HE PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SUPPORTS PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATION AT EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (EALA)

H.E. PRESIDENT MUSEVENI INDICATES HIS SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATION AT EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

 ARUSHA: HE President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has indicated his support for
private sector representation in EALA. The President was addressing the
newly appointed Board of the East African Business Council, led by the new
Chairman Hon. Gerald Ssendaula, at State House Entebbe on Thursday 29th
March 2012. 

EABC Chair Hon Ssendaula Shakes Hands with HE President Museveni at Statehouse Entebbe

In presenting issues of private sector concern in the EAC integration
process, the private sector pointed out the key role of the EALA and the
need to ensure that Private sector was duly involved in carrying out this
role. "The EAC integration process is people-centred and market driven -
meaning that the private sector is at the heart of EAC's strategy for
accelerating regional growth, creating wealth, reducing poverty, " Hon.
Ssendaula said and pointed out that private sector was eligible for
Membership in EALA. He drew the President's attention to Art. 50 of the EAC
Treaty (1999), which called for the 9 Members of EALA to be drawn from,
among others,  the various political parties represented in the National
Assembly, shades of opinion, gender and other special interest groups in
that Partner State. 

 In presenting issues of private sector concern in the EAC integration
process, the private sector pointed out the key role of the EALA and the
need to ensure that Private sector was duly involved in carrying out this
role. "The EAC integration process is people-centred and market driven -
meaning that the private sector is at the heart of EAC's strategy for
accelerating regional growth, creating wealth, reducing poverty, " Hon.
Ssendaula said and pointed out that private sector was eligible for
Membership in EALA. He drew the President's attention to Art. 50 of the EAC
Treaty (1999), which called for the 9 Members of EALA to be drawn from,
among others,  the various political parties represented in the National
Assembly, shades of opinion, gender and other special interest groups in
that Partner State.  

HE President Museveni Addresses EABC members at State house Entebbe

In responding to this issue, the President supported private sector's
representation in EALA and acknowledged the key role played by the private
sector in moving forward the EAC integration process. He indicated he would
request his own political party - the National Resistance Movement (NRM), to
nominate a private sector person as one of its EALA representatives. The
private sector requested his support in ensuring all the Partner States'
support.

Other issues discussed include a request to the President not to assent to
the EALA East African Polythene Material Control Bill, which had ignored
private sector's input despite receiving it. Other matters ranged from the
need to address infrastructural impediments like power, roads and rail to
implementation of the Common Market. Attached Memorandum has more details.

The President also underscored the important role of wealth creation by the
private sector and urged the public sector, as business facilitators, to
ensure regular consultations were held with the private sector on all
matters affecting the private sector. 
 

HE President Museveni meeting with East African Business Council 29 March.

  
What is East African Business Council (EABC)

 The East African Business Council (EABC) is the apex body of business
associations of the Private Sector and Corporates from the 5 East African
Countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the Private
Sector in the integration process of the East African Community. Originally
comprising members from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, its membership was
expanded after 2007 to include private sector from Burundi and Rwanda.   

EABC's overarching objective is to be the dynamic apex body of the private
sector in the East African Community, in fostering sustained economic growth
and prosperity in the region. EABC therefore provides a regional platform
through which the business community can present their concerns at the EAC
policy level, with the overall aim of creating a more conducive business
environment through targeted policy reforms.  

Additionally, EABC also works towards promoting private sector's regional &
global competitiveness in trade and Investment through addressing challenges
experienced by Members at organizational and firm level; and through
provision of tailored market intelligence. Our key stakeholders are
primarily the EAC Secretariat, the Business Community as represented through
Members and their affiliates, National Policy Makers, EAC organs and
institutions and other key national and regional organizations working
towards enhancing private sector participation in the EAC and global
integration. EABC has an "Observer Status" at the EAC, which enables us to
attend and participate in all relevant EAC activities and deliberations, not
only at the Secretariat but also in other organs and institutions.