THIS IS WHY THEY WANT HIM OUT  THESE 50 FAILURES

1. He has introduced free education and school feeding programmes. How dare he ensure children learn without hunger.

2. He has strengthened meal allowances, bursaries, and student loans in public universities. How dare he make higher education accessible.

3. He has reduced and in many areas ended load shedding. How dare he restore stable power.

4 He has allowed NAPSA partial withdrawals. How dare he let citizens access their own savings.

5. He has increased CDF to K40 million per constituency. How dare he take development closer to the people.

6. He has abolished the death penalty. How dare he humanize the justice system.

7. He has reintroduced ZNS voluntary training. How dare he empower the youth with discipline and skills.

8. He has recruited over 50,000 teachers. How dare he reduce classroom congestion.

9. He has recruited over 20,000 health workers. How dare he strengthen the health sector.

10. He has recruited into defence forces. How dare he strengthen national security.

11. He has recruited into Home Affairs institutions. How dare he improve public safety and service delivery.

12. He has recruited fire officers. How dare he improve emergency response systems.

13. He has recruited wildlife officers. How dare he protect natural heritage.

14. He has created green economy jobs. How dare he invest in environmental sustainability.

15 He has strengthened local authorities through recruitment. How dare he improve community services.

16. He has given civil servants a 10% salary increment. How dare he improve livelihoods.

17. He has enacted a new minimum wage. How dare he protect low-income workers.

18. He has extended licence validity from 2 to 5 years. How dare he ease doing business.

19. He has introduced SAF loans for farmers. How dare he support agriculture.

20. He has empowered youths through resettlement schemes. How dare he give them land and opportunity.

21. He has rolled out skills training in all 156 constituencies. How dare he build capacity nationwide.

22. He has expanded social cash transfers. How dare he support the vulnerable.

23. He has introduced Eagle Milling initiatives. How dare he stabilise mealie meal supply.

24. He has stabilised the Kwacha into one of the best performing currencies. How dare he bring economic stability.

25. He has introduced cash-for-work programmes. How dare he promote dignity through work.

26. He has expanded CEEC loans for SMEs. How dare he support small businesses.

27. He has distributed over 5,000 motorbikes to youths. How dare he empower entrepreneurship.

28. He has amended the constitution for inclusion. How dare he promote participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

29. He has improved FISP leading to bumper harvests. How dare he ensure food security.

30. He has amended cyber security laws. How dare he regulate digital spaces.

31. He has introduced fast-track GBV courts. How dare he speed up justice for victims.

32. He has begun construction of the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway. How dare he modernise infrastructure.

33. He has revived Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia. How dare he restore industry.

34. He has delivered CDF ambulances and police vehicles. How dare he improve emergency services.

35. He has revived KCM and Mopani. How dare he bring back mining jobs.

36. He has invested in the Chisamba Solar Plant. How dare he expand clean energy.

37. He has introduced a new Maamba Thermal Power Station. How dare he increase power generation.

38. He has issued artisanal mining licences to locals. How dare he empower local miners.

39. He has strengthened the TAZAMA oil pipeline project. How dare he secure fuel supply.

40. He has expanded the Zambia–Tanzania electricity programme. How dare he strengthen regional cooperation.

41. He has revived Mulungushi Textiles. How dare he restore manufacturing.

42. He has improved medicine availability in hospitals. How dare he improve healthcare.

43. He has introduced affordable legal representation. How dare he make justice accessible.

44. He has introduced DNA testing services. How dare he modernise justice and health systems.

45. He has delivered record bumper harvests. How dare he strengthen agriculture.

46. He has expanded school feeding programmes. How dare he support children’s nutrition.

47. He has invested K600 million in rural electrification. How dare he take power to rural communities.

48. He has cleared retiree arrears. How dare he pay what was owed for decades.

49. He has created new industries through IDC. How dare he grow local industry.

50. He has removed duty on solar products. How dare he promote clean energy access.

WHY?

