EALA has deferred debate on the East Africa Community Electronic Transactions Bill 2014 to pave way for stakeholders to make additional input. The adjournment came after a request for deferment of the debate by the Chairperson of Council of Ministers, Dr. Abdallah Saadaala was approved. In his ruling, the Speaker, Daniel F Kidega directed that the Bill be brought back to the Order paper during the next Plenary in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Chairperson of Council of Ministers reiterated total support of the Bill but added there was need for more time for the consolidation of further inputs and comments by stakeholders. At the same time, consultations are been called to allow for enrichment of the Report of the Committee of Communication, Trade and Investment. According to the Chairperson of Council of Ministers, the Bill has been shared with the East African Communications Organization (EACO) headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda and the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC) for comments.
The EACO brings together a number of consumers of e-transactions. At the same time, the Minister affirms that EAC is also developing and implementing the electronic payments and settlements systems under the leadership of the Monetary Affairs Committee to enhance financial infrastructure in the region.
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Ambassador Dr. Richard Sezibera similarly wrote to the Assembly requesting for more time to consult stakeholders.
The Electronic Transaction Bill, 2014 seeks to meet the need of exploiting electronic transactions in the modern day business transactions. The Bill further wants to promote technology neutrality in applying legislation to electronic communications and transactions and to develop a safe, secure and effective environment for the consumer, business and the Governments of the Partner States to conduct and use electronic transactions.
EALA has already undertaken a series of public hearings to source for views from stakeholders on this particular Bill. The bill was moved as a Private Members Bill by Dr. James Ndahayo.
Today’s debate was preceded by tabling of a report by the Committee on Communications and Trade Investment which undertook public hearings on the Bill.
The Members of the Committee were divided into two groups to undertake the public hearings. One group covered the Republics of Burundi and Rwanda while another one covered the United Republic of Tanzania and Kenya and both groups then converged in Uganda. The stakeholders consulted included. among others: Ministries responsible for ICT, including ICT regulators and the e-government agencies, Ministries of Trade and Commerce and the Finance Ministries. Others were Offices of the Attorneys General, including the Law Reform Commissions; Law Societies and Law Enforcement agencies as well as the East African Business Council and Private Sector Federation.
Hon Judy Pareno said the mobile telephony exchanges and pay systems were necessary in the region, adding that it should be anchored by a relevant piece of legislation. Isabelle Ndahayo said businesses continued to face pressure to transact business electronically, calling for speedy and efficient systems while cutting down costs is key.
The Bill will facilitate regional traders by offering practical solutions and provide security to those who use electronic modes of transaction.