President Hichilema’s Corruption Fight: A Smokescreen of Deception- Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

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President Hichilema’s Corruption Fight: A Smokescreen of Deception

By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

When President Hakainde Hichilema took office, he vowed to wage an unrelenting war against corruption, promising Zambians an era of accountability, transparency, and good governance. His rhetoric was bold, inspiring trust and raising hopes for a cleaner government. Yet, nearly halfway through his term, it has become evident that this “fight against corruption” is little more than smoke and mirrors.

A Campaign of Selective Persecution

The so-called anti-corruption crusade appears to be a thinly veiled witch hunt targeting former Patriotic Front (PF) officials. While rooting out corruption is imperative, the one-sided nature of these efforts suggests political vendettas rather than a sincere commitment to justice.

Meanwhile, allegations of corruption involving United Party for National Development (UPND) officials have been swept under the rug. Insider deals, questionable contracts, and nepotism are whispered about daily, yet no meaningful investigations have been launched. Is this crusade truly about justice, or is it a weapon to silence opponents and solidify power?

Turning a Blind Eye to Rot Within

Despite widespread accusations of misconduct under his own administration, President Hichilema has remained disturbingly silent. Examples of unaddressed corruption abound:

1. The Auditor General’s Report
The Auditor General has flagged numerous cases of financial mismanagement within UPND-led ministries. Millions of kwacha intended for essential public services have been misappropriated. These funds could have supported education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Yet, no significant action has been taken. Where is the President’s accountability to the Zambian people?

2. Dubious Road Contracts and Toll Gate Deals
Contracts for major road projects, such as the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, have been awarded under questionable circumstances. Toll gates have been handed over to private investors like Macro Ocean Investment Consortium without transparency. These investors have failed to raise their own funds, instead relying on loans from institutions like NAPSA and Stanbic Bank—resources that belong to the Zambian people.

3. Overpriced Fertilizer Procurement
Scandals surrounding fertilizer procurement have exposed a network of well-connected insiders profiting at the expense of taxpayers. Fertilizer meant to support farmers and boost food production has become another avenue for profiteering. Who is protecting these individuals, and why is there no accountability?

4. Scandal at the Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education scandal involves Joel Kamoko, the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, who paid K3.6 million without following proper procedures. He did not adhere to tender processes or obtain clearance from the Attorney General for the purchase of an educational software tool. Kamoko directed all public and private schools to deposit K800 each into M-SAT’s account for the procurement, with government schools expected to contribute over K8.5 million. The purchase was not part of any approved annual procurement plan, violating the Public Procurement Act and Regulations. This raises concerns of mismanagement and possible criminality.

5. 61 Containers of Medical Supplies Hoarded
In a shocking revelation, 61 containers of essential medical supplies were found stored at a private residence instead of being distributed to hospitals in dire need. These containers contained medicine and equipment meant for public hospitals facing critical shortages. Despite public outrage, the perpetrators remain untouched.

6. Ambulance Procurement Fiasco
Only 11 out of 156 emergency ambulances, which were procured under dubious contracts, have been delivered.

7. The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Report
The latest FIC report details illicit financial flows, unexplained wealth accumulation, and rampant misuse of public funds under the current administration. Certain government officials have been flagged for suspicious transactions amounting to millions of dollars. Yet, there has been no serious attempt to follow up or prosecute offenders.

8. Questionable Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Beyond the Lusaka-Ndola road, several PPP agreements have raised red flags. Projects lack transparency, with agreements heavily favoring private investors while exposing the government to financial risks. The lack of public consultation or independent oversight has fueled suspicions of corruption.

Where Are the Structural Reforms?

Fighting corruption demands more than words—it requires systemic change. Strengthening institutions, ensuring the independence of anti-corruption agencies, and upholding judicial impartiality are essential steps that remain ignored.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC): The ACC has become a political tool, focusing disproportionately on opposition figures while ignoring corruption within the ruling party. Its credibility is in tatters. Without a neutral, independent body to investigate and prosecute corrupt activities, Zambia will continue to fall prey to political favoritism and selective justice.

Judicial Independence: The judiciary’s susceptibility to political interference makes a mockery of justice. Without an independent judiciary, true accountability is impossible. Political influence over the courts undermines the very foundation of the rule of law.

Weak Procurement Systems: Loopholes in public procurement processes continue to enable corruption. Proper digitalization, oversight, and transparency mechanisms are overdue. The absence of rigorous checks and balances in procurement processes makes it all too easy for corrupt officials to channel funds into their pockets while public services suffer.

The Heavy Cost of Inaction

President Hichilema’s empty promises are costing Zambians dearly. Public funds are vanishing into private pockets, vital infrastructure remains neglected, and trust in government has eroded. The cost of corruption is felt in failing healthcare systems, crumbling schools, and an economy weighed down by mismanagement.

What Zambians see today is not a war on corruption but a theater of deceit—a hollow performance designed to distract from the real issues plaguing the nation. The economic ramifications of corruption are profound, with critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure suffering from chronic underfunding.

A Plea for Real Leadership

Mr. President, your war on corruption is an illusion. The Zambian people are tired of waiting for real action. They deserve a leader who confronts corruption at all levels—not just in the opposition, but within their own party as well.

If you are truly committed to rooting out corruption, start by cleaning your own house. Empower institutions to operate independently, strengthen transparency mechanisms, and hold your officials accountable.

Restore the trust you promised. Without genuine reforms, your presidency risks being defined by inaction and betrayal.

Zambians deserve better. The time for excuses is over.

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