UPND: AMENDMENTS TO CUT ELECTION COSTS, RAISE CDF, AND PROMOTE INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION

Key Takeaways

1. Over 60 By-Elections Since 2021:

Mr. Simuuwe highlighted that Zambia has held more than 60 by-elections in less than four years—calling it a wasteful and unsustainable trend.

2. Proposed Amendment to Curb By-Elections:

The UPND supports a constitutional amendment that allows a political party to replace a vacated MP seat without holding a by-election.

3. Significant Cost Savings:

Reducing by-elections will save the government millions of kwacha, which can be redirected to essential public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

4. Preserves Voter Choice:

Mr. Simuuwe stressed that the proposal maintains democracy because the replacement would still come from the party originally voted in by the people.

5. Boost to CDF Impact:

More stable constituencies and efficient representation will enhance the reach of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), doubling allocations in cases of constituency subdivision.

6. Improved Service Delivery:

With fewer by-elections, resources and attention can focus on delivering development projects—such as building schools, clinics, and providing clean water.

7. Critics Lack Citizen Consultation:

Mr. Simuuwe challenged CSOs opposing the bill to show evidence of public consultation, accusing some of speaking on behalf of donor interests rather than the Zambian people.

8. Call for Constructive Debate:

He urged all stakeholders to engage in fact-based, constitutional dialogue rather than political speculation.

© UPND Media Team

Christopher and Binwell Cannot Lead What They Helped to Break

By Dr Mwelwa

Moses Left the Palace—But Did They?

A goat cannot bleat for justice while its mouth is still full of stolen maize. In our land, we say “he who dances to the drum of the feast cannot hear the cries from the village.” Today, some men want to wear the robes of revolution, but their clothes still smell of the kitchen where the people’s food was burned.

Let us speak plainly. If the Patriotic Front had not lost power, would Binwell Mpundu and Christopher Kang’ombe have formed Ichabaice? If they were still seated at the table of contracts and comfort, would their tongues be so loud today? Or would they still be nodding while the people suffered in silence?

When PF was in power, these same men walked tall in its shadow. They did not whisper against the violence. They did not cry when markets were razed or when students were beaten. They did not protest when fuel prices rose or debt buried the future of the youth. They were part of the machine. They knew the engine was broken, yet they kept it running. And now they want to drive the youth into a future with the same tired engine.

We remember. Africa has a long memory. “The child who does not ask where the rain started falling will not know where he got wet.” So we ask—when did these men start seeing the light? Was it after the fire was put out and they were thrown out of the house? If they were still welcome in the palace, would they have come to live with us in the village?

Moses walked away from Pharaoh while the table was still full. He gave up the palace for the people, not because he was chased, but because justice lived in his heart. That is true leadership. Not ambition born out of bitterness, but sacrifice rooted in love for the people.

Today, some want to use the youth like stepping stones to climb back to the throne they lost. But “you cannot plant maize today and harvest millet tomorrow.” If the seeds are from corruption, the harvest will never be justice.

Ichabaice is a beautiful idea. It speaks of nation-building, of dignity, of a future built by the youth. But a good song sung by the wrong singers becomes noise. If the foundation is weak, even the tallest building will fall.

Young people, open your eyes. Do not be led by those who only remembered you after the feast ended. Follow those whose hands are clean, whose records are clear, who were with you when it was dangerous to speak, when silence would have been easier. The future is not for those who want to return to the table—it is for those who never sat there in the first place.

As the elders say, “a man is not respected because he shouts the loudest, but because he walked the path while others watched.” Let us choose leaders who walked that path. Let us build Ichabaice not with recycled bricks from broken houses, but with fresh stone, shaped by truth, and bound with the mortar of consistency.

*STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

Sunday, 2nd June 2025

_Giving constitution amendment touch for the future_
…time for Zambians to stand as one in support of national document development

LUSAKA-ZAMBIA stands poignantly at the crossroads, a point of important decision-making that will shape the future.

While, admittedly, there are many areas of national development that require urgent attention – and most are being attended to – debate on the constitution has taken centre stage.

