Open Letter to Mr. Milupi: Uphold Leadership, Respect the Catholic Church, and Serve the Zambian People
Dear Mr. Milupi,
I write to you as a deeply concerned and patriotic Zambian, compelled to address your divisive and misinformed remarks accusing the Catholic Church of “glorifying the Patriotic Front (PF)” in its recent pastoral letter. Your statements are not only baseless but reveal a troubling lack of appreciation for one of Zambia’s most respected institutions. This attack on the Church distracts from the critical issues affecting millions of Zambians and highlights a glaring failure to embrace the accountability and humility required of a leader.
The Catholic Church has long been a moral compass for Zambia, unwavering in its advocacy for justice, equity, and the welfare of the vulnerable. Its pastoral letter was a principled critique of governance, not an endorsement of any political party. To dismiss the Church’s voice as partisan because it highlights uncomfortable truths is both irresponsible and insulting to the millions of Zambians who rely on its courage to speak truth to power.
The Catholic Church: A Beacon of Truth and Justice
The Catholic Church is not, and has never been, a political institution. Its mission transcends political interests, focusing on justice, uplifting the downtrodden, and holding leaders accountable to principles of good governance. It has consistently stood at the forefront of Zambia’s development, even amid political hostility and social upheaval.
Throughout Zambia’s history, the Church has defended democracy, amplified the voices of the oppressed, and advocated for human rights. During the liberation struggle, it mediated peace and ensured the inclusion of marginalized voices. During the transition to multi-party democracy, it courageously confronted dictatorship and demanded reforms. Today, it remains a pillar of hope, committed to justice and equity, particularly for the most vulnerable.
The pastoral letter you dismissed was not a political maneuver but a reflection of the dire concerns facing ordinary Zambians. These concerns include:
1. The relentless rise in the cost of living, leaving millions unable to afford basic necessities. Families are plunged into poverty, struggling to put food on the table.
2. Delays in governance reforms, promised by the UPND during its campaign. These unmet promises have bred disillusionment and doubt about the government’s sincerity.
3. Marginalization of regions and communities excluded from development initiatives, deepening inequalities and fostering alienation.
4. A worsening energy crisis, which disrupts livelihoods, cripples businesses, and exacerbates economic hardships.
5. Unlawful arrests and detentions, which signal democratic regression and undermine Zambia’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
6. Repressive legislation, such as the Penal Code Amendment Bill of 2024, which threatens to reverse decades of progress on protecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
7. Erosion of trust in the judiciary, with allegations of political interference undermining its impartiality and public confidence in the rule of law.
These issues are not partisan—they are the lived realities of millions of Zambians who entrusted this government with their hopes for a better future. By addressing them, the Church fulfills its sacred duty to advocate for justice and accountability. If the PF was mentioned in passing, it was not to “glorify” past governance but to contrast public expectations with the government’s performance. The focus should be on resolving these critical issues, not silencing those who highlight them.
The Pastoral Letter: A Wake-Up Call, Not Political Propaganda
Your characterization of the pastoral letter as “glorifying the PF” is not only false but a dangerous distortion of the Church’s intent. The letter was a direct appeal to leadership—an urgent call to address national challenges with transparency, integrity, and inclusivity.
Key demands in the letter include:
1. Public declaration of assets: The bishops urged President Hichilema to lead by example and declare his assets publicly. Transparency at the highest level reinforces the fight against corruption.
2. Integrity in governance: Ministers facing credible allegations of corruption must step aside to allow investigations to proceed without interference. This is essential for ethical leadership and public trust.
3. Judicial independence: The judiciary must be free from political influence to act as an impartial guardian of justice. Allegations of bias must be addressed to restore confidence in our legal system.
These are not partisan demands; they are fundamental principles of good governance. Ignoring them undermines public trust and perpetuates the suffering of millions. By dismissing these calls, you sidestep accountability and alienate those who seek constructive dialogue for the nation’s betterment.
The Dangerous Consequences of Your Rhetoric
Your remarks are not just an attack on the Catholic Church—they are an attack on every Zambian who believes in justice, fairness, and accountability. The Church has been a tireless advocate for social justice, providing education, healthcare, and hope to millions of Zambians. To diminish its contributions and question its motives undermines a vital pillar of our society.
At a time when Zambia faces economic hardships, political disillusionment, and social unrest, divisive rhetoric deepens fractures and weakens the nation’s ability to confront its challenges. Leaders who resort to deflection and finger-pointing betray the people they are meant to serve.
Leadership Demands Accountability and Action
As a senior government official, your role is not to attack those who hold you accountable but to address their concerns with humility and resolve. Leadership is not about silencing critics—it is about rising to the occasion and delivering on promises. The pastoral letter is not a personal attack on you or the UPND government; it is a reflection of the deep frustrations felt by Zambians across the country.
To move forward, you must:
1. Acknowledge the struggles of ordinary Zambians, who are battling rising costs, broken promises, and deteriorating public services.
2. Engage stakeholders constructively, including the Catholic Church, to foster unity and develop solutions to Zambia’s pressing challenges.
3. Deliver tangible results by addressing the cost of living, implementing governance reforms, and restoring trust in key institutions.
Ignoring these demands will deepen public disenchantment and jeopardize the government’s legitimacy. Now is the time for bold, decisive, and principled leadership.
A Call to Rise Above Division
The Catholic Church’s message is not about politics—it is about justice, truth, and accountability. It is a call to action for all leaders to rise above petty divisions and focus on the real work of serving the Zambian people.
Mr. Milupi, your responsibility is not to defend the government at all costs but to ensure that it fulfills its mandate. The people of Zambia deserve leaders who prioritize their well-being over political expediency.
The challenges we face—rising poverty, economic instability, and democratic backsliding—require humility, courage, and collaboration. I urge you to abandon divisive rhetoric, focus on delivering results, and engage constructively with those who seek to hold you accountable.
Conclusion
Zambia stands at a crossroads, and its future depends on leaders who rise above defensiveness and focus on solutions. The Catholic Church has spoken not for itself but for the millions of Zambians who feel abandoned by their leaders. Its critique is not an attack; it is a plea for action.
Mr. Milupi, the time for blame-shifting is over. It is time to lead with integrity, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the people of Zambia. Our nation deserves better, and it is your responsibility to rise to the occasion.
Sincerely,
Thayndiwe Ketis Ngoma
A Concerned and Patriotic Zambian Citizen