EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY ______IN THE EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (EALA) The Official Report of the Proceedings of the East African Legislative Assembly 142nd Sitting – Third Assembly: First Meeting – Fifth Session Thursday, 25 August 2016 The East African Legislative Assembly met at 2:30 p.m. in the Chamber of the Assembly, EAC Headquarters in Arusha, . PRAYER (The Speaker, Mr. Daniel .F. Kidega, in the Chair.)

(The Assembly was called to order) ______Mr Mathuki: Mr Speaker, I thank you and COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR the honourable Minister, but I thought if she is invoking Rule 40, which is for personal The Speaker: Honourable Members – information, then she should have allowed (Interjection) - you to pronounce yourself on her motion before proceeding with her submission. The Minister in the Office of the President for East African Community The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. Affairs, Burundi (Ms Leontine Peter Mathuki, Chair of Legal, Rules and Nzeyimana) (Ex-Officio): On a point of Privileges Committee. I had given the Information, Mr Speaker., in line with Rule honourable Minister a chance to hear from 40 of the Rules of Procedure, I am standing her. I was going to give her a chance to to raise a matter of public concern. speak and then guide her to move formally under that Rule, but I kindly beg for her Mr Speaker, first of all, I wish to thank you indulgence to allow me to communicate a very much for the able manner in which you few things. Immediately after my are steering the House. We the members of communication, I will give her a chance to the Council of Ministers are happy with you, speak under the provided rule. Thank you so and we appreciate the cordial relationship much. we share – (Interruption) –

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR engage with them on your behalf on Monday. (i) FOOTBAL MATCH WITH WAZEE CLUB Honourable members, you recall very vividly yesterday that the Rt hon. Deputy The Speaker: Honourable members, as you Prime Minister and also sitting in for the may be aware, we are preparing for the Inter Chair, Council of Ministers vividly urged Parliamentary Games due in November- this House to read and be informed to December in the Republic of Kenya. The provide leadership. He has walked the talk EALA soccer team has arranged a friendly and he has written two books: “The Sapoba match with the Wazee Club. I am seeing legacy, a story of ideals and idealism in many members looking at hon. Leonce, but Ugandan politics and family life” by Mr the Wazee Club is a football club, well Kirunda Kivejinja, Bidandi Ssali and Kintu established in Arusha here. It comprises of Musoke. These are icons in the politics of senior citizens of Africa who live in Arusha. Uganda. The second book is, “Uganda, the Hon. Leonce confirms that he is a member crisis of confidence” written solely by Mr of the club. Kirunda Kivejinja. This match will be held on Sunday, August th These books are available here. The Right 28 at the General Tyre grounds at 4.30 p.m. honourable minister gracefully agreed to The Office of the Clerk will arrange give us a package of the two books at $80. transport for the players, and the fans to go Let us promote our intellectual rights and and support our team as a way of building literature by making this book available to our capacity to be competitive. You may our personal shelves and the shelves of the want to appreciate that we are the Assembly. You can buy cash or contact the champions of the region and we must defend Office of the Speaker and then you will have our trophy. these books available to you. We thank you. In the same vein, I would like to say that all We urge our senior citizens who have captains and managers of the different teams information they are holding to, to pen them – practice is on every day in the morning down for posterity and future generations. before 9.30 a.m. so please report to the We recognise your ability, sir and we are games grounds every day. The Office of the very grateful. Clerk must arrange transport for the same. Honourable members, on a sad note, the (II) VISITORS IN THE GALLERY government and people of Italy have We have in the gallery our good friends the succumbed to – about 184 people have died youth of the EAC Youth Ambassadors because of natural disaster of an earthquake. Platform led by Mr James Tayebwa. We Since we are part of the global community, salute you, we welcome you and we this House would like to condole with the appreciate the work you are doing in government and people of Italy on this promoting the integration agenda in the unfortunate event. May we rise and observe region. Thank you. a moment of silence? Honourable colleagues, I will eventually (The members rose and observed a moment have dinner with these youth people and of silence.)

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The Speaker: Thank you so much, The Speaker: Proceed, honourable minister. honourable members. I now provide the The member is just refreshing your floor to the honourable minister who has a argument by reading the resolutions. matter of public interest. Ms Ndahayo: Thank you very much, Mr Ms Nzeyimana: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Speaker. I was present during that session Maybe I did not introduce my statement from the beginning up to the end and I really well. I stand on rule 40 of the Rules of do not recall any member revoking such Procedure on a personal explanation to resolutions. express a matter of public importance. Mr Speaker, even if it were so, looking at Mr Speaker, if I may continue, this House the details of what entailed in chapter seven on 21 July 2016, during its session, passed a of the UN Charter, I do not think that resolution condemning the killing of our members would support such a resolution, dear sister, hon. Hafsa Mossi. considering their implications. Mr Speaker, the people of Burundi Mr Speaker, if you could allow me or any appreciated the solidarity and sentiments other member to read what chapter seven of expressed by all members of this House. the UN Charter is all about – (Interruption) - Mr Speaker, whereas the people of Burundi The Speaker: Honourable minister, will appreciate the resolutions, as the you take information from hon. Ndahayo? government of Burundi, we are concerned with about two clauses of the resolutions, in Ms Ndahayo: Mr Speaker, I would like to particular clause 2 and clause 6 of the read this chapter seven of the UN Charter. resolution – (Interruption) - Article 39: “The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the The Speaker: Hon. Bucumi, first wait for peace, breach of the peace or act of the minister to finish. Do you want to give aggression and shall make her information before she finishes? recommendations or decide what measures shall be taken in accordance with Article 41 Ms Bucumi: Yes, I want to give and 42 to maintain or restore international information. I thank you, Mr Speaker for peace and security.” giving me way. I would like to give information on what resolution number two Article 41 reads, “In order to prevent an is saying. Resolution number two reads as aggravation of the situation, the UN follows: “Acknowledge that there are Security Council may, before making the serious human rights violations in Burundi.” recommendation or deciding upon the Resolution number six read as follows: “Call measures provided for in Article 39, call upon the EAC Council of Ministers to upon the parties concerned to comply with invoke chapter seven of the Charter of the such provisions measures as it deems United Nations so that the UN Security necessary or desirable. Such provisions or Council commences investigations on what measures shall be without prejudice to the is happening in Burundi.” Thank you, Mr right, claim or position of the parties Speaker. concerned. The Security Council shall duly take account of failure to comply with such provisions or measures.”

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Article 41: “The Security Council may error by the Office of the Clerk. Therefore, I decide what measures not involving the use kindly request that the Clerk comes up with of armed forces to be employed to give effect the right resolutions that were passed by this to its decisions and it may call upon the House for your onward transmission to the members of the United Nations to apply Partner States. Otherwise, Mr Speaker – such measures. These may include complete (Interruption) - or partial interruption of economic relations and raid, sea, air, postal, telegraphic, radio Mr Mukasa Mbidde: Mr Speaker, I am still and other means of communication and the perusing the rules to find out whether debate severance of diplomatic relations.” is particularly allowed on a statement of this nature and I am finding that it is not. In the Article 42: “Should the Security Council event that an allegation is made when I consider those measures provided for in personally provided the information to the Article 41 would be inadequate or have effect of chapter seven, how does a member proven to be inadequate, it may take such now come to defend that position? I did it actions by air, sea or land forces as may be and I can own up to it. necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such an The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Mukasa action may include demonstration, blockade Mbidde. I am being extremely careful to the and other operations by air, sea or land letter of our Rules of Procedure allowing the forces of members of the United Nations.” minister to make her case then I will give guidance to the House. I do not want to pre- Mr Speaker, I would like to mention these empt the honourable minister. Let her make four out of more than 10 Articles of this her case then I will come to that. Thank you. chapter. Thank you. Ms Nzeyimana: Thank you very much, Mr The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Ndahayo for Speaker for protecting me. the information to the minister and the House. Hon. Leonce, your microphone is I was saying that I believe that the inclusion off. Can I have it on? of these clauses, which were never discussed in this House, must have been out of a Mr Ndarubagiye: I have information about technical error by the Office of the Clerk the discrepancy between the original and, therefore, I humbly request that the resolution sent by the Chairperson of Legal Clerk comes up with the right resolutions Affairs and the final resolution where we did that were passed by this House for your not discuss the two matters about chapter onward transmission to the Partner States as seven and about a serious breach of human it was done before. Otherwise, Mr Speaker, rights in Burundi. They were never the resolutions of this House, as they are discussed. Thank you very much. currently, is questionable and I believe, Mr Speaker, that you will use your good office The Speaker: Thank you. Honourable and wise counsel to correct this misnomer. minister, the information is given to you and Thank you, Mr Speaker. the House. Can you proceed? Mr. Ogle: Thank you, Mr Speaker. If my Ms Nzeyimana: Mr Speaker, based on memory serves me right, when that debate those concerns, I believe that the inclusion on the late Hafsa Mossi ensued in this of these clauses that were not discussed in Assembly, I remember that there were the debate must have been out of a technical various recommendations made by this

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House and if I remember well, there were sponsored amendments to the original text – instructions that the Committees of Legal (Interruption) - and Regional Affairs meet at some point to harmonise the various and many Ms Ndahayo: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I recommendations that were made before this remember when we were adopting this House. motion and it is recorded on the Hansard that we call upon the Committees in charge Now I am not sure whether that has been of Regional Affairs and Legal to sit and done but nonetheless, I do not understand – make a final resolution. I am wondering Under that particular rule 40, a member is whether what has been read is included in only supposed to stand up and make a the resolution. Who sat to bring out the last personal statement without any debate so if version because it is recorded, as you said? the honourable minister is asking for a deletion or an amendment; I do not think it Mr. Mukasa Mbidde: Mr Speaker, is it in really suffices in the circumstances. order where a directive is made, for the member to insinuate that by way of a private The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. member’s speech, the minister has delivered Ogle. I was going to guide on that very a final document? Is it in order for such matter as raised by you on the rules assertions to be before this august House provoked by the honourable minister that have the inclination to imply probably without watering down the content of her that we do not have a final resolution so statement. made yet we know we did? Is it in order, Mr Speaker? She could have best moved under rule 13 but still, with due respect to what has been The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Mbidde. raised, I think let us put the record clear that Honourable members, this House is this is a matter of public importance and we governed by the Treaty for the establishment have a way we deal with it as a House. I of the East African Community and our would like to state the following: a motion Rules of Procedure on how things are was moved in this House to pay special handled and how business is done. tribute to our late colleague and friend, hon. Hafsa Mossi. The mover read the original We cannot and we shall not circumvent the text of the motion and after the motion was rules of the House and the Treaty and other fully seconded, debate ensued. laws. I was giving guidance and the chronology of events. When the motion was In the process of the debate, members of this tabled and debated, amendments were august House did an amendment to the submitted in the course of the debate. The original motion. As expected, the mover of mover of the motion did not object to the the motion accepted amendments to his amendments, which were moved on the original text and as expected, the clerk at original text. Table and the Office of the Clerk finalised. Two, the question was put by the Speaker on Even before that, the vote that was taken by the motion, as amended and the mover and this House was on the motion as amended. the prayers of the motion as amended The vote that was taken on the motion was carried the day by a vote of ‘aye’ as put by as amended. The Hansard captures the the Speaker. records of the debate and the people who

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There is no single committee or any other known through our own rules. Thank you, arrangement of the House that can review or Sir for your indulgence. look with any intention of changing what the Assembly has pronounced itself on neither The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Zein. That is can it be the Committees of Legal and why I have not allowed any debate on the Regional Affairs or any other members of matter. I have only allowed procedural the committee that can change what the points, points of order and points of House has resolved. clarification. So, I urge members to desist from circumventing the rules and using If there is a query that what is on the those other entry points like points of resolution is not what the House debated and procedure to debate this matter. This matter amended the text, that is a different question is not debatable. The Speaker is only and that matter can be ascertained through offering guidance and a ruling on the matter. the following procedure. We have Hansard of this debate; we have people who have Therefore, what I am saying is that the text debated on this motion and the amendments, was amended. It is not the original text that which were undertaken. Hon Zein, go ahead. was presented and that carried the day. There were amendments. If there are any Mr Zein: Mr Speaker, thank you very much queries - as per the statement from the for giving me the opportunity. I am standing Minister - that there were inclusions in the on a point of procedure and I would like to text that did not come on the floor as first of all affirm and say that what you have amendments to the original text, then the said is true in all traditions of all Office of the Speaker will review the parliaments. records of the debate and see if there were any inclusions, which were not part of what Having said that, I would like to say two the House resolved. other things. There is a way of changing what a decision of the House has been If it is a case of a typo, it will be corrected, arrived at and that way is known by the rules but if it is proved that it is the true record of that you can come through the rules again to the House, I will come back and pronounce seek to change the decision that has already myself on the matter that it is the true record been made by the House. However, there is of the House, and I will request the Minister a separate route to do that. to accept it and not to give a contrary view on the matter because this is a grave matter Secondly, and it is very important for us to of precedence where what is issued is said understand each other, if you seek to raise not to be the true record of the House. My matters under (40) then you tie your hands office and the Office of the Clerk will because there is no debate. The minister ascertain that and get back to this House on could have chosen to use other routes that Tuesday in my communication. I thank you would allow for raising of procedure and so much - (Applause). privilege - You can actually use privilege to raise because even the record of this House PAPERS is governed by privilege. Mr. Christophe Bazivamo (Rwanda): Therefore, I am saying that I affirm what Thank you, Mr Speake r and honourable you have said but just to clarify that there members. I beg to lay on the Table the are ways of even changing the decisions that report of the oversight activity on hotel have been made by a House and those are

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates classification and preparedness for a single The Chairperson, Committee on tourist visa. I beg to lay. Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources (Mr Christophe Bazivamo): BILL’S Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to present the report of the oversight activity FIRST READING on hotel classification and preparedness for The East African Community Prohibition a single tourist visa, an activity done nd th of Female Genital Mutilation Bill, 2016 between the 2 and 5 August 2016. The Speaker: Is the honourable member in Introduction the House? I will use my prerogative to Mr Speaker and honourable members, adjust the paper and skip that order. Article 115 of the Treaty establishing the BILL’S East African Community – (Interruption) - FIRST READING The Speaker: Hon. Bazivamo, under order five, you are moving by way of motion. You The East African Community Retirement moved a motion, let it be seconded and then Benefits for the Specified EAC Heads of debate will ensue after your presentation. Organs Bill, 2015 Please can you move the motion? Mr Frederic Ngenzebuhoro (Burundi): Mr Bazivamo: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the East beg to move that the report of the African Community Retirement Benefits for Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Specific Heads of Organs Bill, 2015 be read Natural Resources on the oversight activity for the First Time. I beg to move. on hotel classification and preparedness for a single tourist visa be adopted. The Speaker: Seconder? Hon. Ngenzebuhoro has moved a motion and I am The Speaker: Seconders to the motion? asking for seconders for the motion. (Several Members stood up to second the (Several Members stood up to second the Motion) Motion) The Speaker: Hon. Dr Odette, hon. Shy- The Speaker: Hon. Dr Martin, hon. Tiperu. Rose, hon. Ole Nkanae, hon. Rwigema, hon. Chris Opoka, hon. Mumbi, hon. Sarah THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY Bonaya, hon. Kalinda, hon. Nderakindo, RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR SPECIFIED HEADS OF ORGANS BILL, 2015 BE READ hon. Kimbisa and all the members standing. FOR THE FIRST TIME Proceed to present the report. The Speaker: The Bill is referred to the Mr Bazivamo: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Committee on Legal, Rules and Privileges. Article 115 of the Treaty establishing the East African Community… Article 115 of MOTION FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF the Treaty Establishing the East African THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON Community states that in order to promote AGRICULTURE, TOURISM AND the achievement of the objectives of the NATURAL RESOURCES ON HOTEL Community as set in Article 5 of the Treaty, CLASSIFICATION AND PREPAREDNESS the Partner States shall undertake to develop FOR A SINGLE TOURIST VISA a collective and coordinated approach to the