The country seems to have converged on the constitution, with individuals, civil society organisations and political parties expressing various views following a proposal for constitutional amendments Minister of Justice Princess Kasune presented to Parliament last month.

The debate has, unfortunately, taken a partisan route with the sole aim of derailing the process or, at the least, stagnating it.

One faction of the Patriotic Front (PF) is in full support of the proposed amendments while the other is violently opposed.

What is surprising, though, is the fact that the Given Lubinda led PF has flip-flopped because these amendments are largely what his party proposed in 2019.

How is it that the same proposals they made five years ago are now seen as evil in their lenses?

If Zambia were to develop in all aspects, stakeholders should begin to look at national issues objectively.

Gratefully, one such man who sees things as they are and has Zambia at heart is Kanchibiya member of Parliament (MP) Sunday Chanda.

He is not scared of breaking ranks with the PF because he believes citizens should outgrow partisan politics for national good.

The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment Bill 2025) was published in April 23 allowing citizens to have full appreciation of the Bill.

Mr Chanda says Zambia’s strength  has never been in differences but in citizens’ ability to rise above them.

Further, he says Zambia is bigger than any political party, tribe, region, or individual ambition.

“We must, therefore, reject any attempts; subtle or blatant; that seek to divide us along political, ethnic, or regional lines. Our duty is to the collective good, to building a Zambia where every citizen, regardless of background, has a fair shot at a better future.”

He advised political party leaders against making decisions based on “us against them” but instead “we” with a shared responsibility to move Zambia forward.

“Leadership is not about winning arguments; it is about winning the future for those who will come after us.”

Nation-building, Mr Chanda opines, is not the work of government alone; it is the work of every citizen.

“If we all take responsibility in our own spaces; whether in government, opposition, business, civil society, or community service; then Zambia will not only survive the challenges of today but will thrive for generations to come.”

Such is the wisdom of the young Parliamentarian which is broadly shared by President Hakainde Hichilema.

“Let history remember that we chose unity over division, progress over pettiness, and service over self-interest. The future is ours to shape; together,” Mr Chanda says.

While Mr Chanda may have been moderate in his approach, MMD president Nevers Mumba pulled no punches.

He has accused the opposition of being agents of falsehoods.

He is of the view that the proposed amendments are by far better than the failed Bill 10 under the PF.

If there is one group that government needed the most to endorse the amendments, it is the workers.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president while the timing of the amendments may be doubted, their importance is paramount.

While political opportunists premised their opposition to the bill on what they thought would be inclusions such as abolishment of the 50 percent plus one vote for one to be elected President, they were shocked when such a proposal was not in the bill.

Instead, the bill in anchored on sincerity of developing a progressive national document that carries the aspirations of all.

Critical and topical are proposals of delimitation which propose an increase.from 156 to 211 electable constituencies.

In addition, the bill proposes the inclusion of youths, woman and differently-abled on a proportional representation basis.

With constituency development fund (CDF) working wonders across the country, the UPND has now made it one of the most viable means for development.

From a meagre K1.6 billion in 2021, the UPND has increased CDF to over K36 billion which is helping to build schools, health facilities and meeting many social needs of constituents.

“There comes a time in the life of a country when all must stand as one …and there is no better time than now when the country is pivoting towards development,” UPND secretary general Batuke Imenda said.

“We all know that multiparty democracy is anchored on the people and that’s why there is window for all to make possible submissions to the bill… let’s give our President a chance, he has genuine desire to develop our beloved country,” Mr Imenda said.

_Issued by: Batuke Imenda_

*UPND SECRETARY GENERAL*

CHIBOMBO WOMAN SEEKS RECONCILIATION WITH FLIRTATIOUS HUSBAND

A WOMAN of Chibombo’s 10 Miles area has lamented how her husband brings different women to their matrimonial home and has sex with them in the spare bedroom while she sleeps in the main bedroom.

Her husband, Musa Mumpakati, however, justified his actions saying his wife, Regina Banda, is fond of sleeping with her clothes on to prevent him from having sex with her.

This was heard in the Matero Local Court, before magistrate Harriet Mulenga, where Banda sued Mumpakati for reconciliation.

Banda said when they got married in 2018, they lived in harmony for a year but that things changed after she gave birth to their first child.

