EALA on 8 October 2015 passed the EAC Electronic Transactions Bill 2014 paving way for the business and corporate world to transact business using digital means.

Debater after debater supported the Bill saying it would grow the economies of Partner States and the region. The Bill had a number of clauses revised and or inserted to reflect relevancy and consistency.

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.

Debate on the Bill was adjourned at the 1st Meeting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly held in August 2015 in Kampala, Uganda to pave way for stakeholders to make additional input.

The adjournment came after a request for deferment of the debate by the Chair of Council of Ministers, Hon Dr. Abdallah Saadaala was approved. The Chair 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 have been called to allow for enrichment of the Report of the Committee of Communication, Trade and Investment.

In his ruling then, Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F Kidega directed that the Bill whose initiator is Hon Dr James Ndahiro, be brought back to the Order paper during the Nairobi Sitting.

On Wednesday this week, the debate was adjourned a second time to avail the Committee time to look through the comments received from the Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC). When debate resumed on 8 October, several members rose up in support of the Bill. Hon. Nancy Abisai, Hon. Fredrick Ngezebuhoro, Hon. Mike Sebalu, Hon. Shyrose Bhanji, Hon. Zein Abubakar and Hon. Susan Nakawuki gave a firm nod to the Bill.

Others were Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, Hon. Martin Ngoga, Hon. Sarah Bonaya, Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye, Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza and Hon. Adam Kimbisa. Also supporting the Bill were Hon. Joseph Kiangoi, Hon. Twaha Issa Taslima, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi, Hon. AbuBakr Ogle, Hon. Bernard Mulengani, Hon Peter Mathuki and Hon. Chris Opoka.

The Members urged Partner States to embrace the Electronic Transactions Bill and harmonize their laws to the regional law to create a proper environment for all possible users and beneficiaries of ICT in the region and beyond.

The debate was preceded by tabling of the revised report of the Committee on Communication, Trade and Industry on the public hearings of the Electronic Transactions Bill, 2014 by the chairperson, Hon Mukasa Mbidde.

The Chair of Council of Ministers, Hon Dr. Abdulla Saadaala reiterated the support of the Bill, saying all Partner States were of the same frame of mind when it comes to the tangible benefits of electronic transactions.

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 » Download: East African Community Electronic Transaction Bill, 2014 (PDF, 5.96 MB)