By Guest Writer
The Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, has urged Partner States within the East African Community (EAC) to align their democratic and governance systems to accelerate regional integration and economic development.
Speaking during a high-level courtesy call on the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, at the Parliamentary Buildings in Kampala, Rt. Hon. Ntakirutimana emphasized that the regional bloc requires strong, decisive leadership to drive rapid transformation.
“As the EAC, we need to develop faster by aligning our democratic systems. What is democratic to the Democratic Republic of Congo may not necessarily be true to Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, or Kenya,” Rt. Hon. Ntakirutimana noted.
He added that he firmly believes East Africa needs strong leaders who can push the development effort to move much faster than it is moving right now.
The EALA Speaker was accompanied by key political and legislative figures, including the Vice Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda, Michael Toyota; the Member of Parliament for Bukanga South, Hon. Stephen Kangwagye; and the newly elected EALA Representative for Uganda, Hon. Fred Bangumya Rwakaizi.
Rt. Hon. Ntakirutimana commended Speaker Oboth on his election on May 25, 2026, and his initial 100 days in office, praising his accessible and humble leadership style.
“When a friend is blessed by God, you have to celebrate,” the EALA Speaker stated. “I have come here to celebrate you, especially your election. I am happy and proud because you deserved this.
You are a man who doesn’t care about titles; you live simply, are humble, and open-minded. I can call you at any time or send you WhatsApp messages and you respond instantly. You are equally blessed to have vibrant young people around you who are willing to work for you.”
Reaffirming EALA’s commitment to supporting national legislatures, Rt. Hon. Ntakirutimana offered full legislative, policy, and informational backing to Uganda’s Parliament.
In response, Speaker Oboth extended his gratitude for the fraternal visit, pledging that the 12th Parliament of Uganda will maintain active cooperation with the regional assembly.
“As the Parliament of Uganda, we will be there to keep the cooperation going, and we give assurances of our highest consideration of this offer of support,” Speaker Oboth said.
Both Speakers committed to strengthening bilateral inter-parliamentary ties, with Speaker Oboth confirming his participation in the upcoming EAC Bureau of Speakers meeting scheduled for October in Arusha, Tanzania. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