The couple have two children together and no dowry was paid. 

ZDM

AIPAC Slams Auditor General for Withholding ZAMMSA Report: “Who Are You Protecting?”

In a scathing rebuke, the Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has taken the gloves off, lambasting the Office of the Auditor General for its reported decision to withhold the audit report on the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) from the public.

The civil society think tank, known for its no-nonsense stance on governance and public accountability, described the move as a betrayal of the public trust and a “deep stain” on Zambia’s anti-corruption fight.

Speaking in Lusaka, AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma did not mince his words.

“Who is the Auditor General’s office protecting by keeping this report under wraps?” Ngoma fired. “Withholding this document is not only irresponsible it’s suspicious. If there is nothing to hide, then why the secrecy?”

Ngoma further cited both the Auditor General Act and the Access to Information Act, stating that the Auditor General is legally obligated to make audit reports public.

“The law is clear. The people of Zambia have the right to know how public institutions are managing taxpayers’ money, especially institutions like ZAMMSA that deal directly with lives through medicines and medical supplies,” Ngoma said.

The uproar comes amidst growing concern over the management of Zambia’s healthcare system and procurement processes. For many Zambians, the Auditor General’s audit on ZAMMSA was expected to shine a light on alleged mismanagement and potential corruption — but the public is instead being kept in the dark.

AIPAC did not hold back in invoking President Hakainde Hichilema’s anti-corruption promises, particularly his passionate call for accountability during a speech to the European Union Parliament.

“The President stood before the world and declared a new era of accountability. This decision by the Auditor General’s office flies in the face of that commitment. It’s embarrassing,” said Ngoma. “We are calling on President HH to intervene and ensure this report sees the light of day.”

The think tank also raised alarm over the prolonged delay in appointing a substantive Auditor General, saying the vacancy is contributing to systemic weakness and a lack of decisive oversight.

“We cannot afford to have such a crucial office drifting without a clear captain. We urge the President to immediately appoint a competent and independent Auditor General who understands the weight of that constitutional mandate,” Ngoma stressed.

Furthermore, AIPAC reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for good governance and promised to hold public institutions accountable regardless of whose feathers get ruffled.

“This isn’t about politics. It’s about principle,” Ngoma concluded. “Zambians deserve answers, not shadows.”

June 2, 2025
©️ KUMWESU

“Volunteering Is Not a Ticket to Employment,” Govt Tells Defiant Doctors

Health Minister Elijah Muchima has issued a scathing response to what he described as misplaced entitlement by volunteer doctors, stating bluntly that volunteering is not a forced arrangement and does not guarantee employment.

Muchima took direct aim at the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ), questioning its motives and accusing it of “speaking for individuals who may not even belong to its ranks.”

The remarks come after RDAZ issued a strongly worded statement on Friday, May 30, announcing that volunteer doctors would withdraw their services beginning Monday, June 2, 2025, citing frustration over delayed employment and poor conditions.

In a no-nonsense tone, the minister acknowledged the role of volunteers but added, “Let’s be clear no one is being forced to volunteer. If you want to stop, stop. This government will not be held hostage by people mistaking goodwill for entitlement.”

Muchima emphasized that while the government values volunteers, “volunteering is an act of service dot a backdoor into the payroll.” He warned against what he called the growing culture of demand without merit, suggesting that some doctors have misunderstood national service as an automatic job application.

Despite the stern words, the minister assured that volunteer health workers remain a priority for future recruitment, as directed by President Hakainde Hichilema, but stressed that recruitment would be based on “need, merit, and fiscal space not emotional blackmail.”

He went further to caution groups against “politicizing the noble medical profession”, warning that “any attempts to use patients as bargaining chips will not only fail but will also be remembered.”

Muchima revealed plans to engage RDAZ leadership in what he termed a “frank and mature” dialogue, but warned that “any future conversations must be rooted in realism, not entitlement or threats.”

Observers say the minister’s tone reflects mounting frustration within government circles over what they see as increasing insubordination and pressure from unpaid health personnel who operate in already strained public facilities.

While some civil society voices have sided with the doctors—arguing that exploitation of medical graduates must end—others note the brutal economic truth: Zambia’s health budget cannot absorb everyone, no matter how noble their intentions.