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates promotion and marketing of quality tourism of the EAC Tourism and Wildlife into and within the Community. To this Marketing plan and strategy. end, the Partner States shall coordinate their policies in the tourism industry and ii. To Interface with hoteliers and other undertake to establish a framework of stakeholders in the Tourism industry; cooperation in the sector that will ensure and equitable distribution of benefits. iii. To suggest recommendations for The Treaty further states that Partner States improvements in the tourism sector shall establish a common code of private for the benefit of citizens of East and public tour and Travel Operators Africa. standardize hotel classifications, harmonise 1.2 Stakeholders the professional standards of agents in the tourism, and travel industry within the The committee interacted with hoteliers in Community. all EAC Partner States capitals and outside capital in Kenya. Presenters came from The Partner States are also obligated to Ministries responsible for East African develop a regional strategy for tourism Community and from Tourist Boards of promotion whereby individual efforts are Partner States. reinforced by regional action. 2.0. METHODOLOGY In line with the above, and as a follow-up to a previous activity in the Tourism Sector, The following methodologies were used the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and during the entire activity: Natural Resources carried out a spot assessment of selected Hotels in EAC i. Courtesy calls to government offices to Partner States and thereafter, a workshop identify with focal persons hotels to be was held to get information from Partner physically assessed; States representatives on the Tourism sector with a view of identifying progress made, ii. visits to various hotels to assess their existing gaps, challenges and charting a way classification and services offered; forward in this respect in order to ensure iii. Workshop with Partner States sustainable development of the sector. representatives to inform Members on 1.1 Objectives the progress so far registered in the tourism sector and encountered The overall goal of this exercise was to challenges; develop a collective and coordinated approach to the promotion and marketing of iv. Opening speech by the Committee quality tourism into and within the East Chairperson; and African Community. v. Committee meeting to harmonize views The specific objectives were the following: and findings from both field visits and workshop. i. To take stock of the progress so far made in implementing EAC projects and programmes within the context

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3.0. FINDINGS OF THE ACTIVITY In 2012, a Decree regulating tourism in Burundi was signed and adopted as part of 3.1. REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI the National Sustainable Development Strategy in the sector. In June 2013, the 3.1.1 Status of Tourism Action Plan for the implementation of the The Government of Burundi is committed to National Sustainable Development Strategy the implementation of the EAC integration was adopted. This framework governs agenda in general, and agreed upon projects national reconstruction and rehabilitation of and programmes in particular, including tourism in Burundi. sustainable tourism development. The Policy on Tourism is also very Tourism can through its value chains encouraging as far as it classifies tourism contribute to poverty reduction and for among the main drivers of economic growth Burundi in particular, the tourism sector in the Strategic Framework for the Fight plays an important role in the consolidation against Poverty - Cadre Strategique de Lutte of peace through development and job contre la Pauvrete (CSLP II 2010-2020). opportunities that can be availed across the The tourism sector in Burundi occupies the board. third place among the five top export niches The Government of Burundi considers the and it is expected to generate foreign Tourism Industry as one of the major currency and create jobs. economic sectors, which can help boost economic development in the country. 3.1.2. Tourism Products Henceforth, tourism activities in Burundi Burundi claims a number of tourist enjoy incentives granted by the National attractions, including mountain Investment Code. chimpanzees, national parks, museums, lakes, cultural attractions and wonderful The National Investment Code offers a sceneries. number of facilities both to local and foreign Investors, especially exemption of Income The Government of Burundi is also Taxes to persons or companies that are encouraging the development of the local involved in the sectors of hotel, restaurants tourism industry. Both local and and other tourist accommodation facilities. international operators service the tourism Furthermore, the initial equipment imported industry in Burundi. The capital city is is duty free. served by international airlines. For this reason, many hotels are under The Government of Burundi has provided construction nowadays in Bujumbura and in for a Facility to upgrade existing provinces. For example in 2010 Burundi had infrastructure, especially the road network 87 hotels, while in 2016 Burundi has 370 within the country (The Road Fund) and the hotels, 568 Rooms in 2010 while in 2016 new investments in the hospitality sector. Burundi has 5960 rooms. The hospitality sector in Burundi contributes A National Strategy for Sustainable in the employment creation in the country Development of Tourism in Burundi has and continues to show signs of strong been put in place since 2011 and effective growth. implementation is now due.

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Other Burundi tourist products include the making it difficult for tourists to choose following: which souvenirs to buy. i. Burundi is a country well known for its 3.1.3. Challenges encountered by Burundi legendary hospitality: Tourism Sector ii. Lake Tanganyika is known as a provider i. Focus has been put on investing in of fresh water and suitable for water the capital city Bujumbura, while sports (skiing, sailing, swimming and there are other touristic sites that fishing (ndagala, mukeke, etc.) ; need infrastructure to receive and host foreign visitors; iii. Resort beaches can be found along the shores of Lake Tanganyika; ii. Many people are unaware of the importance of tourism and there is iv. Natural and cultural monuments need to involve the Private Sector in (Livingstone Monument, Karera Water tourism industry; Falls, Water Springs, Nyakazu Falls); iii. Inadequate qualification for tourism v. Investment opportunities in the hotel personnel; sector along the Lake Tanganyika and capital city Bujumbura: iv. Little funding for tourism marketing and promotion; vi. Beautiful landscape and a rich and varied flora and fauna. v. Limited Air Accessibility (Few Air Companies operate in Burundi: 4 in vii. Most of hotels have international class total; but there are about 13 tour standards and restaurants; operators); viii. From the shores of Lake Tanganyika, vi. Hotels and Restaurants are not yet the deepest lake in Africa, the land rises classified in Burundi which makes it abrupt to create dramatic rock hard for tour operators to offer the formations, gorges with waterfalls and exact hotel product level; hot springs. vii. The National Sustainable Tourism ix. For animal lovers, the cloud forest in the Strategy is not fully implemented. northwest is a haven for primates, while the Rusizi Delta is an oasis of 3.1.4. Implementation of Regional Projects tranquillity and a paradise for and Programmes on Tourism birdwatchers, hippos, crocodiles, etc.; i. The National Office of Tourism is x. Burundi cultural heritage is distinctive dealing with the identification and and boasts not only a diversity of classification of Hotels and traditional dances and music but also the Restaurants according to EAC world famous drummers; and standards, in order to facilitate tourists’ choices for quality in their xi. The country has long been known for its accommodation. handicrafts, which include painting, basket weaving and woodcarving,

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ii. The Law pertaining to immigration 3.1.7. Members’ Observations on Hotels has already been reviewed in order to Assessment and Presentation facilitate tourist visa issuance. Members physically assessed the following iii. Hotel classification has not started hotels: yet but it is going to start in the near future. (1) Tulipe Hotel; 3.1.5. Preparedness to implementation of the (2) Roca Golf Hotel; and, Single Tourist Visa (3) Hotel Du Lac Tanganyika. The Sixth Meeting of the Sectoral Council Members met hotel owners and they were on Tourism and Wildlife Management, held informed on hoteliers’ expectations and in Nairobi, Kenya, on 19th February 2015, challenges they encounter in the industry. urged the Republic of Burundi to commence classification by 2016. Members observed that Hotel classification is not yet done but it was going to kick-start To date, Burundi has undertaken many before end of 2016. activities in order to conduct classification exercise for hotels, lodges and Restaurants Members noted that hoteliers were informed and other touristic sites. on hotel classification standards criteria and that there is an available team of people 3.1.6. The computerization of immigration trained for that exercise, which will make it services easy. The General Office of Immigration has a 3.1.8. Recommendations complete infrastructure of production of travel documents (passport, Laisser-passes i. The Government of Burundi, in close and visa); collaboration with the Burundi Tourism Chamber, should disseminate the EAC The production of these documents is criteria for the standardization of hotels, networked with a central server, which restaurants and other tourist records of personal data, bank payment on accommodation facilities. the spot, taking biometric data, the approval by appropriate authorities. ii. The Republic of Burundi should sensitize economic operators to invest in The internet is via optical fibre cable (under tourism as this sector brings a lot of COMGOV project); money. With financial support of the African iii. The Government of Burundi should Development Bank (ADB), the project of allocate sufficient budget in the tourism the construction of the One Stop Border sector to improve it. Posts (OSBP) of RUHWA and NEMBA- GASENYI is complete. The African 3.2. THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA Development Bank has agreed to finance the computerization of those posts, interconnect 3.2.1. Policy on Tourism Bujumbura International Airport and the general office of Immigration by July 2016. The National Tourism Policy of 2010 is the one guiding Kenya’s tourism. The goal of

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates the Policy is to achieve sustainable tourism 3.2.3. Tourism Products that contributes to a better quality of life for all people. The objectives of the policy are The following are the tourism products the following: found in Kenya: i. To provide a framework for integration i. Wildlife and nature based tourism; of tourism sector considerations into the ii. Beach tourism; various sectoral policies and national development planning as well as iii. Cultural tourism; decision-making processes. iv. Historical and heritage tourism; ii. Strengthen the legal and institutional framework for effective coordination v. Meeting Incentives ,Conferences and and management of the tourism sector. Events (MICE); iii. Ensure adoption of sustainable tourism vi. Agro tourism; that enhances economic development, vii. Sports tourism; environmental sustainability and social justice. viii. Medical and wellness tourism; and iv. Promote and support the provision of ix. Adventure tourism incentives and other economic instruments that enhance investment in x. Museums the sector; and 3.2.4. Preparedness to implementation of v. Promote and enhance collaboration, regional projects and programmes on cooperation, synergy, partnerships and Tourism participation in the tourism sector by all Kenya is implementing the EAC tourism the stakeholders. Marketing Strategy. This includes 3.2.2. Status of Tourism Sector collaboration in marketing fairs abroad and involving other EAC countries in Magical Tourism is a key economic sector in Kenya. Kenya Expo and participation in other It contributes to about 10 percent to the Member States events like Kwita Izina in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and it Rwanda and Pearl of Africa Expo in earned the country KSh 84.6 billion in 2015. Uganda. It accounts for 20% to foreign exchange earnings. It employs about 250,000 people 3.2.5. Preparedness for implementation of in the modern wage sector and about the Single Tourist Visa 500,000 in the informal sector accounting i. Kenya together with Rwanda and for about 9% of total employment. Tourism Uganda are already implementing also has a huge multiplier effect and the East Africa Tourist Visa. stimulates growth in other sectors such as Residents of Kenya, Rwanda and agriculture, handicraft and construction due Uganda only require their national to its dependence on those other sectors. identification documents or even student identification cards to enter either country. They do not have to possess passports. Foreigners living

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with Resident Permits issued by any Kenya since most tourists combining of the three countries also just need Kenya and other East African those permits to travel across the countries will have Tanzania as the three countries. second destination. ii. Kenya charges uniform fees to all 3.2.6. Challenges faced by the Tourism EAC citizens for entry to all its Sector attraction sites like national parks and museums without exception. Among other challenges, Kenya faces seasonality; decline in arrivals when the iii. Kenyan hotels have been sensitized source markets experience economic, to charge uniform rates for all EAC political or other shocks, planning citizens and they are co-operating. challenges and over development in some areas and global problem of terrorism. There iv. Kenya together with Rwanda and is also Negative publicity due to exaggerated Uganda are currently building the or misplaced reporting by local and East African Tourism Portal, which international media, insufficient financing of aims to popularize the region as a tourism public and private sectors. There is single tourist destination. also lack of access to proper tourist v. Kenya together with Rwanda and infrastructure. Uganda are undertaking uniform 3.2.7 Recommendations to improve the EAC destination branding at the key Tourism Sector entry points. Kenya is revising the National Tourism vi. Kenya together with Rwanda and Policy, amending the Tourism Act 2011 and Uganda have been conducting joint formulating a National Tourism Strategy trainings for tourism personnel and 2030. Kenya should fast track these joint stakeholder forums. This is processes. meant to sensitise them on the EAC single destination and educate them 3.2.8 Specific observations by Members on their roles in that initiative. i. The EAC Classification Standards vii. The East African Tourist Visa can criteria are respected as if they are now be applied for online. laws (have force of Law) in Kenya. Awareness on the visa and free movement of citizens has been ii. The classification process is created through Kenya’s missions ongoing, from coastal side to western abroad and through media. part of Kenya. viii. However, Kenya registers some iii. The hotel classification is very challenges in implementation of the costly. single tourist visa namely the iv. Hotels have rates for East Africans following: Some tourists are not yet and other rates for other tourists. aware of the existence of the common visa. Moreover, the non- v. In order to boost tourism, all Partner inclusion of the Republic of States should implement the Single Tanzania is also a challenge for Tourist Visa.

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vi. Hotels assessed were fully booked at 3.3.2. Status of Tourism in Rwanda the time of the visit owing to the Maasai –Mara Wildebeest Migration. Tourism is one of the drivers of economic growth in Rwanda. In only 4 years, the vii. Visited hotels had an revenue from tourism has doubled. environmentally friendly policy that Revenues from Tourism increased from US enhance service delivery through $201.7 in 2010 to US$ 318.8 in 2015 and incinerator, recycling of water and Tourism remains the leading foreign waste exchange earner for Rwanda; it contributes 9.2% to the national GDP. viii. There is delay in implementation of the Council Directive of 2010 on the Moreover, the sector has been attracting EAC Single Tourist visa. Foreign Direct Investments and major international brand hotels such as Marriott, 3.3. REPUBLIC OF RWANDA Radisson Blue, and Zinc Hotel to name few; 3.3.1. Policy on Tourism Kigali is served by international airlines such as SN Brussels, KLM, Qatar Airways, The Republic of Rwanda has a policy for Turkish airline, Ethiopian airline, Kenya which Mission is “To conserve the rich Airways, FlyDubai, plus the National carrier biodiversity of the Protected Areas and to Rwandair that is greatly expanding. develop, sustainable tourism in collaboration with stakeholders for the benefit of all the 3.3.3. Status of Hotel Classification Rwandan People and the region at large”. Rwanda’s Tourism has attracted an influx of Its goals are among others to: big and international brands of hotels and domestic huge investments. i. Increase Tourism receipts in a sustainable manner; Hospitality establishments have registered a sharp increase and improvement in number, ii. Increase participation of the private quality of service and standards. sector in driving the tourism growth; and In a bit to harmonize hotel standards in the iii. Conserve the biodiversity inside the EAC, Rwanda has embarked on protected areas for the benefits of future implementing hotel classification exercise generations accordingly. The Republic of Rwanda approved tourism The total number of Classifiable hotels in and conservation laws to improve the sector Rwanda totalled to 90 hotels in 2013.Among and these include the Concession policy, the those, 75 have been classified excluding the Compensation law, the Wildlife Policy and new international brands. the Tourism law. Other tourism and conservation agreement approved is a Rwanda had two five star classified hotels. partnership with the Akagera African Parks However, with the emerging of new Networks for the management of the international brands, the number rose to five. Akagera National Park. It also has four star (15), three star (32) two star (17) and one star (1).