Because acknowledging this progress weakens their case for change in power. The easiest strategy in politics is to rename progress as failure, to minimise the gains, and to magnify every shortcoming until the full picture is totally lost.

Decide for yourself if this is failure or progress

By CIC.

JUST IN; I’M HAPPY THAT ELIJAH MUCHIMA HAS BEEN FIRED FROM HIS POSITION AS HEALTH MINISTER, SAYS CHIEF NYAKASEYA OF IKELENG’I

Chief Nyakaseya of Ikeleng’i District in Northwestern Province has thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for firing Dr Elijah Muchima.

He says the people have been liberated because Dr Muchima will not be adopted to contest as area member of parliament for Ikeleng’i.

Last week, President Hichilema fired Dr Muchima as Health minister, along with his Small and Medium Enterprise counterpart, Elias Mubanga.

Muchima is the current member of parliament for Ikeleng’i Constituency under the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Commenting on the development in an interview, Sunday, Chief Nyakaseya apologised to President Hichilema for giving him a “wrong person in Ikeleng’i who failed to develop the area”. “The entire community has been liberated, we are slaves here. There’s no development here, we are behind, there’s nothing.

Credits: News Diggers 🗞️

Sishuwa Sishuwa Wrote;

I am surprised that Ndola Archdiocese Archbishop Benjamin Phiri today allowed a politician to use the pulpit for partisan interests or political agenda, less than a month after the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), to which Archbishop Phiri is a core member,  wrote in the Pastoral Letter that no politician should be allowed to use the pulpit.

In addition to defying a collective position, Archbishop Phiri has allowed Hichilema to create a template whereby if the UPND presidential candidate is stopped from addressing the faithful using the pulpit in another parish, he will cry hatred. The @Pontifex and
@VaticanNews should take interest in the conduct of Archbishop Phiri. It undermines the standing of the ZCCB and the Catholic Church in general.

If individual leaders of the various opposition parties went to the Cathedral in Ndola to pray and request to be presented to the congregation like it was done today, will Archbishop Phiri allow this since the Catholic Church is known for its impartiality, fairness and consistency? Archbishop Phiri may be compromised or sympathetic to Hichilema but he should have respected the position that was stated by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops.

https://x.com/ssishuwa/status/2025621765599228105?s=20

Delimitation meeting halts for 20 min after Lusaka leaders differ over dividing district
A PUBLIC consultation on constituency delimitation has evolved into a shouting chaotic scene leading to microphones being switched off in order to calm the situation as political leaders clashed over how Lusaka should be divided.

The meeting, convened by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) at the Lusaka New Government Complex this morning, is meant to gather submissions on proposed new constituencies in the capital.
Instead, it exposed deep divisions among councillors and members of parliament over representation in a city of more than two million people.

Participants demanded clarity on the total number of new constituencies ECZ intends to create in Lusaka.
At the centre of the confrontation was Kanyama Constituency, home to 526,418 people, the largest population among the seven constituencies under review.

Garden Park Ward 10 councillor Gerald Samboko rose to reject the Commission’s proposal to split Kanyama into two.
“Kanyama alone carries almost half of Lusaka’s population. Dividing it into two will not change anything. We need three constituencies,” he said, drawing murmurs and scattered applause from sections of the hall.

Across the room, other leaders shook their heads. Some demanded to know how many constituencies ECZ ultimately intended to create in Lusaka, arguing that without a clear figure the exercise lacked transparency.

ECZ electoral logistics coordinator Kendrick Sintufya attempted to explain that the capital’s population size had informed a proposal to create three additional constituencies by splitting Kanyama, Mandevu and Lusaka Central into two each, with every constituency comprising at least four wards.