In closing, Muchima added, “We’re grateful for those who serve, but let no one confuse opportunity with obligation. Patriotism cannot be transactional.”

June 1, 2025
©️ KUMWESU

SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGIST ACCUSES UPND GOVT OF HEALTH SECTOR NEGLECT, AS VOLUNTEER DOCTORS THREATEN MASS WITHDRAWAL

By Michael Kaluba

Anthropologist Dr. James Musonda has criticized the UPND government alleging deliberate neglect of the health sector, accusing authorities of prioritizing political spending over the employment of essential healthcare workers.

Health Minister Elijah Muchima yesterday said volunteering is not a guarantee of employment and that the government currently has no funds to employ resident doctors who are volunteering in public hospitals, following an announcement that volunteer doctors would withdraw their services effective Monday 2nd June 2025.

Dr. Musonda believes that this statement undermines the role of resident doctors who continue to serve under difficult conditions without pay, saying it is inexcusable and arrogant for Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima to claim that volunteering as a doctor does not guarantee formal employment.

He says it is baffling that while the government claims it lacks the funds to recruit much-needed doctors, it continues to allocate resources to activities like the delimitation exercise, by-elections, and other political ventures.

Meanwhile, Robert Kapasa Makasa Financial Education Memorial Trust Director Finance and Administration, Emmanuel Kangwa, has challenged the government to prioritize those who volunteer as doctors during the next recruitment of health workers as opposed to dismissing their efforts.

PHOENIX NEWS
(The picture below  is for illustration purpose)

K0.78 FUEL REDUCTION QUESTIONED BY KANYAMA RESIDENTS

Lusaka… Sunday June 1, 2025 – A recent reduction of K0.78 in petrol prices has been met with skepticism by residents of Kanyama Constituency, who argue that the move falls far short of the government’s earlier promises and does little to ease the economic burden faced by ordinary citizens.

In a statement, Brighton Bilumba, the Socialist Party Chairperson for Kanyama Constituency, voiced concerns on behalf of the community, questioning whether the marginal decrease in fuel prices by the UPND government should be seen as an achievement worth celebrating.

He recalled that during the election campaign, the UPND had assured citizens that fuel prices would drop to K12 per litre – a target they had claimed was attainable when the price stood at around K17.

Mr. Bilumba pointed out that the current fuel price remains above K28, and accused the government of failing to fulfill its promises.

He stated that while any reduction in fuel costs might appear beneficial, the latest cut was negligible and did not reflect meaningful economic change.

Mr. Bilumba emphasized that fuel costs affect far more than just vehicle owners, highlighting the impact on food prices, public transportation, school supplies, and farming inputs.

Mr. Bilumba further questioned how the K0.78 reduction would translate into tangible benefits for unemployed youth in Kanyama, or for farmers and vendors who continue to struggle with high operational costs.

He also asked whether the price of essential goods such as mealie meal had decreased, if public transport fares will be adjusted, and whether power supply for small businesses had become more stable as a result.

He suggested that the reduction may be a symbolic gesture intended to distract citizens from broader economic challenges, including high unemployment, inflation, and an unstable power supply.

According to Bilumba, such a small adjustment does little to address the systemic issues affecting the lives of ordinary Zambians.

Mr. Bilumba concluded by urging the government to implement real economic reforms that would bring lasting relief to citizens.

He stressed that the people of Kanyama were not being ungrateful, but rather, were demanding accountability and the fulfillment of promises made.

“Zambians deserve better,” he said, “we will not ‘kwenyuna’ for a mere K0.78 when what was promised was transformative economic change. Zambians deserve better. The people of Kanyama deserve better.”

*FOOD PRODUCTION IS VERY IMPORTANT  – HH*

President Hakainde Hichilema writes…

Thank you to everyone who showed up at our bull auction this afternoon in Choma. We do not take our clients for granted.

To Zambians, we hope you are inspired that in our own small way, we are contributing to Zambia’s GDP through agriculture. You, too, can do it in whatever economic sector you are interested in.

We should produce more than we consume in whatever we do, goods or services.

Hakainde and Mutinta