia Kennedy  | South Sudan  |
Christopher Opoka-Okumu  | Uganda  |
Susan Nakawuki | Uganda  |
Fred Mukasa Mbidde | Uganda  |
George Stephen Odongo  | Uganda  |
Dennis Namara  | Uganda  |
Musamali Paul Mwasa | Uganda  |
Kasamba Mathias  | Uganda  |
Rose Akol Okullu | Uganda  |
Mary Mugyenyi | Uganda  |
Flowrence Jematiah Sergon | Kenya  | Jubilee Party
Oburu Odinga | Kenya  | National Super Alliance
Noor Mohamed Adan  | Kenya  | Jubilee Party
Wanjiku Muhia | Kenya  | Jubilee Party
Simon Mbugua Nganga  | Kenya  | Jubilee Party
Kennedy Musyoka Kalonzo | Kenya  | National Super Alliance
Fatuma Ibrahim Ali | Kenya  | National Super Alliance
Aden Omar Abdikadir | Kenya  | National Super Alliance
Aburi Mpuru Lawrence  | Kenya  | Jubilee Party
Pierre-Célestin Rwigema | Rwanda  |
Kalinda Francois Xavier  | Rwanda  |
Martin Ngoga | Rwanda  | Rwandan Patriotic Front
Jean Claude Barimuyabo  | Rwanda  |
Alex Bahati  | Rwanda  |
Francoise Uwumukiza  | Rwanda  |
Francine Rutazana  | Rwanda  |
Fatuma Ndangiza | Rwanda  |
Oda Gasinzigwa | Rwanda  |
Léontine Nzeyimana | Burundi  |
Marie Claire Barikukiye | Burundi  |
Sophie Nsavyimana | Burundi  |
Alfred Ahingejeje  | Burundi  |
Mo-Mamo Karerwa | Burundi  |
Jean-Marie Muhirwa  | Burundi  |
Pierre Claver Rurakamvye  | Burundi  |
Victor Burikukiye  | Burundi  |
Christopher Nduwayo  | Burundi  |

The following table lists the ex-officio members of the Fourth Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly:

Ex-Officio Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[2] Name  | Country  | Political Party

|
|

Isabelle Ndahayo | Burundi  |
Francois Kalinda | Rwanda  |
Pierre-Célestin Rwigema | Rwanda  |
Maryam Ussi Yahya | Tanzania  |
Fred Mukasa Mbidde | Uganda  |
Susan Nakawuki | Uganda  |
Vacant  |  |
Vacant  |  |

### Fifth Assembly (2022-2027)

[edit]

The Fifth Assembly was inaugurated on 19 December 2022,[12] which included for the first time 9 members from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which had joined the EALA in March of that year.[13] Joseph Ntakarutimana of Burundi was elected as speaker of the 63-member parliamentary body.[14] In addition to the elected members, the fifth parliament included nine ex-officio members – one from each member nation, the secretary general, and the counsel – who serve as ministers of the East African Community Affairs.[15] The following table lists the elected members of the Fifth Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly:

Elected Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[16] Name  | Country  | Political Party

|
|

Jacqueline Amongin | Uganda  |
Gerald Blacks Siranda | Uganda  |
Veronica Kadogo | Uganda  |
James Kakooza | Uganda  |
Paul Mwasa Musamali  | Uganda  |
George Stephen Odongo  | Uganda  |
Dennis Namara  | Uganda  |
Mary Mugyenyi | Uganda  |
Rose Akol Okullu | Uganda  |
Mohame Juma Nadra  | Tanzania  |
Shogo Richard Mlozi  | Tanzania  |
James Kinyasi Millya  | Tanzania  |
Mashaka Khalfan Ngole  | Tanzania  |
Abdulla Hasnuu Makame  | Tanzania  |
Maghembe Jumanne Ng'waru  | Tanzania  |
Machano Ali Machano  | Tanzania  |
Angela Charles Kizigha  | Tanzania  |
Ansar Kachwamba  | Tanzania  |
Gabriel Garang Aher Arol | South Sudan  |
Thomson Luke Teny  | South Sudan  |
Sadia James Sebit  | South Sudan  |
Deng Gai | South Sudan  |
Gai Rut Kim  | South Sudan  |
Kennedy Aysason Mukulia  | South Sudan  |
Woda Jeremiah Odok Jago  | South Sudan  |
Ann Itto Leonardo | South Sudan  |
Gideon Gatpa Thoar  | South Sudan  |
Alex Bahati  | Rwanda  |
Françoise Uwumukiza  | Rwanda  |
Clément Musangabatware  | Rwanda  |
Francine Rutazana  | Rwanda  |
Aisha Nyiramana  | Rwanda  |
Mathias Harabemungu  | Rwanda  |
Alodie Iradukunda  | Rwanda  |
Caroline Rwivanga Kayonga  | Rwanda  |
Fatuma Ndangiza | Rwanda  |
Suleiman Said Shahbal  | Kenya  |
David Ole Sankok  | Kenya  |
Winnie Odinga | Kenya  |
Maina Godfrey Mwangi  | Kenya  |
Zipporah Kering Kurga  | Kenya  |
James Mathenge Kanini | Kenya  |
Kennedy Musyoka Kalonzo | Kenya  |
Falhada Dekow Iman  | Kenya  |
Hassan Omar Hassan  | Kenya  |
François Mangu Ngate  | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Stella Nyota Mwetaminwa  | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Joseph Mbombo Mundela  | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Jérémie Ilenda Maswama  | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Dorothé Nganiza Masirika  | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Géraldine Kalwa Kaubo  | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Evariste Kwete Kalala  | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Jean-Bertrand Ewanga | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Désiré Ipenda Boulu  | Democratic Republic of Congo  |
Olivier Nkurunziza  | Burundi  |
Anastase Manirambona | Burundi  |
Saidi Kibeya | Burundi  |
Cathy Kezimana | Burundi  |
Mo-Mamo Karerwa | Burundi  |
Victor Burikukiye  | Burundi  |
Goreth Bigirimana  | Burundi  |
Gabriel Ntisezerana | Burundi  |
Joseph Ntakirutimana  | Burundi  |