“Lusaka has about 2.2 million people. That is why we proposed splitting Kanyama, Mandevu and Lusaka Central into two constituencies each,” he said.
Sintufya was interrupted repeatedly.
Meanwhile, Chilenje Ward councillor Reuben Mwenya protested, refusing to surrender the microphone, accusing fellow leaders of hijacking the process for personal political gain.

“These submissions have become personal. People are no longer speaking for the people but for individual interests,” Mwenya said, moments before the microphone was switched off while he was still speaking.

Within minutes, officials from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) called for a halt to the public consultation on constituency delimitation as councillors and Members of Parliament moved toward the front, some demanding the moderator’s removal.
By the time proceedings were halted, no consensus had been reached on how Lusaka should be divided but the meeting was resumed 20 minutes later.
By Haggai Hamunyemba
Kalemba February 23, 2026

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT COMMENDS GOVERNMENT ON SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME; KANCHIBIYA RECORDS POSITIVE RESULTS

As Member of Parliament for Kanchibiya Constituency, I wish to commend the Government of the Republic of Zambia, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, for the continued implementation and expansion of the National School Feeding Programme across the country.

In Kanchibiya, the programme is working well. We have recorded improved school attendance, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced learner participation across many of our primary and secondary schools. Learners are more focused, teachers are reporting better classroom engagement, and school environments have become more stable and conducive to learning.

The School Feeding Programme has brought tangible relief to vulnerable households in our constituency. For many families, the assurance that their children will receive a nutritious meal at school has encouraged consistent enrolment and retention. Hunger is no longer a daily obstacle to learning for many of our pupils.

In collaboration with the District Education Board Secretary’s (DEBS) Office in Kanchibiya, we are now taking deliberate steps to strengthen and sustain this progress. We plan to support selected primary and secondary schools with sustainable production units, including school-based agricultural projects, to supplement the School Feeding Programme. These production units will enhance food security at school level, promote practical learning in agriculture, and reduce long-term dependency on external food supplies.

This initiative will not only reinforce the feeding programme but also instill entrepreneurial and agricultural skills among learners, aligning education with productivity and community development.

The School Feeding Programme, alongside free education, infrastructure development, desk provision, and teacher recruitment, continues to transform Zambia’s education sector. It is clear that this Government’s investment in education is yielding measurable results.

As your Member of Parliament, I remain committed to working closely with Government, the DEBS Office, school management teams, and community stakeholders to ensure accountability, sustainability, and expansion of these programmes.

Education remains the greatest equalizer. By nourishing our learners today, we are securing Kanchibiya’s and Zambia’s future.

Issued by:

Hon. Sunday Chanda
Member of Parliament, Kanchibiya Constituency

22nd February 2026

By Chilufya Tayali

DR. SHISHUWA SHISHUWA NEEDS A LECTURE — HERE IS ONE FROM ME
========================
People say, “BaShishuwa Shishuwa balisambilila” (educated), but his academic credentials are often overshadowed by his deep-seated hatred of Hakainde Hichilema, allegedly because he was not appointed after supporting him when he was in opposition.

Dr. Shishuwa Shishuwa appears unable to accept the reality that President Hichilema is a duly elected Republican President, rather than the leader of a little-known socialist party.

Despite his academic accolades, Dr. Shishuwa seems unable, or unwilling, to distinguish between a petty politician using the pulpit of the Catholic Church for partisan purposes and a Republican President formally addressing citizens in church.

But if I can help Ba-Harvard guest lecturer, when the Catholic Bishops in Zambia issued a pastoral directive stating that political leaders should not be allowed to use the pulpit for political agendas, they did not imply that the Republican President is barred from addressing the public at Church gatherings.

That directive was meant to prevent partisan campaigning within sacred spaces, not to silence the Head of State acting in his official, constitutional capacity.

What must be emphasized—and which many critics, like Dr. Shishuwa, fail to grasp—is the fundamental difference between an ordinary politician and a sitting Republican President.