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A new list of classifiable hotels produced The National Parks are protected; for the indicates a huge increase in the number of Akagera National Park, 110 km electrical classifiable establishments from 90 to 136. fence has been completed. Rwanda Development Board has initiated Tourism 3.3.4. New Tourism Products Revenue Sharing Policy as a strategy of empowering the communities around the New Tourism Products have been developed National Parks. Two hundred and sixty five out of the protected areas in addition to the community projects worth USD 2.5 million Mountain Gorillas and National Parks: have been funded. Trans-boundary These include: - collaboration has been one of the strategies i. Congo Nile Trail developed and to conserve the national parks. Currently in operational; collaboration with Uganda and DRC, Gorilla census/survey is ongoing. ii. Faith tourism in Kibeho; 3.3.5. Implementation of the EAC Single iii. Cave tourism developed and operational Tourist Visa in Musanze; • In January 2014, Rwanda, Uganda and iv. Meeting Incentives Conferences and Kenya initiated the East Africa Single Events (MICE) Tourism launched; Tourist Visa that supports the development of Tourism in the region. v. Coffee and tea tours have been introduced along the Kivu Belt; • In the last two years the Single Tourism Visa has marked a remarkable change vi. Watersport developed in the Lake Kivu and increase in tourism revenues to the (Kayaking and houseboat); member states as it is seen in the vii. Bird watching has been developed in increase of the number of international Bugesera, Nyabihu and Musanze ; tourists in Rwanda. viii. Canopy walkway has been developed in • Rwanda through private sector (Tour Nyungwe and is operational; and, operators, travel agencies and other tourism players) have enhanced ix. Cable Car and Kigali Cultural Village – awareness campaigns on the use of the the construction contracts are in process. STV Rwanda has currently four National Parks, • The current figures (2015-16) however namely: not tallied to accuracy show a range from 6,500 to 7,000 issued visas both by i. Akagera National Park air and road (main boarders), this figure is subject to change after consolidation ii. National Volcanoes Park of all the data by Immigration Authority. iii. Nyungwe National Park • Rwanda through the Northern Corridor iv. Gishwati Mukura National Park Integration Projects and the Joint Team Management Committee highlighted a need to enforce awareness of the Single Tourist Visa and established a joint budget to facilitate this exercise through

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a number of projects including Radio, ii. Members observed that it is not clear yet TV Adverts, brochures, banners and to monitor the use of one single tourist others. visa.

3.3.6. Challenges iii. All Partner States need to implement the single tourist visa to help the region i. Low quality of service delivery; boost Tourism. ii. Limited direct flight from key iv. Members from Rwanda highlighted the tourism markets e.g. no direct flight need for promotion of intra-East African to USA, UK, China and India ( tourism for sustainability of the sector. Rwandair plans to fly to China by They also observed that there is need to 2017). empower women to be involved in the iii. Limited infrastructures for tourism tourism industry. sector. 3.4. THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA iv. Limited managerial experience by 3.4.1. Uganda’s Policy on Tourism local private operators to manage bigger facilities such as hotels Uganda has undertaken to market and to promote itself as an attractive and v. External challenges such as sustainable tourist destination, locally, instability and terrorism in the region regionally and internationally; to encourage vi. High cost of funds from banks by sustainable environmental safety and investors (interest rates) sustainability and to develop infrastructure; to encourage investment, job creation, 3.3.7. Members’ specific income generation in the tourism sector; to observations/Findings of hotel physical support, strengthen and build capacity to assessment private players and entities; to enforce, and monitor standards in the tourism sector, Members observed that it is not easy to through inspection, registration, licensing classify hotels under 2 star criteria. They and classification of tourist facilities and also observed that there are 3 new big hotels services. not yet classified but they may be 5 stars; these are Marriot, Radisson Blue and Zinc 3.4.2 Status of Tourism hotels and these have boosted tourism in the country. As an example, Rwanda hosted Uganda has a lot of diversity in the country more than 2000 delegates during the recent and a very rich culture. African Union Summit. It was however Tourism brings in almost 10 per cent of the observed that there is a big gap between five GDP. Tourism has emerged as the top star hotels because you cannot compare foreign exchange earner with growth rates Serena with Radisson Blue for instance as it that propel the service sector, jobs and is also observed in other categories of hotels. employment where people are employed as i. They observed that the single tourist visa drivers, guides, secretaries, accountants, boost tourism indeed. construction of hotels, restaurants, tourist facilities and leisure sports, boosted the inter-linkages between other sectors.

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i. Contribution of over US$1billion to With its prime location in the African Great the economy representing 26% of Lakes Region, Uganda has Four of East exports. Africa’s great lakes: Lake Victoria, which is the world’s second largest fresh-water lake ii. In 2013, Tourism directly supported of 68,000 sq. km, Lake Kyoga, Lake Albert 500,000 jobs and indirectly and Lake Edward that are popular spots for supported 400,000 jobs. tourism. Lake Bunyonyi, second deepest lake in Africa (900m). Uganda home to the iii. Tourism Investment represents 5% source of the world’s longest river, the Nile of total investment. measuring 6695 kilometres (4184 miles). iv. Connectivity by air, road, water. White water rafting and kayaking are Entebbe is connected by 22 airlines. popular activities on the rapids near the Domestic air travel registered large source of the Nile at Jinja. Some of the best increase from Entebbe and Kajansi. waterfalls in the world are found across the country like Murchison, Karuma, Sipi, v. There is in place a Tourism Master Kalagala, Sezibwa and Itanda. Twelve (12) plan and a destination marketing and wetlands of international importance are branding tools. designated under the Ramsar Convention (RAMSAR sites). 3.4.3. Uganda’s Tourism Products Moreover, Uganda is an adventure i. Wildlife, which is unique and destination with scenic landscape and untouched. mountains, which are: ii. Nature with a rich Biodiversity. i. Kigezi referred to as ‘Switzerland of Africa’ because of its scenic landscape iii. Geography Gifted by Nature. & weather; iv. Culture- Most Culturally diverse. ii. Mt. Ruwenzori (5,109 m) which is v. Heritage – Rich diversity, Faiths. permanently snow-capped, a rare condition in equatorial Africa which was vi. Rich history –existence of Kingdoms voted among top hiking places in the while in a Republic. world; vii. Weather 27 degrees average. iii. Virunga volcanoes in south-western Uganda which were voted ‘A must see viii. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and place for 2012’ in one’s life time; and Events (MICE) destination – Accessible and great facilities. iv. Eastern Uganda Mt. Elgon (Africa's 17th highest mountain), Mt. Mgahinga & Mt. ix. Business & Investment – Favourable and Muhabura (SW) and Mt. Moroto (NE), great Return on Investment (ROI). to name a few. On top of these, Uganda has stunning Uganda is also a World’s Premier Primate attractions such as pristine marine Country attractions. i. Uganda has the largest mountain gorilla population in the world.

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates ii. There are over 5,000 chimpanzees found is 0.11 % of the national budget, Low in Uganda (Kibale Forest alone holds a Product Quality and Range; limited world population of more than 1,000 class developed facilities. Lack of a chimpanzees). decentralized public sector planning and management, Limited Tourism Regulation. iii. Home to world’s largest number of Unable to Produce Enough High‐Quality monkeys, baboons, apes, rare colobus, Tourism and Hospitality Workers thus nocturnal Bush babies and Pottos found creating Uncompetitive skills gaps. Tourism in pristine eco-environment. Promotion is still limited. Uganda as a Top Birding Destination 3.4.5. Hotel Classification/Specific Findings Uganda has more than 1,000 bird species. Uganda has 63 classified – Hotels in the Home to over 50% of the entire bird entire country apart from those in the population in Africa and 10% of the world. national parks. Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 605 species, the largest of any protected area in 3.4.6. Challenges of Hotel Classification Africa. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was voted Africa’s number one birding site i. Review of existing Classification (2012) by the African Bird club. Criteria should be a continuous process but it is very costly; Cultural Diversity and Heritage ii. Harmonization of the Assessment Uganda is endowed with 56 tribes and Report is a studious exercise; languages each with a distinct iii. Benchmarking/ Familiarization Cultural, heritage, History, Language, Food, Programme for Hotels Assessors in Dance, Dressing, Beliefs, Customs Folklore the region is costly Faith Based Destination iv. Hotel Assessors Refresher Courses need to be undertaken but are costly; All faiths are represented in Uganda. v. Training of Trainers of Hotel i. Bahai Temple and the only one of its Assessors should be a continuous kind in Africa. process and it is not yet the case; ii. The Uganda Martyrs Shrine vi. Training of Additional Assessors is Namugongo. The king of Buganda, needed; Kabaka (King) Mwanga in 1886, killed about 50 Faithful men. vii. Representation of Assessors for Member States; iii. Gaddafi in Kampala, second largest mosque in Africa. viii. Facilitation of Assessors and Trainers; 3.4.4. Challenges ix. Release of Assessors by Employers; Uganda is not clearly yet realizing its full potential as a tourism destination due to x. Assessors’ work, not clear if it is Limited Sector Funding: the Sector cannot Voluntary or Compulsory; fund its development budget. The allocation

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xi. Stakeholder sensitizations’ needed; ix. The Joint Team Management Committee of the EAC Northern Corridor should be xii. There should be continuous enhanced; monitoring of Quality Standards; x. Research should be continuous. xiii. Hotels refurbishing after classification not timely captured; 3.4.9 Members’ Specific Observations/Findings xiv. Policy Issues on Assessment Tools should be reviewed continuously. During the assessment exercise, Members of the Committee did not see any” One star” 3.4.7. Preparedness for implementation of hotel during the assessment. The exercise Regional Projects was quite interesting and hoteliers reserved i. Free movement within EAC. them a very warm welcome and appreciated their activity. ii. EAC marketing initiatives. Joint Members therefore recommended that marketing initiatives. EAC days and classification be a continuous process events at shows and expositions at home because hotels keep on improving standards and abroad. to get highest star. Regular field tours are to iii. Revised EAC entry park rates. be focused on.

iv. Border posts presence branding. Hotels welcomed the idea of being classified because it helps to market themselves. v. Hotel Classification according to EAC accepted standards. 3.5. THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA 3.4.8. Recommendations 3.5.1. Policy on Tourism The following should be enhanced to develop the tourism sector: The first National Tourism Policy of Tanzania was adopted in 1991. i. Government funding ; The 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment ii. Destination marketing, promotion, and Development, and Agenda 21 for the branding, awareness; Travel and Tourism Industry have led to the revision of the 1991 Policy. iii. Private sector development and support. The revised Tourism Policy formulated iv. Business support and job creation; current Tourism Policy of 1999 which is currently also under review. v. Domestic tourism; The general objective of the policy is to vi. Product development and innovation; assist in efforts to promote the economy and livelihood of the people, to alleviate poverty vii. Need to have own National Carrier; through encouraging the development of sustainable and quality tourism that is viii. Infrastructure development; culturally and socially acceptable, ecological

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates friendly tourism, environmentally Arch Ranges of Usambara and Udzungwa; sustainable and economically viable. Adventure tourism; Water bodies Beaches, Water skiing, scientific marine researches, The strategies on which this policy is based and Cultural tourism – Stone Town in are mainly Tourism product development , Bagamoyo, etc. and marketing; Eco-tourism; Cultural aspect of tourism; 3.5.4. Challenges in the Tourism Sector

Domestic tourism; International and regional i. Low level of involvement of the local co-operation; Communities; Pollution of national parks due to tourist activities; Land for tourism; Infrastructure Competition in the use of natural development; Employment and human resources between the tourist parks and resources development; Community the indigenous population surrounding participation; the parks;

Investment, financing, institutional ii. Low level of domestic tourist; poaching participation and environmental protection. and encroachment of protected areas 3.5.2. Status of Tourism (tourism product base); and inadequate infrastructure e.g. roads, airports, water; Tourism contributed to more than 17% of Slow pace on restaurants and the total GDP; (Hotels and Restaurants accommodation establishments; together contributed 2.3% in the period of 2009 – 2014).It contributed to more than iii. Insufficient land bank for tourism 25% of the total exports (tourism together investments; poor quality services; with transportation sector contributed 80% iv. Threats of climate change; global in the period of 2010/2011). .It is the Second conflicts, terrorism and crime; and to attract the number of investments after the industrial sector (attracted 209 investments v. Health threats e.g. Ebola outbreak, etc. in 2012), supported 11% of the total employment (1,196,000 jobs) and increased 3.5.5. Implementation of regional Projects the number of registered tourism related and Programmes businesses (from 4 in 1962 to 1,089 in June 2015). It increased the number of Since November 2008, the East Africa international visitor arrivals (from 582,807 Community has been marketed as a single in 2004 to 1,137,182 in 2015) and the total tourist destination and the United Republic earnings from tourist activities (from USD of Tanzania has been participating in 746.2 million in 2004 to USD 1,901.10 International Tourism Fairs including World million in 2015). Tourism Market in the UK, Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (or International 3.5.3. Tourism Products Tourism Fair) in Germany and Casa Africa Investour in Spain. The major Tourism Products in Tanzania are Wildlife (16 National Parks, 28 Game The country applies uniform rates for Reserves, 44 Game Controlled areas, one touring the tourist attractions for East Conservation area, (Ngorongoro Crater), and Africans. two Marine parks; Mountains (The famous Kilimanjaro, Meru, Rungwe). The Eastern

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Classification of Restaurants and directed by the SCTWM in their various Accommodation Establishments is ongoing; meetings on timely manner. and the country participates in the Annual Regional Tourism Wildlife Conference 3.5.9. Members’ specific within the EAC Partner States. observations/findings on the field 3.5.6. Status of Hotel Classification Members made it clear that hoteliers interacted with complained that tourists Grading Results in Manyara Region know Arusha as the only tourist destination as Ngorongoro and Serengeti National In Manyara region, 26 accommodation Parks can be accessed from there, ignoring establishments were visited to find out if that Dar es Salaam has also attractive they could be classified. Out of 26 destinations. They observed that tourists fear accommodation establishments visited, 20 the transport traffic in Dar es Salaam where qualified to be classified and graded. After it is not easy to move. However, Arusha the exercise, the 17 accommodation Hotels are not classified to the advantage of establishments were graded from star 1 to Dar es Salaam and coast hotels. star 5 and awarded a plaque and certificate. Members also observed that the assessment Grading Results in Dar es Salaam was very important. However, they found and the Coast Regions that hoteliers do not have appropriate knowledge of standards and criteria for In Dar es Salaam and in the Coast Region, classification. They therefore recommended 99 accommodation establishments were the EAC Secretariat to help hoteliers to visited to find out if they could be classified. know guidelines and criteria of Out of 99 establishments visited, 77 classification. Their views were that the qualified to be classified and graded. After EAC Secretariat has a big role to play in the exercise, the 66 accommodation training assessors, as 15 only for the entire establishments were graded from one star to five star, and they were each awarded a country are not enough. plaque and certificate. Members concluded that such activities should be intensified. The United Republic of Tanzania has not begun the implementation of the EAC 3.6. EAC SECRETARIAT Single Tourist Visa due to un- PRESENTATION implementation of the Recommendations of the Study as directed by the Sectoral In his presentation the EAC Officer Council on Tourism and Wildlife informed the Committee, that the 1stMeeting Management. of the 3.5.8. Specific recommendations of the EAC Sectoral Council on Tourism and Wildlife Single Tourist Visa Management (SCTWM) met on 1st November, 2008, and made decisions The United Republic of Tanzania regarding the Single Tourist Visa (STV), recommends the EAC Secretariat to adhere which, among others, directed the to the Sectoral Council on Tourism and Secretariat to undertake a Study to Wildlife Management (SCTWM) Directives harmonize tourism policies and laws and to and coordinate the implementation of the recommend how a Single Tourism Visa Recommendations from the Study as

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates could be introduced and that in the context Visa should be fast-tracked by 2014. It of the Common Market Protocol therefore established a multi-sectoral task implementation. force composed of technical experts drawn from the Immigration, Tourism, Finance, The Study was conducted in 2010 and Foreign Affairs, ICT/Infrastructure, findings revealed that: Security, Legal and EAC Affairs to develop a roadmap and any other assignments i. Partner States have different Visa leading to the Introduction of an EAC Single regimes; Tourist Visa. The Multi-Sectoral meeting ii. Visa issuance in two Partner States is of Ministers responsible has not been able to manual while in other three it is consider the report of the multi-sectoral task partially computerized; force in order to provide guidance on the introduction of an EAC Single Tourist Visa. iii. Partner States have different views in regard to issues related to visa Meanwhile, the three Partner States, namely revenue that is, visa fee; mode Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, using the of payment/collection; sharing of Principle of variable geometry, decided to visa revenue, administration start implementing the Single Tourist Visa. costs and creation of various In addition, he informed Members that the accounting options on remittances; EAC has agreed standards and criteria that The study therefore recommended that: have been developed by East African Community Secretariat in collaboration with i. There is need for harmonization of EAC Partner States. These have been the Visa Laws and Regulations in elaborated with reference to internationally order to implement the proposed agreed upon standards. He recognized that EAC Single Tourist Visa; all Partner States have started classification of hotels except the Republic of Burundi. ii. There is a need to have Visa issuance systems computerized; and He finally highlighted that one of their biggest challenge is underfunding which iii. There is a need to harmonise Visa makes the department unable to execute its revenue collection systems and mandate. sharing procedures. 3.6.1. Emerging issues The study therefore concluded that it is imperative that Partner States need to i. Hoteliers/hotels should contribute in harmonize their laws and regulations related funding the hotel classification to visa issuance, visa fees and program as it facilitates them in collection/payments to achieve the intended marketing their businesses. objective; That Partner States need to develop a mechanism for sharing the visa ii. EAC restaurants should also be revenue collected and the cost of included in the classification administering the EAC Single Tourist Visa. exercise. In 2013, the Fifth Sectoral Council on iii. The EAC Department on tourism Tourism and Wildlife Management decided should defend their priorities in the that introduction of the EAC Single Tourist EAC pre-Budget Conference in line

