EAC states to mark November 30, as holiday

Speaker Margaret Zziwa flanked by EALA members addresses a press conference in Kenya last year. Picture/File 

In Summary

• According to a statement from the community, official celebrations shall be held in rotational order in the Partner States, celebrating African renaissance and honouring citizens who have championed the cause of integration.

By YVONE KAWIRA
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November 30 will be a holiday following a move by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to pass a bill paving way for the EAC day
.

Dubbed the Holidays bill, it will see all members of the East African community observe the day as a public holiday in all member states.

If assented, by the EAC Heads of States, then the day shall be an opportunity to reflect on the vision of integration and to celebrate the progress and on-going activities and programmes to further the objects of the Treaty.

According to a statement from the community, official celebrations shall be held in rotational order in the Partner States, celebrating African renaissance and honouring citizens who have championed the cause of integration.

The Bill recognises all the independence days celebrated in the Partner States as days off for the staff of all organs and institutions of the Community.

The same goes for the religious holidays currently observed including: Good Friday and Easter Monday as well as the Eidd El-Haj, Eid-Ul-Azha and Eidd-El-Ul.

The International Women’s Day commemorated globally on March 8 shall also be kept and observed by the EAC.

The Bill read by Hon Mike Sebalu on behalf of Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar hopes to provide a legal basis for holidays in the Community and makes provision for remuneration of employees who may be required to work on a holiday and situations where the said holiday falls on a Sunday.

The debate was preceded by the tabling of the Report by the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution. The Committee considered the Bill and incorporated a number of views and proposals for consideration and adoption.