With all the education that BoShishuwa possesses, one would expect that he knows the Republican President is not merely another politician. He is the embodiment of executive authority under Zambia’s Constitution and the foremost symbol of national unity.

By long-established protocol and political convention, the President is a guest of honour at public functions held within the Republic, including those convened by faith-based institutions such as the Catholic Church.

To suggest that recognizing the President at such an event amounts to violating a pastoral directive is to deliberately blur the line between partisan politics and state authority. No serious democracy operates on such a confused premise.

Therefore, the Church did not invite a politician to campaign before the faithful. Rather, it formally recognized the Republican President in his capacity as Head of State. This distinction is crucial and must be understood in its proper context.

Furthermore, to propose that the Vatican should “chide” Benjamin Phiri for formally recognizing a sitting Head of State is absurd on multiple levels.

Firstly, BoShishuwa must know that the Vatican does not micromanage routine pastoral or protocol decisions of diocesan bishops, especially where no doctrinal violation or canonical abuse has occurred.

What is truly at stake here is not Church doctrine, pastoral consistency, or Vatican authority. It is this hatred of President Hichilema that leads to the refusal to accept President Hichilema’s constitutional legitimacy.

Anyway, BoShishuwa, allow me to say this: academic critique demands precision, restraint, and fidelity to institutional facts—not emotional tantrums.

In sum, it is not Bishop Phiri who owes an explanation to Rome. It is Dr. Shishuwa who owes the public a more honest, constitutionally literate, and intellectually disciplined argument.

Napwisha mukwai (I submit).

TAYALI — THE PUBLIC LAWYER OF THE PUBLIC COURT OF OPINIONS!!!

UPND ALLIANCE NOT SHAKEN BY NEW GROUPINGS – MILUPI

UPND Alliance chairperson Charles Milupi says the coalition is not shaken by the formation of opposition groupings ahead of the August 13 general elections.

Mr Milupi, who is Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, has described opposition alliances as disorganised assemblages centred on power rather than ideas.

In an interview, Mr Milupi said most opposition alliances are “in complete disarray” because they are congregating around individuals seeking political office instead of building consensus on national development priorities.

His remarks come amidst the confusion in Tonse Alliance.

Tonse Alliance members include Christian Democratic Party, Patriots for Economic Progress, New Era Democratic Party, Zambia Republican Party, Patriotic Front, Zambia Must Prosper, and Forum for Democracy and Development.

Ichabaiche Movement for Good Governance, led by Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu, has also joined the grouping.

But Mr Milupi said the UPND Alliance remains confident of victory in the forthcoming general elections.

“It won’t work; I know what it takes to form an alliance. The first step is to have a set of ideas around which you congregate,” he said.

ZDM

“Reform Is Working. Now Comes the Payoff.” – HH

By Digest Reporter.

LUSAKA, In a calm but confident address to Parliament on Friday, Hakainde Hichilema made his clearest case yet that Zambia’s reform agenda is beginning to yield results, while candidly acknowledging that many citizens are still waiting to feel meaningful relief in their daily lives. Reporting on the application of national values and principles, the President framed his leadership as a deliberate shift from rhetoric to delivery, arguing that institutional repair, not quick fixes, is the surest path to lasting progress.

Mr. Hichilema pointed to concrete gains: the return of more than 2.5 million children to school under free education, a forty-fold increase in the Constituency Development Fund since 2021, expanded access to clean water and health services, and the recruitment of tens of thousands of teachers and health workers. These, he said, are no longer policy intentions but visible changes. He pointed at classrooms with desks, clinics within reach, safer markets, and communities with new economic activity as evidence.

The President placed equal emphasis on governance and civic responsibility. Paying taxes, rejecting political violence, and respecting the rule of law were described as acts of patriotism essential to sustaining democracy. He cited the sharp reduction in cadreism and faster prosecution of corruption cases alongside record asset recoveries as evidence that the state is enforcing accountability rather than merely promising it.