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with the matters of priority to the mandatory for investors in hotel Community. The EAC Secretary industry. General should also address funding issues to the Summit in order to ii. It is important to follow the allow the Tourism sector to develop. Directives of the Council in order to improve the implementation of the iv. The Secretariat should train East African Single Tourist visa. personnel to execute classification of hotels in a given country. There 3.6.3. Specific recommendations from should be a motion or a law to put in Committee Members place such a pool of professional i. Hotel Classification should be a staff to deal with hotel classification. continuous process ; v. Criteria for hotel classification in ii. Training should be a continuous East African Partner States have to process; be benchmarked with reference to internationally agreed upon iii. Department of tourism should be standards. empowered with funds and human resources; vi. Criteria for hotel classification should be continually updated to iv. On the issue of one single tourist address new developments. visa, the United Republic of Tanzania is willing to follow the vii. Classification of restaurants should required procedure but challenges also kick-start and EAC Secretariat identified in the study, which was should be pro-active to introduce carried out in 2010, should be sorted new criteria. out first. Tanzania also wants to viii. The Secretariat needs to form an learn from Partner States, which EAC pool of assessors to assess have started the process. hotels in all EAC Partner States 4.0. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND rather than local assessors to work at RECOMMENDATIONS local level. The outcome would be more credible. Qualified assessors 4.1. OBSERVATIONS should be part of this regional pool. i. Presentations were very well ix. Internal and external examiners prepared for the workshop. They should review criteria in Partner depicted clearly what is happening in States. Partner States in the tourism industry. x. EAC Secretariat should consider the tourism sector as it boosts the EAC ii. Visiting hotels was a very good economies. exercise and very interesting. 3.6.2. Specific recommendations from iii. From the visit, the following issues representatives of Partner States were highlighted: i. Need for Partner States to avail classification criteria to be

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- Regulations governing the order to allow it to execute its tourism industry should be mandate. harmonized; ii. Urge the Council to establish a - Investors in hotels should be mechanism whereby funds can be guided and informed about the generated for hotel classification. regulations on hotel classification before they start iii. Urge EAC Secretariat to continue construction; trainings more hotels assessors. iv. Members observed that there is a iv. Urge Partner States to establish and need to update the hotel improve institutions of learning and classification criteria regularly since build capacity in the tourism and standards change from time to time. hospitality industry. v. There is a challenge to invest in hotel v. Urge the Council of Ministers to fast industry because of the high interest track and complete the study about rates and short time financing. the implementation of the EAC One Single Tourist Visa as decided upon vi. Classification should be a continuous by the Sectoral Council on Tourism process, which has to be reviewed and Wildlife Management in 2013 regularly. with the deadline of 2014. vii. There is a need to improve vi. Urges EALA to recommend the institutions to provide adequate EAC Council to fast-track training in the tourism and ratification of the Protocol on hospitality industry. Tourism and Wildlife Management to facilitate implementation of an viii. Members observed that there is a inclusive Single Tourist Visa. need to fast-track the implementation of the One Single Tourist Visa in all vii. Urges the Council of Ministers to the five EAC Partner States put in place an appropriate funding for interconnectivity, which allows ix. The Members noted that the tourism Partner States to track movements of department in the EAC Secretariat is tourists and revenues from tourism. underfunded. 5.0. CONCLUSION x. The Members observed that the numbers of hotel assessors are few. Notwithstanding the challenges and shortfalls in implementing hotel 4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS classification, the Committee noted that the other EAC Partner States have started this From the field visits undertaken by process and it urges the Republic of Burundi Members, presentations of the workshop and to follow the footstep of other Partner States. emerging issues, the committee recommends the following: it The Committee concludes that the activity was successful and that such Committee

i. Urge the Council to increase the activities should be encouraged in order to budget of the Tourism Department in fast track the integration agenda.

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On the One Single Tourist Visa, it is evident Finally, the Committee would like to extend that it will facilitate to market EAC as one its appreciation to offices of the Clerk for single tourist destination. having ably facilitated the Committee in different ways. The Committee finally recommends that this August House do adopt this report with all Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move – its specific and general recommendations (Applause). and that copies of the adopted report be sent to Partner States and all stakeholders for The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. follow up and ensure that appropriate Christophe, Chair, Committee on actions are taken. agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources. Honourable members, the motion before the 6.0. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS House is that the report of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural resources The Committee wishes to thank all the on the oversight activity on hotel stakeholders who provided information to classification and preparedness for a single Members. These include hoteliers and tourist visa be adopted. Debate is open. officials from Partner States Governments, namely officials from the Ministries East I am going to allow limited debate on this African Community Affairs from the five subject in the interest of time. Please do not Partner States, for the coordination at local take more than five minutes if you are given level, mobilization of hoteliers, warm a chance. welcome and all courtesies accorded to Members of the East African Legislative Mr Adam Kimbisa (Tanzania): Mr Assembly during the on-spot assessment Speaker, thank you for giving me the floor. I exercise in relation to Hotel Classification. am a member of that committee, I will speak They also include representatives of Partner on two issues, and one is on the hotels. States from Tourism Boards. Mr Speaker, what we discovered in the Specifically, the Committee commends the process of hotel classification is that our Rt. Honourable Speaker of the East African people, especially local hotels- sometimes Legislative Assembly and the Clerk for we found bigger and beautiful hotel and also having made the exercise possible. The with good services but unfortunately they Committee also expresses its appreciation to are not classified either as one star, two star, East African Community Secretariat for three star, five star or 10 star. The reasons, availing an officer to brief Members on which come up, are that when people start regional policy and the progress so far on building the hotel, the y do not know what hotel classification project. kind of hotel they want to build. The Committee further appreciates all They start building and sometimes presenters for their insightful presentations expanding brick after brick and therefore, it and for mobilising the various stakeholders becomes very difficult to classify them. that the Members interacted with. Even they do not have any idea on the stars. The Committee further extends its gratitude Secondly, you find a beautiful hotel built in to Hotel Managers in the Partner States for a slum for example in Manzese in Tanzania, their warm hospitality and availing in Kibira in Nairobi- beautiful hotels but information to Members. because they are in the wrong place, it

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates becomes very complicated because they are going to three or four countries and those in an unplanned and un-serviced area so the other countries do not know what amount of classification becomes very complicated. money was paid at that material place. With the international hotels, the Mariotts, Secondly, the findings were that the cyber the Intercontinental, the Sheratons, the security system; the tracking. How are Hiltons and name it, they know from the people going to track all these things? It beginning what kinds of hotels and most of does not elaborate. The Secretariat was them are five star hotels. They want to go to ordered to ensure that at least cyber security either Kigali, Dar es Salaam or Nairobi or systems are there. With this world of Kampala. They know exactly where to build terrorism, you need to do these things. With and they know that it is a five star hotel. For this world of money laundering, you need to them, there are no problems because they have a cyber-security system. are international brands. Third, the mechanism for revenue sharing. These are the areas, which we found How are the Partner States going to share complicated and therefore, our people are the revenues? You cannot just pay and say, still struggling to make sure that where there we shall see later. When? People should is a hotel, a restaurant, a guest house- know from the beginning how much money, nobody really knows what it is and therefore who is going to get what, when, how much, they have lost a lot. Of course, they have how. This is not yet done. their own local market. Fourth and last, the inter face system at the The second issue is the single tourist visa. embassies for tourist entries. This is similar Mr Speaker, it goes without saying that to the first one. Once these things are done, many of the tourist attractions are in it will be easy to access countries like Tanzania. They are many and big. There is Tanzania, which has not yet signed in only one Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa and we because they will know for sure. Unless and have a game reserve called Selu, which is as until these things are done, it can be very big, plus or minus the country of Uganda. difficult for any country and that is why it This is true. has been comfortable with the situation for others to go ahead while these things are There was a study conducted, which the being worked out. Thank you very much, Council of Ministers directed the Secretariat Mr Speaker. to do and that study came up with very interesting findings that the Secretariat has The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Kimbisa. to establish interconnectivity for revenue collection. Now with a country with such Ms Nusura Tiperu (Uganda): Thank you big variances, we would like to know if a very much, Mr Speaker. I wish to thank the tourist comes to the Kenyan Embassy in committee for its report and I want to thank Rome for example and would like to visit the Rt. hon. Prime Minister for the books not only Kenya but Tanzania, Uganda and that you highlighted to us. Thank you for Burundi, there is no way of checking how using your office to tell us clearly, what he much money this tourist has paid. There is has done. We will emulate our elder. no interconnectivity whatsoever so some Mr Speaker, I am glad that the committee countries are concerned that they want to and this House has taken the issue of know. He has paid in Rome at the embassy tourism very seriously. Over the years, we of Kenya, Rwanda or Tanzania but he is

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates have always talked about marketing East because whereas they would want to benefit Africa as a single tourist destination. This from what is happening in the neighbouring seemed to have just remained in words but countries, they do not have a central place with the single tourist visa for the three where they can get information on the countries, I can now see a move towards the tourist facilities so I am looking for that time realisation of that dream. when our tourist department is fully financed with proper staff and information, Mr Speaker, if you look at the period marketing our tourist facilities. especially when most of the foreign countries are going into seasons like winter, I would like to go to Amsterdam and get you find that there is a big number something about East Africa on the especially of the elderly at the embassies billboards and the only people who can do looking for visas to come to East Africa and that is the Secretariat. it has always been hard for them. You go to the Ugandan embassy looking for a visa, Mr Speaker, we are battling with issues of turn to Tanzania, Kenya so with this in financing. If the tour area is properly place, it has been a little bit easy. organised, I believe a mechanism can be put in place on how these hotels can contribute Indeed, East Africa is a destination of towards the running of the Secretariat and wonders… people want to come to East more organisation of the tourism Africa for many reasons, some of which department. have been highlighted. Uganda, my motherland in particular, is a country that is In view of the fact that we do not have time, considered intact and rich in many animal I just want to say that the committee has species. The cultures, the foods, among done a good job and we pray that ultimately, others and I will not highlight them because we have a single tourist visa for all the five the chairman ably highlighted them so Partner States because it seems to be the people would want to go and enjoy a bit of only way to go. It seems to be the only way what is in Uganda, go and get what is in through which we can actualise the Tanzania, move to Rwanda and see what objectives that are set in the Treaty. they can get and finally go back. Many people are anxious to benefit like the Indeed if the tourism sector is developed, we taxi and tour operators among others. If that will see our airports being very busy. It is sector is left untapped then we have a sad to see our airports with a very limited problem. I am glad that all our presidents number of travellers in seasons when you and governments are committed in seeing should be expecting people moving from that there is a change in this particular area. each of the Partner States, trying to see What is required is this regional body where they would want to spend their coming up to give direction and leadership. money. People want to spend money but Ahsanteni sana. they do not have information, they do not The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Tiperu. have data on where the best facilities are. Ms Shy-Rose Sadrudin Bhanji With this report in place, I hope the (Tanzania): Thank you, Mr Speaker for Secretariat will do its best in financing the giving me the floor. I would like to begin by tourist department. This is the only way we congratulating the Chair of our Committee can see visible benefits of the integration on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural process. The tour operators are suffering

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Resources for presenting the report on the I recommend, with our Chair’s permission, floor ably and eloquently. to add one more recommendation that all the hotels classified under EAC standards Mr Speaker, the hotel classification exercise should have a signage so that any tourist or is an important exercise and very key and even ourselves when we are visiting our pivotal to the economic development of our Partner States we would easily locate these region. hotels - (Interruption) - Mr Speaker, classification of hotel exercise Mr Sebalu: I would like to give information is an important public relations and that actually the signage are there. All the marketing strategy for EAC tourism because hotels that have been classified do have it at it will boost revenue to the investors but at the front office and it is a requirement for it the same time contribute to the taxes to our to be displayed in such a manner. governments in EAC. Ms Bhanji: Thank you, Mr Speaker. These Mr Speaker, however for this classification days I have become very lenient in exercise to be successful, there needs to be a accepting information because information pool of professional experts to conduct this is power. Thank you, hon. Sebalu. exercise. For example, one of the challenges facing the United Republic of Tanzania is Mr Speaker, one of the challenges that we that there are only 15 assessors which are faced in Tanzania during this oversight not enough considering the geography of activity to visit hotels was that the time Tanzania. allocated was very short. As I said, because of the geographical locations of the hotels in Likewise, Mr Speaker, we need to have a Tanzania in terms of distance, more time proactive policy, which is very explicit, and was required for us to conduct this exercise very well laid to for our investors who are fully and meaningfully. interested in building hotels. It is important that our would-be investors in the hotel In my view, one day per town would at least industry fully understand what are the give room for visiting two hotels. Son Mr criteria of full standardisation of hotels are. Speaker and the acting Chair of Council, we So far, this standardisation is reactive in the would really appreciate it if you could sense that the exercise is done to hotels consider giving this committee more time to when these hotels are operational. undertake these activities. Mr Speaker, I do agree with all the Mr Speaker, I would also like to recommend recommendations, especially on the criteria that this oversight activity be undertaken in of hotel classification to be continuously all the five Partner States, and that all the updated. At the moment, the classification is Members should visit all the five Partner old fashioned and does not match with States. The last oversight activity that we international standards. did, the locating was in our respective countries, which in a way is not very right At the moment, in classification of because I would expect at least members international standards, you find hotels from Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Kenya having gyms, spas and other recreational to be in Tanzania also. And likewise, we and health facilities. members from Tanzania would visit and assess hotels in other EAC Partner States.

