Musumali’s Misrepresentation on Joining UKA

Exposing Musumali’s Lies and SP’s Internal Struggles

By Wilson Banda

Musumali’s Misrepresentation on Joining UKA

Recent revelations have unmasked the misleading information propagated by Musumali and his associates regarding the Socialist Party’s (SP) stance on joining the United Kambians Alliance (UKA). Contrary to their public claims that such a significant decision could only be taken by the national congress, it has come to light that Musumali, along with Fred, Dr. Chris Mwikisa, and Akende, had already preemptively decided against joining UKA. This decision was made unilaterally by this small group, which they refer to as the politburo, without soliciting input or considering the perspectives of the broader SP membership.

This raises a critical question: If the politburo claimed it had no authority to make such a decision on the party’s behalf, why did it proceed to unequivocally announce that SP would not join UKA, bypassing the necessary congress deliberation and consensus? This undemocratic approach highlights a dictatorial and iron-fisted leadership style where significant decisions are concentrated in the hands of just four individuals. This centralization of power, limited to Fred, his daughter, and two close associates, is prompting disillusioned members to exit the party. A political party cannot function effectively when it mirrors a private family business, where key decisions are dictated solely by family members and close friends.

2. *Brian Hapunda’s Marginalization within SP*

Brian’s situation further exemplifies the dysfunctionality within SP. Despite his designation as Media Director, key decisions within the media department are reportedly dominated by Akende (Fred’s daughter) and Cecilia, who resides in South Africa. Brian has privately expressed his dissatisfaction with this arrangement, lamenting his lack of substantive involvement or authority in media-related matters. It is disheartening to see Brian publicly attempting to downplay his grievances and pretend that everything is well within SP.

Brian owes an explanation to the Zambian people regarding the so-called rules that SP members supposedly find challenging to follow. What exactly are these rules, and how do they contribute to the current turmoil within the party?

3. *Core Reasons for Defection from SP*

The exodus of members from SP can be attributed to several fundamental issues:

   – *Private Family Business Approach*: SP operates more like a private family venture, with Fred, his daughter, and his close friends, Dr. Chris Mwikisa and Dr. Cosmas Musumali, monopolizing decision-making. These four individuals wield exclusive control over party resources, often using them at their discretion while expecting members to fund their own party mobilization efforts.

   – *Intolerance to Opposition*: Any member who dares to question or disagree with the leadership is quickly labeled a traitor, subjected to harsh treatment, and often forced out of the party. Fred’s authoritarian demeanor means he is resistant to advice, criticism, or divergent viewpoints, preferring instead to surround himself with sycophants.

   – *Lack of Genuine Mobilization for 2026 Elections*: The SP’s approach to election preparedness is superficial at best. The party’s minimal participation in by-elections appears to be a strategy aimed at appeasing funders rather than a genuine effort to mobilize for the 2026 national elections.

In conclusion, the SP’s internal dynamics, characterized by centralized control, suppression of dissent, and superficial election strategies, are driving members away and undermining the party’s credibility and effectiveness.

_Wilson Banda is the Former Chairperson for Mobilisation in the Socialist Party_