On the economy, Mr. Hichilema struck a note of cautious realism. Inflation is easing, the kwacha has strengthened, and investment is rising, he said, but he conceded that household pressure remains high.

His assurance to citizens was that macroeconomic stability, now largely secured, will increasingly translate into lower costs of living, higher incomes, and broader opportunities particularly as local-content rules and procurement reforms steer growth toward Zambian businesses.

With general elections approaching in August, the President closed with an appeal for restraint, unity, and peaceful political competition. It was a speech aimed less at applause than at reassurance: that Zambia is moving, steadily and deliberately, in the right direction.

For supporters, it affirmed a reform agenda taking root; for skeptics, it offered a detailed account of what has changed and a clear promise that delivery, not slogans, will remain the measure of leadership.

ZAWAPA DISMISSES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S ADDRESS AS RHETORIC WITHOUT ACTION

By Pride Nyirenda

ZAWAPA spokesperson Dr. Elias Kalinda says the Zambia Wake-up Party is dissatisfied with the presidential address delivered by Hakainde Hichilema, describing it as disconnected from the real challenges facing ordinary Zambians.

In a statement issued to RoanFM News, Dr. Kalinda says that although the President spoke about morality, unity, and democracy before the Parliament of Zambia, his administration has failed to effectively address corruption, economic hardship, and rising youth unemployment.

He adds that calls for national unity are meaningless as long as inequality continues to widen, with many citizens struggling to afford basic necessities and access essential services, particularly in rural communities.

Dr. Kalinda observes that Zambia needs decisive action rather than repeated promises, stressing that Zambians are demanding accountable leadership and development that delivers tangible improvements to their daily lives.

RoanFM Newsroom

20 COPPERBELT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ENDORSE HH

Kitwe-22nd February, 2026

By Mukuka Nawa

Twenty colleges and universities on the Copperbelt Province this afternoon endorsed the candidature of President Hakainde Hichilema for the August 2026 General elections during a vibrant meet-and-greet event held at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

The colourful gathering brought together thousands of students who were represented by their respective student union presidents. The student leaders said their endorsement was based on the significant reforms undertaken in the higher education sector under President Hichilema’s leadership.

Among the twenty institutions that endorsed the President were Copperbelt University, Mukuba University, and Northern Technical College, among others across the province.

Speaking on behalf of the students, the union presidents said they were endorsing President Hichilema because of the reforms in the higher education sector, which include sponsorship for vulnerable students through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) skills training programmes and bursaries administered under the Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board.

They said many students from disadvantaged backgrounds have been given an opportunity to pursue tertiary education due to the expanded bursary schemes and skills training initiatives. The student leaders further noted that through various government interventions, institutions have been equipped with necessary training equipment, improving practical learning and overall academic standards.

In his response, President Hichilema accepted the endorsement and expressed gratitude to the students for their confidence in his leadership.

He said no one wants to go backwards but forward, emphasizing the need to safeguard the progress made in the education sector.

“Meal allowances, bursaries, skills training and other student support programmes are here to stay,” he said.

“But for those to happen consistently, we need active leadership with foresight in power.” he added.

The Head of State urged students to remain resolute in the pursuit of their studies and to focus on excellence, discipline and innovation.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and quality education, stating that investing in education remains central to Zambia’s development agenda.

CIC PRESS TEAM

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AND PRESIDENT BOKO TO LAUNCH KAZUNGULA BRIDGE AUTHORITY

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has announced that President Hakainde Hichilema, together with President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, will officially launch and commission the Kazungula Bridge Authority on 24th February 2026 in Kasane, Botswana.

The Authority will oversee the management and operations of the Kazungula Bridge, a jointly developed strategic infrastructure project between Zambia and Botswana. The bridge serves as a key regional transport and trade corridor, linking the two countries to regional and international markets, including the North South Corridor connecting to Namibia, Zimbabwe and beyond.