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Lastly Mr Speaker, this report is highly because they could be planned but for one commendable and a move in the right reason or the other, they may never see the direction for improvements to be made. light of day. The fact that it was undertaken is something to write home about. On the single tourist visa, in principle this is a very healthy practice if and only when the The Chair has put the issues very well. This recommendations from the study as directed was an eye opener on a number of issues by the sectoral Council on Tourism and regarding the hospitality industry. You will Wildlife Management in a timely manner. It really find quite interesting scenarios. You is very important to over emphasise that look at hotels and resorts, motels, inns, Tanzania has not delayed to join the single guesthouses, homesteads and a wide range tourist visa but wishes to see EAC of classifications. Secretariat adhere and coordinate the implementation of the recommendation from However, practically you get some of them the study conducted since 2010. mixed up. It is not uncommon to see a three bedroomed something called a resort with We did query the officer in charge from the quite interesting naming which does not Secretariat as to why it has taken six years to tally with the proper – You see someone sort out the challenges on the talking about a motel which is deep inside implementation of the single tourist visa. and yet this should be somewhere close. The answer that was provided is that there is These are all interesting outcomes of such no money. an exercise. Mr Speaker, every project and idea in EAC, Allow me to make about three comments of the answer is, we do not have money. Until general nature. I happen to have been in when? I would have appreciated if the Uganda but my discussion is regional. I am Secretary General of EAC would have been not going to discuss it based on my home here to listen to our plea on this very country because then I will not be regional important issue on single tourist visa. in nature. That is all, Mr Speaker and I submit. The hotel classification should be an ongoing exercise because what comes out is The Speaker: Thank you. that hotel owners, once they go through certain processes, they put right certain Mr. Mike Sebalu (Uganda): Thank you things and upgrade but you find that they very much, Mr Speaker. I will begin by still go by the star that was given. thanking my sister hon. Shy-Rose for being lenient to my information. - (Laughter) - I I want to give an example of a hotel that was holding my breath so I thank her for would be classified without a health facility that. and then a year down the road they fix that. That should allow it to be upgraded to Mr Speaker, this exercise was timely, very another level but then they remain on the important, necessary and desirable and I star that was given even before they expand once again would like to thank the their facilities. That then denies them the leadership of Parliament, under your opportunity to enjoy the rightful star and yet stewardship for allowing these activities to they have invested to upgrade into such a be undertaken. We do not take it for granted star. That is cross cutting in all the five when we have such activities undertaken Partner States because the investors in the

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates hotel industry keep upgrading their facilities. Africa and they wanted the convention to be Therefore, the process should be able to on African soil, it is going to be taken to a allow them to upgrade with the investments place which is not the home area of the that they make to be able to benefit from the President an yet ordinarily he should choose rates and from the collections regarding the the venue and priority is always given to a classification. home region. This calls for money and definitely, it is That is the kind of disadvantage that we get. something that we need to look at if we are We need to get to a level where we know the to motivate our East Africans to benefit total capacity of East Africa, where you say from this exercise. Tanzania has this, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi have this, in the different categories We would be in position also to establish the and we know the maximum that we can host exact capacity, not of Partner States because as a region. This is something that can only we need to get to a level where we be done if we reach out to all the hotels appreciate the capacity within the region. available and we are in position to have them classified. Mr Speaker, I just want to give you an example that an East African by the names Mr Speaker, regarding the issue of the of Sam Awori has been elected to be the assessors, the number is insufficient and it President of Rotary International and has created a problem that people are whenever such a thing happens, you get assessing hotels in their home countries, what we call Rotary International which is raising issues. Some people are Convention. This is a convention that brings even complaining that it is because you about 40,000-50,000 people in a capital and cannot rule out the fact that people can be in a region. compromised. What is happening is that the East African Ordinarily, the best-case scenario would capacity is not yet known so what is going have been EAC to deploy a team of to happen when this gentleman assumes assessors constituted of members from all office is that this convention which is the Partner States and their outcome would coming to Africa for the first time will be be more credible and appreciated because hosted in South Africa because the capacity then it brings in the external element. We here is not known and it cannot be have external examiners for purposes of ascertained because the people who come quality control. A similar arrangement want to know how many five starts, and four would be very useful for the hotel stars we have so that they can book. Being classification not a situation where you get an East African, this convention could have Ugandans to classify Ugandan hotels, taken place within this region if the capacity Tanzanians, Kenyans, Rwandans and and facilities were known and classified. Burundians the same. It is not uncommon for people to reside in It would be good if they went as a team of the five Partner States and then fly into the East African assessors. The outcome then venue of the convention. That is done becomes more credible, the standardisation elsewhere but because the statistics are not is better appreciated and the outcome is clear in terms of total capacity, the more acceptable. organisers could not give this option but given that they know the capacity in South

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This will require the region to train an interesting activity. You cannot imagine – optimal number and create a pool available (Interruption) for deployment. That would definitely be the best arrangement. Ms Byamukama: Thank you, Mr Speaker and thank you, my sister for giving way. I In the interest of time, Mr Speaker, I want to think this clarification actually goes to the leave it at that but I want to thank the Chair whole committee on the EAC assessors. I and the stakeholders as they gave us very am just wondering how this team would be good information. We were able to able to go around all the Partner States and appreciate that something is being done in in what period. this area and the hoteliers, especially those hotels that have been classified gave good I was just reminded of my experience of evidence that the classification has given staying in the United States of America them better standing because they are where each individual is given some very getting a lot of inquiries globally given that clear guidelines on how to assess himself or they are appreciated globally and the herself in terms of the tax they are supposed business is coming in, in a more predictable to pay. This becomes easy because once you manner, especially from those that book have the guidelines, you are able to assess ahead of time, something that was not yourself, and almost 99 per cent of the time common before they were classified. you are right, on the kind of taxation you must pay. Thank you, Mr Speaker. So maybe the proposal should also be that The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Sebalu. there should be clear guidelines set out on how a hotel is classified and then from there Ms Isabelle Ndahayo (Burundi): Thank we will have mechanisms at different levels you, Mr Speaker. It is somehow difficult to to be able to affirm and ascertain that what speak after hon. Sebalu because he is very is stated is correct. I am just seeking eloquent. He has said exactly what I wanted clarification on the practicality of that but it to say, especially at the end. is not only for you but also maybe for us to I would like to ask the Chair of the think about. committee to take the recommendation as it Ms Ndahayo: Thank you, hon. Dora. We came out when we were debating this report. have discussed all those issues that you have We need an EAC assessing team, which can just raised. We have observed that the EAC help us to conduct this exercise in a has already trained a team of assessors and harmonised way. It will also help in they are in all Partner States. They already objectivity. As we have said, Partner States exist but the way it is done is we have seen are doing this exercise internally or hoteliers that it has some constraints because it is are doing it themselves. It is just for self- being done within a Partner State. esteem so there is need of having a regional assessing team. It can be easy because the training is there, the standard and criteria of classification are Mr Speaker, I will not take long because known and what we have found as a whatever I wanted to say has been said but I potential problem is the funds and we have would like to tell this Assembly that they said if the economic operators are involved, could not imagine how we felt when we it can be easy because they can even pay for were doing this activity. It was a very that exercise. This can be done in a given

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates period and regularly. When they are I would like to emphasise the point by hon. involved, they can contribute to that Dora that we in this Assembly should not exercise. imagine that we would be able to go and do the jobs thoroughly. Even if we are given an Mr Speaker, I would like to speak quickly entire year, you will find that we cannot do on another recommendation I wanted to give it. which is not captured in our report. In order to continue improving our tourism sector, Therefore, I think we only need to draw there is need of ensuring security in our lessons that one, as the country develops, we region. Good neighbourliness is also very will have to train people to do certain jobs. important. Without security, if we are This is an area where we have identified that talking about terrorism or internal conflicts there are only, for example 15 assessors in and so on, the tourism sector will go back so the whole of Tanzania. I do not think you I think there is need of adding this are going to fill the vacuum but I think it recommendation among the others. brings out the idea that here is an area that as a Secretariat we should be able to frame so Mr Speaker, I think I can say that I support that we can train young people to do this the report. job. That is also another form of finding employment for our people. The Speaker: Thank you so much. The point hon. Isabelle is very important. No In the olden days, people thought that the visitors want to go to an unsecure area. May people they educated would finish the jobs I invite the Chair, Council of Ministers to but in Europe where almost everybody is say a few things? given enough enlightenment, is where you find maximum employment. Therefore, The Third Deputy Prime Minister and where employment is coming up these areas. Minister for East African Affairs, Uganda (Al Hajji Ali Kirunda Kivejinja) (Ex- Therefore let us emphasise in one of our Officio)): Thank you very much, Mr recommendation that as a result of the Speaker. I would join my colleagues in findings, the Secretariat should find a way of thanking the committee for this elaborate advising schools to be set up to train the and exact report, which is another way of technicians that can drive the industry. how a group of East Africans are discovering their own countries. All these For example in Uganda, almost 80 per cent things have been around but because there of our people working in hotels are from has not been a sizeable number of leaders Utali, which means that they had a school who actually go to see these things, it has and we do not have it. Since good service is become difficult to even frame- because the always taken from one who knows, we will next thing is always to go to the law. find that if we identify the critical areas that need to be attended to. We will only come, When we make the law, we have a scratch, and give ourselves the chance so complaint that it is not being implemented that we are able to initiate such programmes. because you cannot implement something However, let us not have the illusion to you do not understand. This is a wakeup call imagine that even if we get the money, we that we need to know more about our areas, can finally be able to give members half a the economic activities that will make the year to go and look at all the hotels in this region rich and then we come here. region. If members do that, they will not be able to finish and we shall have inefficiency.

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As I said, whatever report we produce, we On the issue of having a group of assessors must have a system whereby actionable at the level of the Community, I think we recommendations are extracted and given to have made a recommendation to the East the relevant sectors of our Community to act African Community Secretariat to keep on upon and follow up. That is our only way continuously making sure that assessors are forward, thank you very much. trained but having them at the level of the Community to be deployed - I think this will The Speaker: Thank you so much, not be easy. honourable minister. Your lea has been taken that action points be taken and the What is to be seen in the recommendations, Office of the Clerk shall remind the relevant which were there is to see the East African authorities on the various recommendations. Community as the coordinator to organise these things to happen and to make sure that Chair, can you please, in a very short time, assessors exist here and there and in summarise? coordination to make sure that assessment is not only done by local people because there Mr Bazivamo: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I are two levels. will begin by thanking the House because I have seen that members have appreciated If we want to have a continuous process as a the report, there is no one who contested it. recommendation that has been accepted; to Actually, I confirm, as I said in the have the process of classification beginning, that this activity was very continuous, we should find a mechanism of important and should actually have been having assessors available locally and done yesterday. In addition, the internally and by regional coordination, to recommendations to have continuous do external classifications or audits to make assessments are very important. sure that what was planned is done. I would like to thank honourable members Therefore, we see coordination at the East who have held the floor but not ignoring African Community level and/or making everyone who is in support, even in silence. sure that external assessment is done to I thank hon. Kimbisa and agree with what he confirm or to make sure that what is done has said because these are things that we locally is well done in respect to standards. discussed in the committee. Mr Speaker, the issue of ratification of the I thank hon. Tiperu, hon. Shy-Rose, hon. East African Protocol on Tourism, this is Sebalu, hon. Isabelle and the Chair, Council already in the report. We recommend in the of Ministers for the very useful comments report to urge EALA to recommend that he has made. East African Community Council of Ministers fast track the ratification of the I do not have a lot to comment on because Protocol on Tourism and Wildlife everyone has actually supported and what Management to facilitate the implementation was highlighted was actually to support of an inclusive single tourist visa. what we have done and to highlight the importance of this activity and to see it We think that this is what is required, but I clearly and continuously done in the future. think that perhaps we should improve this This is the wish of everybody and towards recommendation. As I have said, the third improving the sector. one: “Urge East African Community Secretariat to continue trainings for more

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates hotel assessors and then coordinate and (Several Members stood up to second the organise hotel classification at regional Motion) level.” I think this will be better instead of putting in place a structure, which will not The Speaker: Hon. Leonce, hon. Dr Martin, be operational when we are complaining of hon. Chris, hon. Bazivamo, hon. Dr Odette, funds and all these things. hon. Ussi, hon. Taslima, hon. Kessy, hon. Kizigha and all the members standing. Otherwise Mr Speaker, I thank everyone who has said a word of support and I thank THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY members who have silently supported. As I PROHIBITION OF FEMALE GENITAL have said, I thank you for having put in MUTILATION BILL, 2016 READ FOR place such a programme to make sure that THE FIRST TIME this tourism sector which we were not able The Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the to include in our programme from the General Purpose Committee. beginning. It is now possible and we are glad for that. Thank you. MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY TO URGE THE SUMMIT OF The Speaker: Thank you so much, Chair, THE EAC HEADS OF STATE TO AMEND Committee on Agriculture. THE TREATY TO MAKE SWAHILI A FORMAL LANGUAGE FOR THE Honourable members, the motion on the COMMUNITY floor is that the report of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural resources The Speaker: Before hon. Zein takes the on the oversight activity on hotel floor to move his motion, this is a very classification and prepared for a single popular motion and in the Office of the tourism visa, as amended, be adopted. I put Speaker, I had received two motions but as the question. we are guided by our rules, there is a way in which we always prioritise these motions (Question put and agreed to.) and try to merge them. The Speaker: Thank you, Chair. We can go When hon. Zein produced the motion, hon. to order four, which we adjourned. Shy-Rose had also produced a similar motion. Hon. Zein’s motion has three BILL’S prayers, which includes the motion by hon. FIRST READING Shy-Rose. Therefore, in the spirit of pushing a common agenda, we support this motion The East African Community Prohibition and I thank the two members. Hon. Zein, of Female Genital Mutilation Bill, 2016 move your motion. Ms Dora Byamukama (Uganda): Mr Mr Abubakar Zein (Kenya): Thank you, Speaker and honourable members, I would Mr Speaker. I would like to move the like to thank you for your indulgence. I motion with a slight change of amendment would like to move a motion that the East in order to conform to the language of the African Community Prohibition of Female Treaty. I move that this Assembly do resolve Genital Mutilation Bill, 2016 be read for the to urge the EAC Summit to amend the first time. I beg to move. Treaty to make Kiswahili an official language of the Community. I move. The Speaker: Thank you Dora. Seconders?

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The Speaker: Thank you. Seconders? FURTHER CONVINCED that such action will increase the participation of the people (Several Members stood up to second the of East Africa in the affairs of the motion) Community as well as promote African culture; The Speaker: Hon. Shy-Rose, hon. Ussi, hon. Leonce, hon. Dr Martin, hon. Chris DESIROUS of promoting these noble Opoka, hon. Sebalu, hon. Taslima, hon. aspirations, this House therefore do resolve Martin, hon. Kessy, hon. Kizigha, hon. as follows: Dora, hon. Kimbisa, hon. Mwinyi and all the members standing. 1. To urge the Summit of the EAC to amend the Treaty for the establishment of the Hon. Zein, please proceed, read your motion Community to provide that Kiswahili is and justify. one of the official languages of the Community. Mr Zein: Thank you, sir. 2. To urge the Council of Ministers to “RECALLING that the East African support this noble quest by the Community Treaty establishes the aspiration Assembly. of making Kiswahili the lingua franca of the Community under Article 137(2); 3. To further urge the Council of Ministers to allocate adequate resources to the AWARE that Kiswahili is the most widely EAC Kiswahili Commission to carry out spoken African language in the East African its mandate effectively. region; 4. To urge the Partner States to give legal COGNISANT that the Community has status to Kiswahili as an official established the Kiswahili Commission as an language. institution of the Community with the noble objective of promoting this East African 5. To further urge the Partner States to language; promote and allow the use of Kiswahili ACKNOWLEDGING that language is one of in official domains.” the most important aspects of human life Mr Speaker, I can stand before this House including by being a vessel of human and say that this is a red-letter day for me philosophy, values, attitudes, identity and and for many members of this House. If you meaning of life; allow me, I will echo your gracious words before moving this motion that I should pay APPRECIATING that the African Union has very special dedication to hon. Shy-Rose made Kiswahili one of its official working Bhanji for working together in harmony languages; with me and many others to bring this noble CONSIDERING that Kiswahili is the fastest cause, which is very popular with many of spreading African language across the the members who are seated in this globe; honourable, distinguished, august House. I hope history will remember this House with CONVINCED that making Kiswahili one of kindness for many other things but for also the official languages of the Community will this one little thing. widen and deepen the integration process;

