'Regional institutions must adhere to good governance'

By Lusekelo Philemon

ShyRose Bhanji

Legislators of the East African lawmaking body have cautioned regional institutions to adhere to good governance practices when executing their day-to-day duties or risk undermining major steps achieved.


They made the call yesterday in Arusha when debating the EAC Annual Report for 2011/2012 and carrying out an on-spot assessment of the Internal Audit Systems for institutions in the EALA’s oval chamber at the trading bloc’s headquarters.

Tanzanian Member of East African Legislative Assembly ShyRose Bhanji remarked: “Despite delays in remissions to Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO) by partner states, the organisation was itself supposed to be proactive and deliver services as expected.”

The regional lawmaker said East Africans need to know how their resources are been utilised, calling EALA Members to task the Council of Ministers to ensure all those who do not keep adequate records are punished.

“We must embrace accountability and become serious in service delivery,” the legislator urged and went on to emphasise the need for the Council of Ministers to secure alternative strategies to funding beyond donor contributions.

Rwandan EALA member Pierre Celestin Rwigema noted that internal auditing is an important component of management and should be encouraged.

On the Civil Aviation Safety and Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the legislator noted that its Board of Directors cannot for all purposes be self-policing.
“The Council thus needs to look into the matter urgently,” he urged.
Susan Nakawuki stated that more independence on the part of Internal Auditors is necessary, citing the case of the IUCEA of which he said the Council of Ministers must intervene immediately.

Nakawuki further made a strong case for segregation of duties at the institution noting that:

“During the visit, the committee observed that the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) accountant is a signatory to all accounts of the institution, this is improper.”

Burundian EALA Jeremie Ngendakumana stated that oversight was necessary for the stability of organisations pointing out that internal audit units support management by looking inwards and offering the desired advice.

“It is supposed to undertake day to day operations including detecting weaknesses and irregularities and it is also to recommend remedial solutions to strengthen institutions,” he explained.

Finally, he noted that the convention is recognised by the treaty for the establishment of the East African Community (Article 9(3)) and as such:
“I advise that EALA considers urging the Council of Ministers to expedite the accession of both the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Burundi to the convention for the establishment of the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation 1994,” he said. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN