Kigali: Professor NSHUTI Manasseh, the Minister of State in charge of the East African Community in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda took oath of allegiance to the Treaty as ex-officio member of the 4th East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
In accordance with the Treaty establishing the East African Community, under article 48 the Minister responsible for EAC Affairs, the Assistant Minister or Deputy Minister or Minister of State responsible for the EAC Affairs from each Partner State is ex-officio member of the EALA.
Under Rule 5 of EALA Rules of Procedure, a member shall not take a sit in the Assembly before taking the oath or affirmation of allegiance to the Treaty.
Rule 9 (2) of Annex 10 to the Rules of Procedure specifically states that “when a new Member first attends the House, other than at the first Sitting of the new Assembly, the Member shall be introduced to the Speaker virtually by a Member of the Assembly who shall state the name of the new Member. The Speaker shall then administer the oath or affirmation of allegiance to him or her.
Prof. Nshuti Manasseh was introduced by name to the House by MP Dr. Pierre Celestin Rwigema in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Virtual Meetings and Sittings of the House.
Prof. Nshuti took oath during a virtual plenary session chaired by the speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Martin Ngoga. He automatically took over chairmanship of the EAC Council of Ministers.
Speaker Martin Ngoga congratulated Prof. Nshuti Manasseh upon his swearing in – as he assumes his ex-officio role in the regional August House.
Prof. Nshuti was appointed State Minister in charge of EAC on April 30 2020. He previously served in a number of government portfolios including as Minister for Commerce, Industry, Co-operatives and Tourism. He has also served as Minister for Finance, as well as Minister of Public Service and Labour. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance and a Masters of Business Administration in Accounting.
In his remarks after taking the oath, Prof. Nshuti Manasseh he assured the House of his commitment to ensure full EAC integration is realized. (End)