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I would also like to pay special dedication Deutsche Welle, Radio India, Radio China, and appreciation to two very honourable Radio Korea, Radio Saudi Arabia and I can members of this House who also happen to go on and on. We, the owners of this be sons of two former presidents of this language, must carry this baby to the world republic. before the world has snatched it from our hands and say to them that we are proud of When I came to this House, I was gratified our language. to meet them, not because they were sons of residents but because their fathers were great The African Union has started beating the Swahili scholars. Mwalimu Julius drums by declaring this language an official Kambarage Nyerere was a Swahili scholar, language and President Chissano went to the and everybody knows that he could African Union and spoke the sweetness of articulate and speak and you would listen to our mother tongue and lo and behold, that the music coming from his mouth and you forum of heads of states was quiet and would embrace the ideas coming into your listening. mind because of his articulation. Let it be so that it can be done even in this What people do not know is that Mzee Ali Chamber. Allow me to finish with a call of Hassan Mwinyi was the same, but even our Chair of Summit sitting here in Arusha, today, among Swahili scholars, one of the His Excellency President Magufuli, and the leading Swahili scholars is Mwalimu Ali Chair of Summit. He looked at his brothers Hassn Mwinyi. I hope and pray that one day who were seated with him and he said, this House will have the great privilege and “Why are we not proud of this noble pleasure to listen to Mzee in Kiswahili and language that is ours? “ not in English. I call you my brothers, let us make that easy Also let me pay tribute to all the members, decision so this House will be helping the majority of whom when they heard that this Chair by reminding him sitting with his is coming, they waited with abated breaths brothers when they meet in November, if we during the last sitting but we had so much can do it quickly, and send it to them and work. The day before yesterday, they waited say, go ahead and do this great thing for our for a second time but another day went by. continent and our region. Yesterday they waited for a third time and another day gone but I would like to pray Because I know that many want to speak, let and urge my brothers and sisters in this me stop there so that others can articulate House and say, good things come to those what is in their hearts and minds. I beg to who are willing to wait. So we were waiting submit. and our time has come and I would like not The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. to spend so much time to talk about what is Zein. Honourable members, you know that self-evident, what is demanded by history this is a very popular motion, it has been and what is articulated by our culture and debated by proxy in many of our order items what is said by our philosophies but also that have been considered and many people what is asked of us linguistically. want to speak to this motion so be as brief as We should give this noble language, one that you can. I will start with hon. Shy-Rose. no major media house in the world has no Ms Shy-Rose Sadrudin Bhanji programming for - all of them have (Tanzania): Thank you, Mr Speaker for programming in Kiswahili: The BBC, Radio

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates giving me the floor so that I can also add my Whereas Kiswahili played an important role voice to this very important motion. in uniting the people and in making it easy to rule them, at the same time, it became an Mr Speaker, I feel honoured and very important language in facilitating trade privileged to second and support this between the Arabs and Indians, out of which important motion to legalise Kiswahili to I am a product as well as others. Mr become one of the official languages in the Speaker, for those who did not know, I am East African Community. half-Indian and half African, Tanzanian and now East African. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and commend my brother, hon. Empirical evidence by Dr Ludwig Kraft, Abubakar Zein for bringing and tabling this who was a German explorer and a motion and we had an opportunity to work missionary in East Africa and who compiled together and reach a very good compromise the first Kiswahili grammar back in 1848 in on this very important motion to this Rabbai Mpya in Mombasa, shows how Assembly and the East African Community important and strategic Kiswahili was and at as a whole. the same time, this language became very significant for social development. Mr Speaker, this is a very important motion because the history of East Africans is Mr Speaker, with independence, our intertwined with the linguistic culture of countries capitalised on Kiswahili. Some of Kiswahili and Kiswahili communication is our countries legalised Kiswahili as the very central to the integration agenda, be it national language: in Kenya in 2010 and I political, trade or any other thing you stand to be corrected, in Uganda in 2005, mention. and we are happy to note that now in Rwanda, over 50 per cent of Rwandans Mr Speaker, Kiswahili language is a home speak good Swahili and over 70 per cent in to every East African, even before the East Burundi. African Community was born. And if there is anything that deals with integration Mr Speaker, to sustain this growth and among East Africans then it is the Kiswahili development, various countries have language. institutionalised certain organs so that Kiswahili is given priority and I would like Kiswahili is very rich in vocabulary from to cite a few examples. In Tanzania, there is the Bantu languages covering up to 60 per Bakita Baraza la Kiswahili, Tanzania that is cent and therefore, this makes it very core to integrating East Africans whose ethnic Kiswahili Council of Tanzania. origin is mostly Bantu. There is Bakiza in Zanzibar, which is the Kiswahili Council of Zanzibar, Baraza la Mr Speaker, just for your information, Kiswahili la Zanzibar. There is Chakchita in among 120 tribes in Tanzania, the Bantu are Kenya, Chama Kya Kiswahili Kenya, which the dominant. The colonial government did is Kenya Kiswahili Council. There is Tataki not lose sight of this fact of the importance Tasisi ya taluuma za Kiswahili, Tanzania of the Kiswahili language and so did the which stands for Tanzania Professional missionaries and the business community Institute of Kiswahili and now we happily from very early years in our respective have EAKC which stands for East African countries. Kiswahili Commission. Mr Speaker, we can all see that not all is in vain.

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Aware of these developments and glorious The Speaker: Proceed; other members will benefits, media houses - like my brother mention them in their debate. cited examples of - media houses of international calibre like the BBC, VOA, Ms Bhanji: Thank you. That is what I Radio Japan, Deutsche Welle, China, Russia wanted to request so that I do not exclude and others have jumped on the bandwagon Rwanda. to use Kiswahili in their daily programmes, Mr Speaker, all this is to show to the world reaching many audiences in over 17 that our artistic richness that knows no countries in East, Central and Southern boundaries we have placed very big Africa from Somali to Zambia to Zimbabwe importance to officialising Kiswahili in the and beyond. EAC. Mr Speaker, these involvements and efforts If we officialise the Kiswahili language then in the use of Swahili language by private it will be an icing on the cake in the quest of and public sectors have caught the attention integration awareness to spread much of the academic institutions to teach quicker. Kiswahili language in the universities like in the USA, the UK, in Europe, Russia, China, As I wind up. I would like to say that Japan and South Africa for the very good English has dominated the business in EAC, reasons. has dominated the English language in EALA and this is an impediment to other If we look around under the roof of EAC, stakeholders and prevents them from we have many radio stations, many participating, making follow up and hence television stations, newspapers, publications contradicting what is contained in the Treaty and industries that are more than ready to that this integration has to be people centred accelerate and consolidate the popular use of and market driven integration. Kiswahili as an integration agenda with much ease and success. On the ground, Kiswahili is used widely across East Africa. Therefore, the popular Mr Speaker, I would like to cite an example use of Kiswahili in EAC avenues and of two Kenyan musicians by names of Fazili EALA, alongside English will enhance William and Fundikonde, both of who were common understanding by the people on cultural giants of East Africa during the 20th EAC integration. century. They left behind a robust legacy of love songs of world acclaim, which goes by Finally, Kiswahili not being one of the the name of ‘malaika, nakupenda malaika’. official languages, we are committing an act of negligence because it is one of the key Mr Speaker, even the modern musician tools in EAC integration. Even in our known as Bongo flavour are now singing countries, majority of our people who live in songs in Kiswahili. Just to mention a few, rural areas have their medium of we have musicians in Uganda for example communication as Kiswahili. They would be Chameleon Juliana Kanyomozi, we have more receptive to hear, monitor and make a Kidumu from Burundi, Nazizi from Kenya follow up of EALA debates in Kiswahili and and Waire…and I am sure there are also English. Our people would be more other musicians so I will request – (loud attentive. consultations) -

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Therefore, the EAC Summit, which has kilometres away. It is the only way we already made some pronouncements on the can…Let me give you one example then I use of Kiswahili in our Community, also has will sit. In West Africa, even in the same to understand that the use of Kiswahili is country, people cannot communicate in an very important. Therefore, I would like to African language. They have to resort to the call upon our Heads of State to start the ball language spoken in Paris. It is an rolling with this clarion call to endorse embarrassment. It is time we started Kiswahili as one of our official languages in speaking our own language especially this East Africa. Naomba kuwasilisha. I beg to one. Thank you very much. submit. The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. The Speaker: Thank you so much. Leonce. Honourable members, you can see that we are many who want to contribute. Can I Ms. Angela Charles Kizigha (Tanzania): kindly request that you do not go beyond Thank you very much, Mr Speaker for four minutes. I am actually requesting for giving me the floor, but before I proceed, modernisation of our PA system such that allow me to thank hon. Zein for bringing when I say four, when four minutes clock, it this very important motion which I think at will switch off. I am giving priority to those the end of the day will be the legacy of this who have not spoken since we began on Assembly, if at all it is assented to by the Tuesday. Summit but we hope so by the grace of God. Mr Leonce Ndarubagiye (Burundi): Mr Speaker, over 100 million people in Thank you very much, Mr Speaker for Africa speak Swahili. It will be quite hard to giving me the floor. There is no need to talk ignore a language, which is spoken by a too much about the importance of Kiswahili, majority within Africa and the region. To as everyone is aware that it is not only me, Swahili has all the reasons and grounds important but also vital for our Community. to become an official language within our Kiswahili is the way of integrating our society, especially within East Africa. Community. Kiswahili is the way of As hon. Zein has mentioned, Swahili is creating a nation state like the one they have recognised by giant foreign organisations done here in Tanzania; Mwalimu Nyerere like BBC, Voice of America and many who I congratulate very much. others that have already been mentioned so Kiswahili is the way of having culture and if international organisations recognise the social cohesion to empower the future Swahili language, why not ourselves, the Political Federation. Kiswahili is the pride ones who own this language? It is high time of a black man and for Africans to spread all for us to make sure that Swahili is on board. over the world a new language that while we Mr Speaker, African Union recently in this were learning theirs, they should start week’s meeting agreed to propose Swahili learning ours. That is why it is wonderful as an official language to their Summit, they that from East to West political divide, they have also agreed to put the documents, and are all broadcasting in Kiswahili. literature so that they can make sure that I will be very brief but say this: the way Swahili is on board during the African Kiswahili could help create a nation state Union when they are proceeding with their and get the African out of humiliation of activities. speaking in a language that is spoken 80,000

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Mr Speaker, every one of us here is very I would like to bring information to this familiar with the name Ngugi wa Thiongo House that teaching mathematics at the basic who is from Kenya. He is the one who wrote level is easier when taught in Kiswahili various books and he is renowned rather than English. Therefore, making internationally as a writer. Ezekiel Nkelele Swahili to be an official language will bring from South Africa has urged all to use more confidence in the teachers in teaching Swahili so that it can be a language to unite Kiswahili at the lower levels, especially in Africans. mathematics. Mr Speaker, within East and Central Africa, Let me give you an example. If you teach more than 50 million people are speaking students how to count one to 20, which is all Swahili particularly in Tanzania, Zanzibar, you need in arithmetic, you do not need Kenya and Ugandans are also speaking more than 20, you will find that it is easier Swahili, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, to do it in Kiswahili than in English. When Democratic Republic of Congo, you count one to 10, after 10 in English you Mozambique, South Sudan, Somalia - All go to another word 11; but in Kiswahili, you these speak Swahili as a first or second use the same words which you have already language as a way of communicating. spoken; kumi na moja. Twelve is a new word but in Kiswahili, it will be ten and two. In addition, His Excellency Joachim Chissano, a former President of Therefore, it is easier to teach kindergarten Mozambique and outgoing chairperson of students maths in Kiswahili rather than African Union has addressed the Summit English and therefore, building confidence using the Swahili language and urged the in mathematics at that level. It brings delegates and their countries to learn and confidence in the students because we all speak Swahili. He said, Swahili is unique know how we think mathematics is so and contains cultural dignity, which cannot fundamental in studies and once our kids in be found anywhere else apart from Africa. kindergarten are not doing well in arithmetic, we start to have a negative Mr Speaker, Swahili is the primary mode of language on then and therefore Kiswahili not only cultural transmission but also inter will build confidence in our students cultural and generational communication. particularly in mathematics. Culture is also transmitted through language and thus, the promotion of Swahili will act Language is a means of transporting to subdue the phenomenon of cultural concepts from one person to another. We dominance. I beg to submit and I support clearly know that concepts are discoveries of 100 per cent the motion of Swahili in this human beings of what is in the universe or House. I thank you, Mr Speaker. we can say, what is in our environment. Our environment changes from one place to Dr Perpetua Kessy Nderakindo another and therefore, what we develop as (Tanzania): Thank you, Mr Speaker. concepts are different from different Before I forget, I would like to thank the environments so why do we have to mover of the motion and I support it. translate our concepts, which are born out of our languages in Kiswahili, and we translate Mr Speaker, we do have a programme for it in English? That is what we are doing our students in schools in this subject of science and the basis of most of the science exactly in this Parliament. subjects is mathematics.

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When we receive concerns or issues from The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Kessy. our citizens, they normally give them in Kiswahili but when we come to this Mr Martin Ngoga (Rwanda): Thank you Parliament, we present them in English. very much, Mr Speaker. If rules were There is definitely something that we are permitting, we probably would have had this losing and therefore, I think that when we debate in Kiswahili so that we can from the have two languages, we can say you can beginning test our skills. speak either in English or in Kiswahili. This Mr Speaker, I want to commend the will be freedom, which is part of our members; hon. Zein and hon. Shy-Rose who governance, and therefore, we can see here thought about this and the way they made that we will bring more concepts in our their case is such that it is deep and close to discussions because we will have two their hearts. languages of debate. You know this language is very contagious. Lastly, Mr Speaker, we know that as we No one who has been close to it can afford evolve in our politics, nowadays it is to divorce from it. politically correct to use the word inclusiveness. If you do not use the word Mr Speaker, I support this idea first because inclusiveness, you seem to be out of date. we have chosen to be the Community that is Inclusiveness means that in our Parliaments people centred and here we are denying we will include those who want to be ourselves a very important tool of members of this Parliament but cannot speak integration. We have examples of success English. stories of how languages have brought people together and Kiswahili is one of Therefore, we are losing many able people those languages that is associated with those who could move this Parliament because we success stories. Therefore, we are living in have discriminated against them. We know denial. In fact, East Africans are already that in Tanzania in particular, our politics speaking Swahili. Even those countries are very hot when debated in Kiswahili but where it is perceived to be spoken at a those who are very good in Kiswahili in certain smaller percentage, the fact is, most politics are not allowed, so far, to be in this young people speak Swahili. It is very Parliament and hence with that word ‘or’ - unlikely that you will find four Rwandan English or Kiswahili - it brings freedom to young people speaking any other language this Assembly. other than Swahili. Therefore, I support this motion and it will I believe it is the situation across East Africa increase the development in our politics in so by going this route, we are just being this region and in particular this Assembly. realistic. Kiswahili is spoken anyway. We As I wind up, many of the parliaments in our just need to make a decision to be less elitist. region speak more than one language and in Our processes are elitist. We are making the world, the regional parliaments speak efforts to distance ourselves from our people more than one language so it is time to for no reason and we are not downplaying update our Assembly to be at the regional the importance of these foreign languages. and international level in terms of the They have their important space in this operations of Parliament. Thank you, Mr world of globalisation but the case here is to Speaker. promote our own so that it can play its own role without prejudice to those others.

