Arusha, Tanzania – April 13, 2026
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), sitting in its 4th Session of the 5th Assembly in Arusha, has taken a significant step toward strengthening regional efforts against human trafficking by considering the introduction of the East African Community Counter-Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2026.
The motion, moved by Fatuma Ndangiza, a Member of EALA representing Rwanda, and seconded by Gai Deng of South Sudan, seeks leave to table the Bill. The proposed law aims to establish a binding regional legal framework to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and enhance cross-border cooperation among East African Community (EAC) Partner States.
“The EAC must strengthen harmonized prevention and prosecution approaches while ensuring that victims receive comprehensive, rights-based support and meaningful access to justice,” said Ndangiza during the session.
A Stronger Regional Legal Framework
The proposed legislation responds to the evolving nature of trafficking, including the use of digital recruitment and organized criminal networks. It aligns with international instruments such as the Palermo Protocol, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Maputo Protocol.
The Bill emphasizes:
Survivor-centered and human rights-based approaches
Gender-responsive and child-sensitive protection measures
Enhanced regional cooperation in investigations and prosecutions
Addressing root causes such as poverty, inequality, and conflict
It also mandates victim support services, including medical care, legal aid, education, and safe, voluntary repatriation.
Agroecology Bill Also Introduced
In a parallel development, EALA also considered the East African Community Agroecology Bill, 2026, introduced by Gideon Gatpan Thoar, a Member representing South Sudan, and seconded by Falhada Iman Dekow of Kenya.
The Bill aims to mainstream agroecological farming across the region by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health, and food security.
“This Bill provides a coherent framework for integrating ecological and social approaches into agriculture while safeguarding food sovereignty,” Thoar noted.
Key proposals include:
Establishment of National Agroecology Councils
Promotion of farmer-led innovation and traditional knowledge
Reduction of hazardous pesticide use
Strengthening climate resilience and sustainable food systems
The initiative has received support from Willow International, which focuses on restorative support services for trafficking survivors.
Oath-Taking Ceremony
During the same sitting, the Speaker of EALA, Joseph Ntakirutimana, presided over the swearing-in of James Kinyasi Milya as an ex-officio member.
Milya currently serves as Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, responsible for EAC Affairs. He previously served in EALA before being elected to Tanzania’s Parliament representing Simanjiro constituency under Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Salary Crisis Sparks Concern
Meanwhile, the Assembly addressed concerns over delayed salaries for its members and staff. A motion moved by Kennedy Mukulia, representing South Sudan, led to the adoption of two resolutions urging immediate intervention.
“The Council of Ministers must urgently address the non-payment of salaries and ensure all deducted funds are returned,” Mukulia emphasized.
EALA members and staff have reportedly gone for months without pay, raising concerns about operational stability within the regional body.
The developments highlight EALA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional integration through legislative action, while also addressing internal challenges affecting its workforce.
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