## Composition

[edit]

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete addressing the Assembly

As of the Fourth Assembly, the East African Legislative Assembly has 62 members, of which each member state submits 9 elected members, and 8 ex-officio members.[11]

According to Article 50 of the East African Community Treaty, members are elected by their respective country's national legislature.[11] Article 50 also calls upon said members to reflect their country's political parties, opinions, gender composition, and other special groups.[11]

The ex-officio members of the Assembly are to be each member state's minister for regional cooperation, the Secretary General of the East African Community, and the Counsel to the Community.[11]

## Functions

[edit]

Article 49 of the East African Community Treaty stipulates that the responsibilities of the East African Legislative Assembly are to "be the legislative organ of the Community", "liaise with the National Assemblies of the Partner States on matters relating to the Community", "debate and approve the budget of the Community", "consider annual reports on the activities of the Community, annual audit reports of the Audit Commission and any other reports referred to it by the Council", "discuss all matters pertaining to the Community and make recommendations to the Council as it may deem necessary for the implementation of the Treaty", "establish any committee or committees for such purposes as it deems necessary", "recommend to the Council the appointment of the Clerk and other officers of the Assembly", and "make its rules of procedure and those of its committees".[17]

## Committees

[edit]

As Article 49 of the East African Community Treaty outlines, the East African Legislative Assembly has the right to "establish any committee or committees for such purposes as it deems necessary".[17] As of 2020, the Assembly has the following seven committees:[17]

* The Commission Committee
* The Accounts Committee
* The Committee on Legal, Rules, and Privileges
* The Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources
* The Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution
* The Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment
* The Committee on General Purpose

## Activities since inauguration

[edit]

This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

Since its inauguration, EALA has held several sittings as a Plenary in Arusha, Kampala and Nairobi. During these sittings, EALA has:

* adopted its rules of procedure;
* elected the Speaker of the Assembly;
* recommended to the Council of Ministers the appointment of the Officers of the Assembly;
* approved the budgets for the EAC for the 2002-3 and 2003-4 fiscal years;
* asked the Council of Ministers 19 questions, which were duly answered;
* adopted five resolutions;
* held seminars on a wide range of issues in relation to their mandate; and
* passed six bills into law.

The Committees have continuously got briefs from the Secretariat and given advice with regard to progress in the implementation of the Treaty.

## Impact

[edit]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2020)

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One 2015 paper suggested that the structure of the East African Community Treaty created the East African Community in a way that the East African Legislative Assembly often butted heads with the East African Community Council of Ministers, which harmed the efficacy of the Assembly.[18]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Rwanda's Ngoga elected EALA speaker". Daily Monitor. Uganda. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
2. ^ a b c d "4th Assembly 2017- 2022 —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "History of the East African Legislative Assembly —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
4. ^ a b "Zziwa, Margaret N —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
5. ^ a b "2nd Assembly 2007 – 2012 —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
6. ^ "EALA Members - 2nd Assembly". EALA. Arusha, Kenya: East African Legislative Assembly. 2024. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Kimenyi, Felly (12 May 2008). "Parliament Elects Rwanda's Representatives to the EALA". The New Times. Kigali, Rwanda. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
8. ^ "Uganda's Zziwa Replaces Abdi As EALA Speaker". Al Bawaba. Amman, Jordan. AllAfrica. 6 June 2012. – via ProQuest 1019553982 (subscription required)
9. ^ "Kidega, Daniel F —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
10. ^ "Third EALA Inaugurated at Chamber". Al Bawaba. Amman, Jordan. AllAfrica. 7 June 2012. – via ProQuest 1019552705 (subscription required)
11. ^ a b c d e "Composition of the Assembly —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
12. ^ Ubwani, Zephania (15 December 2022). "Rwanda Picks New EALA Members, DRC Awaited". The Citizen. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
13. ^ Havyarimana, Moses (20 December 2022). "New Members of East Africa's Regional Assembly Sworn In". The EastAfrican. Nairobi, Kenya. Archived from the original on 21 August 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
14. ^ "Burundian Lawmaker Elected Speaker for the East African Legislative Assembly". APA News. Dakar, Sénégal. African Press Agency. 20 December 2022. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
15. ^ "EALA Elects New Members of Commission". Daily News. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 26 December 2022. Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
16. ^ "EALA Members - 5th Assembly". EALA. Arusha, Kenya: East African Legislative Assembly. 2024. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
17. ^ a b c "The East African Legislative Assembly —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
18. ^ Gastorn, Kennedy (2015). "The Inevitable Reforms of the Legislative Competencies of the East African Legislative Assembly". Verfassung und Recht in Übersee / Law and Politics in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 48 (1): 28–48. doi:10.5771/0506-7286-2015-1-28. ISSN 0506-7286. JSTOR 26160046. S2CID 154384509.

Authority control databases

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