Government states that the establishment of the Authority marks an important step in strengthening regional integration, improving cross border efficiency and promoting economic growth in line with frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the SADC regional infrastructure agenda.

While in Kasane, President Hichilema is also expected to hold bilateral talks with President Boko, preceded by a ministerial meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation in priority sectors. He is scheduled to depart immediately after concluding his official engagements.

The statement was issued by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe.

EMMANUEL MWAMBA PICKS HIS TOP 7  REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDERS AND PLACES HARRY KALABA ON FIRST POSITION WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PRETENDS THAT HE SUPPORTS  THE LEGITIMATE PF CAMP LED BY ACTING PF PRESIDENT HON. GIVEN LUBINDA.

Sunday Feb 22, 2026
By  Yosi Miti

If  there’s a politician in this country who has lived the whole of his life through  treachery and deceptive conduct is no other than Emmanuel MWAMBA .

Looking at his current behavior one can clearly see that is playing a game of chance on the minds of  these candidates and the Zambian people.

This person should not beat about the bush he should come out in the open and tell the Zambian people that  he supports the candidature of  one Harry Kalaba rather than him  faking that he supports Hon Given Lubinda,  Makebi Zulu and Brian Mundubile at the same time

It’s good that he is now no longer hiding  by  choosing his preferred Presidential candidate in one Harry Kalaba and he even calls him Dr Kalaba, mwebantu if l may ask when did Kalaba study to aquire a PHD degree for him to qualify to be called a DOCTOR Kalaba. ?

This is one area President Hakainde Hichilema  through his New dawn government must come in and investigate all those who claim to have  PHD degrees who have acquired  them  either through  forgery or bought them from these fake mushrooming Universities around the globe to become PHD holders overnight.

Here is a timely warning to Hon Given Lubinda and Makebi  Zulu  legitimate PF camp. Trust Emmanuel MWAMBA at your own risk, he does not support you and he will never support you he just pretends to the Zambian people that he supports you, his chosen candidate is Harry Kalaba, he owes him a lot for he was the one who gifted him with the position of Ambassador to South Africa when he was Foreign Affairs Minister and he  now wants to pay him back through endorsement and support for his candidature.

From the post on his page , this is the list of  his preferred  Presidential candidates that he placed Harry Kalaba No.1 on the list.

Our top 7 (seven).
1. Hon. Dr. Harry Kalaba
2. Hon. Brian Mundubile
3. Hon.Makebi Zulu
4. Dr. Fred M’membe
5. Mr. Kelvin Bwalya Fube
6. Hon. Given Lubinda
7. John Sangwa SC

In God l trust !

Yosi Miti
Political chief strategist
—————————————

McQUEEN ZAZA CONFIDENT SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE WILL ACCESS ECL’s BODY AMID POISONING INVESTIGATIONS.

By: Thomas Afroman Mwale

Legal expert McQueen Zaza says he is confident the South African Police Service will be granted access to the Body of the Late former President Edgar Lungu to determine whether allegations that he was poisoned are true or not, claims his family has denied.

Mr Zaza explains that it is important to establish the truth behind former President Lungu’s death to provide closure.

He reveals that SAPS investigations commenced after incarcerated PF Secretary General  Raphael Nakachinda publicly suggested in a media interview that Mr Lungu could have been poisoned   a statement he says was not disputed by the Lungu family.

He states that the Lungu family’s silence on the allegation, including that of their spokesperson Makebi Zulu, fuelled the matter and prompted SAPS to commence investigations.

Speaking on SABC’s Channel Africa, the legal practitioner further referenced the investigation to alleged remarks by Dr Canisius Banda, who is said to have claimed that Mr Lungu was chemically assassinated at the hospital, allegations he says raised alarm and led SAPS to now seek access to the body.

Mr Zaza says since the former President’s death, the Zambian government has not been granted access to his remains and expressed confidence that the process will establish the truth behind Mr Lungu’s Death.

