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EAC Council Approves Budget For 2005/2006

Hon. Jakaya Kikwete, Chairman EAC Council of Ministers

The 11th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers was held on May 23, 2005, in Arusha, Tanzania .

In his opening statement, the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Jakaya M. Kikwete, observed that there is palpable progress in the Community.

He outlined the achievements of the Community including recognition of East African Community (EAC) as a Regional Economic Community within the African Union’s strategic plan; the preparation for the launching of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission; and progress in regional infrastructure projects and programmes.

Hon. Kikwete urged the Partner States and the EAC organs and institutions to maintain the momentum of integration. In this regard, he identified major areas of concentration during the coming financial year. These include the implementation of the Protocol on the Establishment of the East African Community Customs Union; the launching and operationalisation of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission; the operationalism of the Community’s new organizational structure; intensification of programmes in infrastructure development; and commencement of negotiations towards the conclusion of a protocol on the free movement of persons, labour and services.

He therefore urged the partner states to consider the budgetary estimates for the East African Community with a view to facilitating these and related activities in
priority programmes. He pointed out that this necessitates providing the East African Community Organs and institutions with the requisite financial and human resources to achieve the set objectives during the financial year 2005/ 2006.

The Secretary General of the East African Community, Hon N Amanya Mushega, congratulated Hon Jakaya Kikwete upon his deserved nomination as the presidential candidate for Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Tanzania’s forthcoming elections scheduled for October 2005.

He stressed the need for the Partner States, EAC organs and institutions to formulate a clear vision for industrial growth and development in the East African Development Strategy for 2006- 2010.

Hon. Sam Kutesa, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other leaders of Partners States’ delegations warmly congratulated Hon. Kikwete upon his successful nomination as CCM’s presidential candidate. Hon Kikwete acknowledged the congratulations with gratitude.

The Council considered matters pertaining to the EAC supplementary Budget Re-allocation, the EAC Budget for the Financial Year 2005/2006, EAC Audited Accounts for the Financial Year 2003/2004, staff matters and progress in the preparation of Bills of the Council of Ministers.

The Council considered and approved a budget for EAC organs and institutions amounting to US$ 18.9 million of which partner states will contribute US$ 10.4
million.

Uganda’s delegation included Hon Daudi Migereko, Minister of Tourism Trade and industry; Hon Baguma Isoke, Minister of State for Lands; Hon Kibirige Sebunya, Minister of State for Agriculture; Hon Sam Bitangaro, Minister of State for Gender; Hon Kezimbira Miyingo, Minister of State for Internal Affairs; Hon Prof. Ssemakula Kiwanuka, Minister of State for Investments; Hon Simon Mayende, Minister of State for Education; Permanent Secretaries; and Senior Officials.

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