Initially, EASSI was designed
as a voluntary organization drawing its membership from
the eight countries and including civil society organizations,
departments of governments and individuals who shared
in its vision and mission. The launching conference proposed
a three-tier structure consisting of the General Assembly,
Technical/Steering Committee and the Secretariat. Comprising
12 delegates per country (5 government representatives,
5 NGO representatives and 2 individual experts), the General
Assembly was to be convened every 2-3 years and was the
overall policy making organ. The Steering Committee composed
of 16 members (2 from each country), was conceived to
provide technical support to the secretariat as well as
executive direction and advice. It was to meet twice a
year. And the Secretariat, established to oversee the
implementation of EASSI’s strategies, would consist
of a Coordinator and at least two programme officers.
Over the years, changes have been recommended and implemented
on this structure.
In 2003, an external review of the organization and its
programmes made important recommendations to have the
new structure as below:-
a) General Assembly.
b) Board of Directors.
c) The Secretariat
The General Assembly
This organ has 26 members made up of 16 representatives
of organizations (two from each country) and 10 individuals
(at least not more than two from one country). It is the
highest governing body of EASSI responsible for ratification
of major policy decisions, plans and budgets presented
by the Board of Directors. To compose the Assembly, each
country nominates two representatives from NGOS/networks
and individuals meeting the set criteria apply and are
selected by the Board. The General Assembly is also responsible
for electing the Board of Directors. It meets once a year.
Board of Directors
The total size of the Board is 13 members arrived at as
follows:
Four (4) individuals elected form the 10 individual
members of the General Assembly (for the first Board,
the four are taken from the current Board of Trustees).
Eight (8) members one from each
member country elected by the General Assembly.
Executive Director (ex-officio).
The Current Board of directors are:
| Ms. Elizabeth Kharono |
Uganda (Chairperson) |
| Ms. Bettie Gahima |
Rwanda (Vice Chairperson) |
| Dr. Akinyi E. Nzioki |
Kenya |
| Ms. Demere Kitunga |
Tanzania |
| Ass. Prof. Grace Bantebya |
Uganda |
| Ms. Tsega Gaim Misgun |
Eritrea |
| Ms. Solonge Habonimana |
Burundi |
| Ms. Almaz Tensaye |
Ethiopia |
| Ms. Ananilea Nkya |
Tanzania |
| Ms. Deborah Okumu |
Kenya |
The Secretariat
Secretariat Staff
EASSI operates a Secretariat with a small number of
staff headed by the Executive Director and supported
by nine staff. These include the Programmes Manager,
Finance and Administration Manager, two Programme
Officers and 5 support staff as follows:
| Designation |
Name |
| Executive Director |
Ms Marren Akatsa-Bukachi |
| Programme Manager |
Ms Jane ocaya-Irama |
| Finance & Administration Manager |
Ms Joyce Namirimo-Tamale |
| Programme Officer: Monitoring & Evaluation
|
Ms Josephine Watuulo |
| Programme Officer: Communications& Networking
|
Ms Bervely Nambozo |
| Administrative Assistant |
Ms Harriet Akot |
| Driver/Logistics Assistant |
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye |
| Secretary |
Ms Natabona Okwenje |
| Office Assistant/Cleaner |
Mr. Martin Katongole |
| Gardener/Gatekeeper |
Mr. Robert Ssemuwemba |
|