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We are not saying we should not speak people’s culture so that you do not think French or English because we need those straight in your language but you tend to languages but Swahili is equally important begin thinking that other cultures are more in its own context. Therefore, I think it is a superior to your culture. Therefore, language very important idea in that it is already a will release you form this cultural prison. reality. We just need to adjust ourselves; we are the ones who are behind. East Africans Mr Speaker, if you note the countries in are already speaking Swahili, we just need Europe for example, people are very proud to accept that and stop living in denial. of their languages. The French will speak French and even if he understands English, Lastly, Mr Speaker, let me share this very he will not bother to speak in English. He short story. One day when I was still a will persist in speaking in French because he prosecutor back home, we had a conference knows that he is proud of his culture. in Mozambique and we had an opportunity to meet the President then, His Excellency Therefore, this Kiswahili is our culture and Guebuza. When we were shaking hands we should be proud that the culture that has with him, in front of me was Judge Pheleshi been developed as others have said in the who then was DPP of Tanzania. Mr Pheleshi East and central Africa and is spreading said, “Good evening, Mr President?” The faster in the African continent is developed. President asked where he was from because We should embrace that in this Community. we were saying where we came from. He Mr Speaker, way back in Kenya, the Kenya answered, “I am from Tanzania.” The Certificate of Secondary Education, and President said, “Ongea na mimi Kiswahili. Kiswahili is a compulsory subject. You will Ni salimie kwa Kiswahili.” It was a bit of an not pass with an ‘A’ if you fail in Kiswahili. embarrassment. Those are the rules there and I am sure that Therefore, this language is already popular. in Tanzania it has been more embraced Those who are not as close to it as we are, because I think they teach Kiswahili even in are already embracing it so we just need to the universities. In the Parliament of Kenya, make this decision. It is not a difficult you can speak either in Kiswahili or in decision to make and for that reason, I English. support the motion. I commend the members Therefore, Mr Speaker, we are not doing who brought it; we should have done this things that are out of the ordinary. This is yesterday. Thank you, Mr Speaker. the way East Africa is going and in short so The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. that the others can also have an opportunity Martin. to speak, let us support this motion, which is important, and which will liberate us from Mr Joseph Kiangoi Ombasa (Kenya): cultural harassment, as my brother there has Thank you, Mr Speaker for this opportunity. said. I thank you, Mr Speaker. This is a very important motion and I fully support it. I thank hon. Zein and my sister, The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Kiangoi. hon. Shy-Rose, for working on this motion Ms Dora Kanabahita Byamukama and bringing it before this House. (Uganda): Mr Speaker, thank you very Mr Speaker, language can be said to be a much for the opportunity and I will be brief. very important tool of development. It can I just want to go to the motion and with due also be used to imprison you to other

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates respect, I would like to thank hon. Zein and maybe as part of our discussion here, we my sister, hon. Shy-Rose for the motion. shall also look at practical ways of developing it. Going to the title, for the record, we should put the title right: Motion for a resolution of I would like to speak a little for Uganda. I the Assembly urging EAC Summit to amend think in 2018, Kiswahili will be formally the Treaty to make Kiswahili an official introduced as part of the education and the language of the Community. He corrected it, Right honourable Prime Minister may and I think that is good. I think it flows with confirm this but we are a little bit late so I the end. I did not hear it. want to go back to the word ‘developed’. Even when we have the Swahili Council, I My second point is ‘recalling that’. Maybe think we need to be very systematic and to we could go to the specific Article 137 of design ways of developing Kiswahili as an the Treaty for the establishment of the EAC official language because it is one thing to so that whoever is reading this anywhere say and propose and it is another thing to else will be able to understand. also look at what happened before so that we can rectify this. Let me go to my substantive discussion and I would like to thank hon. Zein for including I have just been reminded by my sister, hon. the fact and very carefully constructing Kessy that our President Yoweri Kaguta under resolution number one that Kiswahili Museveni usually talks about Kiswahili as a is one of the official languages of the rich language and she gave an example of Community because I think in saying so, he the word ‘kukeketa’ which is the same word is including the fact that English is already for female genital mutilation. It is just one an official language. word in Kiswahili and yet in the English language you have to use three words. I am saying this because I want to be practical. I come from the Republic of With this, I would like to thank hon. Zein Uganda, and I know that most East Africans and support the motion. I thank you. do not speak Kiswahili. Much as I really support the motion, from a practical level, I The Speaker: Thank you so much. think it is important that we maintain the Everyone is going to speak but I may need status quo for the time being because when some flexibility because I may adjourn in you look at Article 137(2) of the Treaty, it another 14 minutes unless something is says, “Kiswahili shall be developed as the done. Thank you. lingua franca of the Community.” Mr Frederic Ngenzebuhoro (Burundi): When I googled the word lingua franca, it Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to means a language that is adopted as a thank the mover of this motion, which I common language between speakers whose properly and fully support. I support this native languages are different. Now the motion for three reasons. The first one is question is, if this was the intention: ‘shall Kiswahili is a uniting tool. be developed’ and it is now almost 16 years ago because in 1999 the Treaty was adopted, Mr Speaker, I remember very ably in the what has been done? I think that is the big 1960s as we used to take the family cattle to question because there was an intention to the other side of River Muhagarazi, develop but what happened and what was especially during the dry season so that they done to develop? Therefore, I hope that could graze there. At that time, in the Buha

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates region, very few could speak Swahili. They tomorrow we can be united over this all speak Giha. Lately in 2000, I went back language, which will integrate us and will there when I was campaigning to be in the help us to get an East African identity. Parliament in Burundi and I was surprised to Thank you. see that all the Buha people understand and speak Kiswahili. Mr Abdullah Mwinyi (Tanzania): Mr Speaker, before I proceed, can I stand on a I was also surprised to see that in that procedural motion to request that we extend region, the newspapers were in Kiswahili. I the time of this session until the conclusion understood that all Tanzania is now united of this debate. Mr Speaker, I beg to move. because of this language so it is very important and I would like to thank His The Speaker: Seconders? Hon. Maryam, Excellency Mwalimu Julius Nyerere for hon. Kessy and all the members standing. what he has done in making this language a Honourable members, the motion is that we uniting language. extend the time beyond 6.30p.m. I put the My second reason is that this language is an question. integrating tool. Mr Speaker, the first time I (Question put and agreed to.) came to this town of Arusha was 31 years ago in 1985. I was attending an ACP/EU The Speaker: I will look at the appropriate Parliamentary Assembly. At that time there time to adjourn. I am not taking you until were only two hotels; Saba Saba and Mt midnight but let us not cap it yet as we Meru, but in another shape, not what we see watch the momentum. now. It was very different. Mr Mwinyi: Mr Speaker, thank you very At that time, everybody could speak much. It is very difficult for me today to Swahili. We would go to the market and we debate this motion in a language that is not had to pay five times the normal price Swahili. I still think in Swahili and when I because they considered that we were sleep, I dream in Kiswahili so when I speak foreigners. English, as my Right honourable friend pointed out, I convert from Kiswahili into Let me say that it is the same even today. If English and all this mention of Kiswahili you go to the market here and speak has put my mind in a mode of debating in English, I can assure you that you will pay a Kiswahili but I will try my best to touch lot of money. That is why you should be upon those aspects that my colleagues had interested to learn some Kiswahili so that not touched upon. you can negotiate with them otherwise, it will be very difficult for you. In my opinion, I believe that a common language is perhaps the most critical element My third reason is I am a man and I am very of any successful integration process. A happy to see for example that Radio Kachi prototype of that is the United Republic of in Burundi now broadcasts in Kiswahili and Tanzania. Many people do not seem to another radio from Terano Radio and I am realise the diversity within our country. convinced that Kiswahili can boost East African identity. Kiswahili will help us to In 1961 at our independence, we had over get an East African spirit so let us pray that 120 different languages and cultures with this motion is accepted very quickly and the very few of them having a dominant space. heads of states can amend the Treaty so that Maybe you could say the Wanyamwezi and

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Sukuma combined are about a third of the Two, it has more speakers than all the other country but you have more than 120 languages that have been suggested as an different tribes and cultures. African lingua franca. The most critical factor for the then Three, it is a language that has a long President was to create a unity in diversity writing history with many publications on and an important tool in that project was the culture and literature. language of Kiswahili and Radio Tanzania. It created unity in diversity and Four, Kiswahili is a Bantu language that can communication is vitally important when be easily acquired in Africa as you have a number of different or diverse approximately half of Africa’s population is groups and you want to mobilise that group made up of Bantu whose languages are very into a unitary goal. That is the very closely related so it is easy to pick up. definition of integration. Five, Kiswahili has proved to be flexible in We have the vast majority of East Africans its lexicon expansion. A number of conversing in Kiswahili. In terms of Kiswahili words are from foreign languages. numbers in East Africa and beyond, there Our number system: sita, saba, tisa, mia, are many Swahili speakers so it is an laki, milioni, bilioni, and trilioni – all of absolute shame that it has actually taken us these numbers are adopted from foreign 16 years from the inception of the second languages. Other things will be mentioned integration process to bring this motion by other peole.t is a very flexible language before this House. This should have been with a very flexible lexicon. brought yesterday. Mr Speaker, with all these important Mr Speaker, knowing that time is of the characteristics of the language, it is high essence. I just wanted to quote a small piece time that we adopt it and make it our second before I allow my other colleagues to sit and language of the East African Community. debate in this very important subject. I have Mr Speaker, I beg to support. in my hand a report of the second World Black and African Festival of Arts and The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Mwinyi. Culture, which took place in 1976 in Nigeria. Renown African scholars, Dr Odette Nyiramilimo (Rwanda): Thank Professors Wole Soyinka and Mr you, Mr Speaker. I first want to thank my Muhammed Abdulaziz, within that context dear colleague and friend, hon. Zein for and threw their support for the Kiswahili bringing this motion. language to be Africa’s lingua franca and they gave five reasons. I beg your The reason why I want to speak about this indulgence to point out those five reasons. Kiswahili is I am one of the most suffering persons because I do not speak Kiswahili They argue and support that, one, it has and I remember the first year I joined EALA proved its unifying ability by enabling in 2008, we were in Nairobi and after I was effective communication between East sworn in, His Excellency Mwai Kibaki Africans who speak English and their received us. We arrived there and sat French-speaking neighbours of Central waiting for him. When he arrived, he started Africa. That is one reason. speaking in Kiswahili. We tried to say, can you speak in English but he did not want to speak in English. Every time I looked to my

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates colleagues to ask what he was saying, why The Speaker: Thank you so much. Excuse are you laughing, they would say, “Wait.” me; I have a special appeal from hon. Kimbisa in writing. He has a patient that he I really suffered that day and not only that has to attend to in about 20 minutes. day. We tried to go to Zanzibar and learn Therefore, he has requested to speak. Kiswahili but what we could learn – Of course, when I go to the market, as hon. Mr Adam Kimbisa (Tanzania): Mr Frederic was saying, I can negotiate but if Speaker, thank you very much for giving me somebody is on the high table speaking way. I really thank hon. Zein and hon. Shy- Kiswahili, I will not get anything. Rose for bringing the motion. Therefore, I want to support the motion and Mr Speaker, language as a means of put an amendment, if the mover allows it. communication is a privilege given to us by The amendment I would like to put, which God and that is why we differ fundamentally might be number four, would be that this with animals and insects. God has also been House do resolve to urge the Council of generous enough to give East Africans a Ministers to direct the Secretariat, together language to communicate. with the EAC Commission on Kiswahili to put in place a Kiswahili teaching centre at Mr Speaker, no matter how perfect, how EAC headquarters. beautiful, how eloquent one can speak a foreign language, that person does not own It is not understandable that we can stay that language. Why? Because a language has here- of course I know my friend hon. Zein some cultural ingredients in it so even if I will say it is because of age but even speak English perfectly, the culture in me is younger ones like hon. Nakawuki who is not quite different. here – It is not understandable that we can stay here for eight to 10 years without being Do you know that when I come here and able to speak Kiswahili. We have the will to start speaking, first I think in my mother learn and if there was a centre here in language, which is Kirangi as a tribal Arusha at EAC headquarters, I am sure I language, and then I translate into Swahili would be very fluent in Kiswahili. but with pain and difficulty I translate it into English so that I can speak. That is really Hon. Zein, I hope that you will accept my pushing and I am sorry to use a vulgar amendments. When we were in the planning language and I apologise but that is pushing meeting at the pre-budget conference, I even shit. suggested to the Kiswahili Commission representative that they should add that and Mr Speaker, over 60 per cent of Swahili we would try as EALA members to push to words, as my colleagues have said, come put a budget in that centre so that all staff from African tribes so it is an African working for EA can be able to speak language. It is our baby and we own it. It is Swahili. All members, even the ministers part of our culture but like any other coming here, could go in the evening when growing language, Swahili has also we finish our business and sit in that borrowed especially professional and Kiswahili teaching centre so that within two technical words. Things like shule is a or three years, everybody is able to speak German word, which means school. Meza a Kiswahili fluently. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Portuguese word that means table. Salaam is an Arabic word, which means greetings.

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Therefore, Swahili is a language of Mr Jeremie Ngendakumana (Burundi): civilisation, a modern language, is a Thank you, Mr Speaker for giving me this language of love and a language of opportunity to contribute about the technology. Unfortunately, in Africa we are importance of having Kiswahili as an still suffering from a terrible disease called official language in East African tribalism. This disease called tribalism is Community. eating and killing Africa. No wonder Mwalimu Nyerere knew it from the Mr Speaker, Kiswahili is our language; it is beginning that until Tanzanians with more an East African language. In my culture, than 100 tribes, languages and dialects have there is a saying and I will try to translate it, a common denominator called Swahili, there which says, even if you do not speak is no way you can unite these people and Kiswahili, you even know ndiyo. It means that is what he did to unite us. that everybody may understand you if you speak in Kiswahili. Mr Speaker, in East Africa we are talking about people centred integration, people The second observation I got is last time in built integration but how do we this last sensitisation activity, I was in meaningfully integrate while our people are Kenya and I was more comfortable to still balkanised into tribes, languages and express myself before the audience when because the languages are so many and so using Kiswahili than English. The members small, we resorted to foreign languages so I was with in Kenya may tell you exactly that we could have a common denominator about this. I was even more understandable to communicate. while using Kiswahili than English. This means that Kiswahili was the tool of Those two languages of English and French communication between the Kenyan citizens are unfortunately spoken by intellectuals and and myself. people like us here. How many people in the rural areas, including Uganda and Kenya Mr Speaker, we are a Parliament and what who may think they own or are near we are doing, all our debate is in the interest ownership of English, but how many people and benefit of our citizens. Now we can ask in Gulu speak English. Very few but if we ourselves, how many of our citizens are introduce Swahili, they will be comfortable following our debate as it is done in English. to learn Swahili than English or French. It should have been done in Kiswahili then at least 80 or 90 per cent of our citizens of The Speaker: Actually, people in Gulu East Africa would have been able to follow speak more Kiswahili than English. our debate and appreciate properly the work we are doing as a Parliament. Mr Kimbisa: Thank you very much. Therefore, let us integrate using Swahili as a Mr Speaker, we have an example. When I means to an end rather than an end in itself. was attending my secondary school in Swahili being a means and integration being Bujumbura, one could be able to play an end. Let us integrate with a common football very well but if they did not speak agenda, a common destiny, a common Kiswahili, he was not allowed to be a denominator, a common language and that member of the team. Those from Bujumbura language is Swahili. Thank you very much. know this. You could be one playing football very well but to be a member of the The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. team, he should be a Kiswahili speaker. If Kimbisa.

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates not, you are not allowed to be part of the enviable position of having bene part of a team. process that saw Kiswahili being adopted in two regional parliaments. I think that the Secretary General now can talk about this. I know this and we were I am on record under the great leadership of obliged to learn quickly and speak our President, the first President of the Pan Kiswahili. African Parliament, Gertrude Mongela for initiating a process that got Kiswahili Mr Speaker, when the white man came to adopted as a working language of PAP and Africa, they came with their language, their eventually the African Union. I was part of religion, with their culture and with their that team, we campaigned for this language, clothes. Now we are independent yet we are and it was out of emotions because we were using their language even when we have there and they are telling you that ours. How come that having our own Portuguese is a working language, French language that we are proud of and we all and all these other languages and there was understand, we go and borrow a language no proximity at all. from thousands of kilometres to express ourselves or to address our people? So those of us from the East African region who had even campaigned for Ambassador I think that hon. Leonce put it well. We need Gertrude Mongela to be the initial president to be proud of our language, we need to wanted to create a mark on the African promote our own culture, and we need to be Union and the Pan African Parliament to proud of ourselves as Africans. take there something East African. We agreed and this plotting was done With those few comments, Mr Speaker, I somewhere in Nairobi where we said that support this motion an di thank the movers we must take something East African and because it is something that we really need, make impact so that the pioneering President first as a Parliament to be able to leave s a legacy. communicate properly with our people and also as a tool of communication in East Indeed Madam Gertrude Mongella left a Africa. legacy because that language was adopted and if anyone ever comes across - I was a I thank you so much and I support the serious campaigner for her. I was younger motion. than I am now, full of energy and I used that The Speaker: Thank you so much. energy to get Kiswahili on the list of official languages. So when I get this debate here Mr Mike Sebalu (Uganda): Thank you when we are bringing it home because that very much, Mr Speaker. I will pick a link was a little distant as well but when we get it from where my brother, hon. Jeremie has home, and in Arusha, a capital of a country left it. I now know why hon. Ngenzebuhoro that has nurtured and developed this started playing football when he came to language to a level unprecedented, I feel EALA. very honoured to be part of this discussion. Mr Speaker, if you have a record, you have That is why I said that if you have a record, a basis to stand and speak in support of what you have a basis and I indeed have a basis to you believe in. I have a good record in put my name on this debate. supporting Kiswahili. I simply want to say that if this gets to pass then I will be in an

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I also stand by my submissions yesterday. I everyone. That is where we need to go if we was like an Englishman or a white. When are to make the integration popular. you dance, it is interesting when the whites are dancing. They are always out of step and Finally, can you imagine that I am also they are dancing to the beat of the next song admired in my Kiswahili? In Uganda there so yesterday I could have bene out of step as are audiences where I throw a bit of I was dancing to the tune of today. Kiswahili, I am also admired, and yet when I come to Arusha, I even admire kids when Mr Speaker, the East Africanness of the East they are doing their thing. That is how Africans can only be concluded or achieved important this language is getting. by putting in place an all embracing and inclusive medium of communication where Mr Speaker, this motion should have come each one of us feels part of it. Right now, we yesterday but today is never too late. Let us do many good things but they cannot be give it the support and if there is anything appreciated first hand going through an like a master key, believe me, this motion is intermediary. It creates serious challenges to going to be the master key to opening the our people and we really need to move out amendment of the Treaty. This is a master of that. key and it is going to open that process of amending the Treaty. Finally, Mr Speaker I just want to say that trendy things can be easily captured in the With that, I wish to thank my brother for this way the move. Swahili music is becoming well thought out motion and I support it with very trendy across the region and those all the vigour, energy and enthusiasm. musicians within our region who have taken Thank you, Mr Speaker. it upon themselves to compose and sing in The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. Kiswahili are becoming universal. Sebalu. I can now see that you are admired Chameleon can go to Bujumbura and he gets because of your little Kiswahili. Rt. hon. a full audience. He can go to Nairobi and he Prime Minister, please take the floor before I gets a full audience. give it to the mover. None of our regional singers who are The Third Deputy Prime Minister and English oriented gets that kind of crowd Minister for East African Affairs, Uganda because the days are gone when we danced (Al Hajji Ali Kirunda Kivejinja): Mr to Congolese music without understanding Speaker, I just want to move away from the it. People now want to follow the lyrics, the motion because this takes up everybody and message and the beat. Therefore, when you then the whole body reacts. play mambo bado, it cuts across and it is trendy now. It is always belter to believe in something and have a strong base to act. You are all Those are clear indications that Kiswahili is aware that ancient tigers like Malaysia and becoming increasingly popular across South Korea were not at the same level of classes, across divides and across religions. development at independence as we are but If you are in an audience and the Chameleon now, they are miles apart. How did I come song is good or there is a Tanzanian singer, to appreciate that? whether you are Muslim or Catholic, you will see someone tapping with his ntarabusi I had a young girl, when Kagame took over on the head and the song will capture in Rwanda who we took to go and teach

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English. After some time, they found that ideas. We conceive them in different Kagame was taking many young people languages, and by the time you translate outside and they said, my future is not here. them, you are only creating more messes. She came to me and said, “I want to do a Masters’ degree.” She added, “Do not mind I think we must agree that this is an African about your money because I have saved language, which is not owned by anybody. It mine. I want to do a Masters.” When she is progressive because it absorbs whatever is was there, she was a literature student, she convenient. If we had adopted that method, came on the topic of lexigraphy, and the we would have been a long way away. The topic she took was the compilation of a teacher has told us that if you get a small monolingual dictionary in Lusoga, a local child and begin teaching her in the local language. language, you will find that she will comprehend the world better than those who I told her, “What is this going to do? Are studied in English. In Uganda, it has been you going up or down?” She outwitted me agreed that all lower classes must be taught by producing a UNESCO report on why in the local languages. Africa has … as Malaysia is because we lost our language. If this is the case, we shall I also wanted to know why it is that Swahili have to go back to understanding our was not very popular in Uganda. We were languages and begin to have conceptions in colonised by the same people in Tanzania, our languages for us to make meaningful Uganda and Kenya, but in Uganda, why? and holistic development. You need to know that so that you appreciate and then you assist us out of the She ended up with that. You know problem. Ugandans were taught by the best English teachers from Oxford and Cambridge and The problem is the history because the they speak perfect English; the Queen’s Arabs entered Uganda much earlier than the English but there is a saying that all Europeans did - 30 years before - and of children, including those in the belly - they course, the language of communication was want to teach them English. Swahili. It was a culture because was a culture, which liberated us from bark For example, a number of Africans cloths, taught people hygiene and everybody considered ideas of development; LOME took it up. That is why you find that the one, LOME II were talking about producing kings of Uganda were all in nice Arab garbs technicians and scientists in the population with turbans. but it was never done. He says, “If you do not speak your own language and you do not When the British came, they had a long conceive the ideas of development which are programme of how to capture and send that transmitted from consultants to us, by the system away and they are patient until time they reach you, to translate them and be approximately 30 years when the kings that able to send them over to for had a lot of influence had died. During that implementation and application, they have time, they recruited cadres and caused the undergone 100 distortions.” Therefore, 100 bitterest wars, which ultimately ended up problems are created instead of the one throwing the Islamic factions out of power problem that they wanted to solve. and distorting society because they overthrew the kings that they did not believe That is why we have not moved any further. in. they then brought a child of 14 months to It is because we have failed to conceive our be a king with a number of collaborators.

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We therefore ended up with an artificial What we need is, along with this, practical situation and the missionaries who were at steps. Tanzania is teaching Swahili and their the base made sure that Swahili is not teachers are producing teachers so I think introduced in Uganda. Their argument was Kenya and Tanzania – this is an opportunity. that if at all it were introduced, it would give Why don’t you cultivate and produce more more credence to Islam. That is why you Swahili teachers and offer them to these will find that in Uganda there was every other countries so that they go and teach in effort to kill the language. I wanted you to these countries instead of thinking that by know that. passing a resolution here, we are also doing something. No, we must be practical. When my daughter says that in Uganda we have a problem, yes, we do, and it is because How many teachers? If we start with of vested interests. Those who were Kindergarten, within five and six years, you distorted and we the gainers and will find a complete and new generation so collaborators are the ones who have we must not only be emotional about things produced the ruling clique. but we must also be practical of how we can advance our emotional basis. Thank you Fortunately, some of us were liberated very much. earlier through exposure to different surroundings. By history and by our first The Speaker: Thank you so much. Prime Minister, I ended up in Nairobi Honourable members, I have seen hon. because Nairobi was the centre of Valerie, hon. Taslima, hon. Rwigema and all everything. It was the same with Museveni of you who want to contribute. I plead with who also came from the bush and was in you that we allow the mover to move so that Dar es Salaam for his intellectual grounding I conclude because I am supposed to travel and liberation theology. Therefore, he to Nairobi by road for an official understands. I am sure some of you have engagement very early tomorrow morning seen his passion for federation. It is actually so kindly, hon. Zein in the shortest time you a product of Nyerere. Therefore, you should can. see it in that light. I expect that everyone understands that. We are now coming back to the main reasons why we need to change. I have given you the background so that when you adopt this, you know that you have the basis on which – It is not a question of demotion. It is a real factor in our development to transform our society. We established a Swahili centre in Zanzibar but when you do not want to take decisions, you set up committees and committees will also have bureaucracy that we may not be able to see the results of the Swahili Commission at least in our lifetime.

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Mr Abubakar Zein Abubakar (Kenya): Once he scolded mischievous politicians Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Allow through a poem whose refrain went like this, me to be brief but allow me to also – It will “Viwi mwaviramba vyombo, vyema be a great injustice for this debate to be mungevikulaje?” He says bad things you eat concluded without a few Swahili words until you lick the plates but if you were being spoken, like hon. Mwinyi was doing. given good things, how would you eat them? So, allow me to end and I will translate He was talking about politicians. according to our Rules. Allow me to invoke the same of Sherbet Nami nambe Kama waambao. Let me speak Robert, a great Mzee from Tanga, a poet, like those who have spoken before me. philosopher, novelist, but to me when I was Niufumbe. Let me make it into a puzzle. growing up, the first Mswahili to write science fiction entitled kusadikika, Wafumbue wajuao. Let them unravel the kufikirika. For those who can read those puzzle, those who know how to do it. books, please do. Niupambe. Let me make it beautiful. Ufuraishe wa semao. So that it can please Allow me to mention two names, one those who speak this language. Kenyan, one Tanzanians who came together to write about the history of Kiswahili. Allow me to quote something that we were Mathias Mnyampala and Shibabdin discussing with hon. Mwinyi on Mwalimu Chiraghdin. Nyerere since many people have spoken Also allow me to mention two last names about Mwalimu Nyerere fondly. We and since we are looking forward to go to remember him fondly. Let me remember Zanzibar where the Kiswahili Commission him fondly. is located, it will be a miss for me not to Once he was confronted with a huge press mention the first police investigator novelist and they were asking him, “Mwalimu, why and spy novelist in Kiswahili. Some people did you translate Shakespeare?” You know, know him as Mzee Musa, Muhammed Said he translated two major Shakespeare works: Abdullah. Mabepari wa Venasi - The Merchant of Let me finish with an East African who Venice, and Julius Kaizari - Julius Caesar. many of you know and cherish, who is both His answer was profound. He said, “I did a Kenyan and Tanzanian at heart because not translate Shakespeare into Kiswahili when he was jailed for his political views in because I love Shakespeare but because I Kenya, he wrote an anthology of Swahili love Kiswahili more. Therefore, it will be poetry called Sauti ya Thiki, the voice of missing on my part if I do not mention a few agony. Mzee Kenyatta’s administration is elders who are no longer with us, who have the one that put him in jail. When he came made immense contributions to Kiswahili. out, he won the Jomo Kenyatta prize for I know the list can be very long but I will literature. restrict myself to only six names. I will give When he finished his jail term, he came and you reasons why I am invoking these six lived in Tanzania and worked at University great names of Swahili speakers and of Dar es Salaam, researching Kiswahili. He contributors: Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassany, was one of the eminent members in the the most glorified poet and published poet in panel that made the Kiswahili Sanifu our region. dictionary. Abdul Latif Abdullah who is my

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates wife’s uncle - and I am not trying to be Council because it has financial implications parochial. and it has operational implications. We will sit down with the Secretary General as well Let me now go through the list of thanking and agree. people and let me turn the order backwards. Let me start with the Speaker. The Speaker There is a need to have our Commission has provided amazing leadership on this have a teaching centre. Let us negotiate on matter because there was tension between where we will locate it. How we fund it, let Kenya and Tanzania and you know in us negotiate because it might be desirous to Kiswahili language sisi watani. We always locate it in Zanzibar where the Commission debate as to where Kiswahili was born. We is located but I am saying that these are Kenyans say it was born in Northern Kenya, details. We can even go to Uganda and in Lamu and the surrounding areas and they locate it there so that we can teach Kiswahili say, no, it was born in Zanzibar and Pemba. in Kampala. Therefore, it is something that We always exchange ideas about this. And it we can negotiate. We can agree on the was so when it came to who would move the principle. So, my sister, I really beg you, let motion on the floor of the House. us leave it for now so that we can go and negotiate what is the best interest and my Makongoro Nyerere, Abdullah Mwinyi, heart is saying Kampala but we will discuss Shy-Rose Bhanji…Now, you know how my this. sister can be persuasive, and you know that I can be persistent. However, it was the Let me go back to the two seconders of this wisdom of the Speaker - and you see, motion; hon. Hon. Shy-Rose Bhanji and Solomonic…you remember the story of the hon. Mwinyi. I thank them very much. I child when two mothers were fighting over thank hon. Leonce, hon. Kizigha – I do not the child. Solomonic wisdom came to play hear the drums so I am going to start again. and the Speaker said the end is we are seeking to give a gift to the people of East Hon. Shy-Rose Bhanji, hon. Mwinyi, hon. Africa that they have been demanding. Can Leonce, hon. Kizigha, hon. Kessy, hon. we agree to merge these proposals? Ngoga, hon. Kiangoi, hon. Dora, hon. Frederic, hon. Odette, hon. Kimbisa, hon. Here we are and we have had common Jeremie, hon. Sebalu – but I must say ground. So, Mr Speaker, thank you so much something special about this man. Today he for your leadership and wisdom and was in his element, and everybody could see bringing us together on this matter. that he was in his full element. Now when he is in his full element, his eloquence is Let me now go to the Chair, Council. I incomparable. cannot say enough that your philosophy, your history and your practical aspects are I had told him before we came here that I am important for us that you are asking us to be going to limit myself because you made the practical. It is for that reason that I will go to case yesterday. I do not need to make the my sister hon. Odette and persuade her, case again so for yesterday, for today and please let us not allow this amendment, for whatever good work you did with Mama which is important, to be part of what goes Mongela, I thank you from the bottom of my to the Summit. You and I should work heart. together when we go to Zanzibar. We should sit down with the Chief Executive of the Allow me to finish with the following Kiswahili Commission and the Chair of prayers; that I would like us to give the

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Thursday, 25 August 2016 East African Legislative Assembly Debates biggest appreciation to those who stood but urge the EAC Summit to amend the Treaty did not get a chance to speak or those who to make Kiswahili the official language of wanted to speak and did not stand because the Community. I put the question. they gave up but for all of us, if we know, like hon. Ndahiro. (Question put and agreed to.) Secondly, this is to Council of Ministers and The Speaker: Thank you, hon. Zein, hon. to the Office of the Speaker and the Clerk. If Shy-Rose and all the members for this we can work hard on this motion and motion. Honourable colleagues, I have a few prepare it in a fashion and instrument that announcements before I adjourn. can go to the Summit, as early as possible so Tomorrow we shall be having a briefing that they can pronounce themselves as workshop on Economic Partnership quickly as possible, we pray let it be by Agreement that has been initiated between November. The Summit in September is an the East African Community and the Extra Ordinary Summit and there can only European Union. The Secretariat’s technical be one item for which the meeting is called. staff will brief us on where we stand and This needs to go to the ordinary Summit they will have other technical people who which is in November so if we can do it will help them in the briefing. This is a very earlier, I pray. important meeting. The Second EALA has Last but not least, to all of us members of been following this matter and I think we this august House and our staff. One day it need to continue with it. You are invited to will be recorded that it was the Third EALA come back tomorrow at 9.00 in these that took the bold decision to seek the Chambers to do that activity. I kindly plead pleasure of the Summit by making prayers with members to attend. I have delegated to that Summit to do the right thing by East hon. Chris Opoka to take charge of that Africans and declare Kiswahili an official briefing tomorrow. I thank you so much. language together with English. I thank you. Ms Byamukama: Mr Speaker, I draw to The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. your attention, and thank you for your Zein for the good summary you have offered indulgence, the fact that the Bill on us by your conclusion we are privileged that Prohibition of FGM is a Bill, which was we have the Secretary General in attendance premised on Article 6(d); good governance as a member of this House who has a big and respect to the African Charter on human role in setting the agenda of Summit. I will and peoples’ rights especially the Maputo work with him and the Council to lobby the Protocol on the rights of women. Summit in the fastest opportunity. In my original drafting, I had put this but in It is my interest that before we retire as a the final print, I found that they premised it Third Assembly, we should debate in on Article 121, which has some discrepancy. Kiswahili. I am very confident of the They also missed out the Peace and Security support of the Chair, Summit now on this Protocol, which I mentioned as well as matter and in the shortest possible time, I Article 7 of the Treaty. Therefore, on this will relay this motion to the Chair of basis, the Committee on Legal, Rules and Summit. Thank you so much. Privileges have been working on this. It has also put aside time in October so when it Honourable members, the motion before the was referred to the Committee on General House is that this Assembly do resolve to

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Purpose, I think it may be a misnomer and I would like this to be put right. Thank you. The Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. Dora. Two things: one, I had your concern on the matter of the original text and what has been printed and I have already conferred with the Office of the CTC on the matter and the Office of the Clerk. That will be put right. Two, on the issue of referring the matter to the Legal Committee, I have already been advised by the technical desk as well. All your prayers will be done so it should not be a difficult matter to handle. ADJOURNMENT The Speaker: Based on that, I now adjourn the House to next week Tuesday at 2.30 p.m. House stands adjourned. (The House rose at 5:36 p.m. and adjourned until Tuesday, 30 August 2016 at 2.30 p.m.)

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