#SunFmTvNews

🇿🇲 EDITORIAL: The Pulpit, The Presidency, & Politics of Suspicion

We must be careful not to set fire to its own institutions in the heat of election season.

President Hakainde Hichilema attended Mass at St Joseph Cupertino Church in Chifubu, Ndola. He worshipped. He thanked the Catholic Church for its historic role in education, health, and community service. He invoked national blessing. There was no campaign slogan from the altar. No party regalia inside the sanctuary. No manifesto read between the readings.

Yet, within hours, a political storm was manufactured.

Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa publicly questioned why Ndola Archdiocese Archbishop Benjamin Phiri allowed “a politician to use the pulpit for partisan interests,” referencing a recent Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops pastoral letter discouraging partisan use of church platforms. He went further, tagging the Vatican and suggesting the Archbishop may be “compromised.”

The implication is serious. It suggests institutional capture.

But here is the deeper question: when does a sitting Head of State cease to be merely “a politician” and remain, constitutionally, President for all?

President Hichilema is not simply the UPND presidential candidate. He is the incumbent President of the Republic of Zambia. He is entitled, like any citizen, to worship. He is also received, by protocol, as Head of State. Churches have historically acknowledged Presidents in attendance without that recognition constituting endorsement.

To collapse the presidency into partisan identity is dangerous. If every public appearance by a sitting President is interpreted as a campaign act, then the office itself becomes illegitimate. That logic burns institutions.

The Catholic Church in Zambia has long prided itself on moral authority and political independence. It has criticised governments before. It has defended democratic norms. It has issued pastoral letters that have shaped national debate. That credibility is not so fragile that a presidential presence at Mass destroys it.

Moreover, precedent matters. Successive presidents have attended church services across denominations. They have been introduced. They have greeted congregants. No administration exists in a vacuum.

What would be more destabilising? A church that acknowledges the Head of State at worship, or a country where the President is treated as a partisan intruder in every civic space?

Dr. Sishuwa’s concern rests on consistency. If opposition leaders sought similar recognition, would they receive it? This is a fair institutional question. It deserves measured engagement, not public escalation to Rome.

But framing the incident as defiance of the bishops’ collective stance may overstate what occurred. Recognition of a President is not equivalent to ceding the pulpit for campaigning. Context matters.

Election season magnifies suspicion. Every handshake becomes theatre. Every hymn risks interpretation. But Zambia must resist importing hyper-partisan culture into sacred and constitutional spaces.

The Presidency is bigger than party colours. The Catholic Church is bigger than electoral cycles. If both are reduced to factional instruments, the casualty will not be political advantage. It will be national cohesion.

Zambia stands at a sensitive moment ahead of 13 August 2026. Institutions must remain intact. Churches must remain neutral. Presidents must remain presidents.

Faith should not be weaponised. Nor should the Presidency be trivialised.

The country deserves cooler heads.

© The People’s Brief | Editor-in-Chief

ACTING MINISTER OF HEALTH MWEETWA GETS  BRIEFINGS FROM ALL DEPARTMENTS

Acting Minister of Health, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, convened a meeting with Heads of Departments and Units at the Ministry of Health to receive comprehensive departmental briefs and presentations.

The engagement provided an important platform for the Acting Minister to gain detailed insight into the Ministry’s ongoing programmes, strategic priorities, operational challenges, and key performance milestones. Each department delivered structured presentations outlining progress made, resource needs, policy considerations, and areas requiring strengthened coordination.

The meeting underscored the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and results-driven leadership, while ensuring alignment with national health priorities. It also allowed the Acting Minister to provide guidance, set expectations, and reinforce the importance of teamwork in delivering quality healthcare services to the people.

Such engagements remain critical in strengthening institutional efficiency and ensuring that the Ministry continues to respond effectively to emerging public health demands.

Georgia Mutale Chimombo
Principal Public Relations Officer/ Spokesperson