The Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among has asked East African community countries to fully embrace the free movement of citizens using the machine-readable National Identify Card to foster unity, cohesion, and ease trade among the partner states.
Among was speaking during the 1st meeting of the 3rd session of the 5th EAC Assembly sitting in Kampala, Uganda, on October 29, 2024, hosted at the Parliament.
In her submission, Speaker Among re-echoed the President’s call for cooperation among the member states.
“If we have agreed to use a machine-readable national ID to cross borders, why should it be a problem in other member countries? I want to re-echo the president’s call for unity and cohesion among partner states. If we stand together as a united East Africa, we shall overcome our regional problems,” Speaker Among said.
She praised President Yoweri Museveni for his unwavering support of the East African Legislative Assembly since its inception in 2001.
“He has been at the forefront of promoting EALA and the East African Community and the integration agenda. His unwavering support for EALA is a testimony of the confidence that he holds in the organs and institutions of the EAC,” Speaker Among said.
Speaker Among recognized the efforts of the EALA Parliament in enacting progressive laws that have eased cross-border trade and movement and also urged the EAC partner states to respect the resolutions and decisions of the Community.
EALA sitting, which started on 20th October, is expected to last up to 12th November 2024. This sitting focuses on key issues such as election management, non-tariff barriers, and wildlife management.
It aims to strengthen regional ties and promote economic integration among East African Community member states. The session was officially opened by President Yoweri Museveni on October 22, 2024, at State House, Entebbe.
The Speaker of the regional assembly, Joseph Ntakirutimana, congratulated Speaker Anitah Among on her election as the Vice Chairperson of the Forum of African Speakers and Presidents of Legislatures.
He recognized her election as the Vice Chairperson of the Forum of African Speakers and Presidents of Legislatures as a true testimony of Uganda’s growing influence in African parliamentary democracy.
The regional assembly, which is now debating a motion by President Museveni’s last week’s address on the rationale, vision, and guidance on the EAC integration moved by Hon. George Odongo, a representative from Uganda, is expected to end on November 12, 2024.
