During the June 2023 plenary session in Arusha, Honorable Françoise Uwumukiza addressed the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to emphasize the urgency of financial accountability and regional food security. Contributing to the debate on the EAC Budget Estimates for the 2023/2024 financial year, she highlighted that the success of the Community rests on the unwavering commitment of its Partner States.
Commitment to Financial Obligations
Hon. Uwumukiza underscored that for the East African Community to fulfill its mandate, member states must ensure the timely remittance of their contributions. She noted that financial delays often stall vital regional projects, particularly those aimed at infrastructure and trade facilitation. Her intervention was a call for fiscal discipline, ensuring that the EAC remains a self-sustaining and efficient body capable of serving its over 300 million citizens.
Prioritizing the Agricultural Sector
As a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources, Hon. Uwumukiza linked budgetary allocations directly to the region’s survival. She advocated for the following:
- Honoring the Malabo Declaration: She reminded the Assembly of the continental commitment to allocate at least 10% of national budgets to agriculture.
- Support for Small-Scale Farmers: Recognizing that the majority of East Africans rely on farming, she pushed for investments in quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern irrigation.
- Climate Change Mitigation: She argued that the regional budget must reflect the reality of climate shocks, providing a safety net for “agro-based” economies that are vulnerable to droughts and floods.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Beyond the numbers, Hon. Uwumukiza’s debate contributions focused on the human element of the budget. She stressed that the East African integration process must be felt at the grassroots level. By prioritizing agriculture and ensuring the EAC is well-funded, the region can move closer to total food sovereignty and economic independence.
Her leadership continues to bridge the gap between high-level legislative policy and the everyday needs of the East African people, ensuring that “no one is left behind” in the journey toward a prosperous region.
