PRESS STATEMENT ON RECOVERED ASSETS
Contact : Cheelo Katambo
Deputy Media Director – UPND
Email: info@upnd.co.zm
“WE SHALL NOT ALLOW THIEVES TO WALK AWAY WITH OUR WEALTH”
November 13, 2024
LUSAKA – The historic recovery of over K1.5 billion cash and various assets stolen under the Patriotic Front (PF) regime is a score not just for the United Party for National Development (UPND) government, but for the countless Zambians who were deprived of essential services and opportunities under Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s thieving administration. The reclamation of this wealth signifies the beginning of justice for Zambia’s most vulnerable communities, who were denied their fair share while a corrupt few amassed illicit fortunes at their expense.
For too long, our beloved Zambia has been ravaged by corruption, a cancer that eats away at our resources, our dreams, and our future. And yet, every step forward seems to be met with opposition from those who benefited from this theft, who now have the audacity to call this fight ‘political persecution.’ Let us be clear—this is not persecution. This is justice. This is accountability. This is what every Zambian deserves.
These recoveries have begun a process of restitution, supporting initiatives that uplift those left in poverty and restoring dignity to the Zambian people. This is why every patriotic Zambian should distance themselves from the “alebwelelapo” clan of Edgar Lungu and his team, who seek only to return to power and resume looting the nation’s resources for personal gain. The PF’s track record of greed and exploitation is clear, and they must not be allowed to undermine the strides made under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration—a government committed to justice, transparency, and empowering the people.
Some are quick to spread propaganda, painting themselves as victims when the law finally comes knocking at their doors. They spew lies, hoping to confuse the public, to draw a smokescreen over their misdeeds.
In line with the UPND’s strong anti-corruption stance, we further call on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and all law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to intensify efforts in expediting the recovery process. Every stolen asset must be reclaimed and restored to its rightful owner (the Zambian people)as promised by our administration. Only then can Zambia realize the full potential of a corruption-free future, where public resources are used for the benefit of all, and where leaders are held accountable to the citizens.
Over 1.5 billion kwacha—this is not just loose change; this is money that could build schools, hospitals, roads, and lift countless Zambians out of poverty. Should we stand by and watch these thieves walk away with our future?
It is time for Zambians to recognize that accountability is not optional. Wealth and property acquired through legitimate means should not be difficult to explain. Every Zambian should be willing to account for what they own if called upon by authorities.
This is the bare minimum of citizenship in a country that strives for equity and justice. The message must be clear: no more stolen wealth, no more unexplained riches, no more impunity for those who have benefited from the pain and suffering of ordinary Zambians.
The UPND government’s recovery of assets is a commendable achievement, but let us not be fooled into complacency. There is still much more to be done. There are more resources to be reclaimed, more perpetrators to be held accountable, and more battles to be fought. This government must be relentless, unforgiving in its pursuit of justice. The people demand it, and the nation deserves it. The message must be clear: if you looted Zambia’s resources, you will face the full force of the law.
The UPND government is resolute in building a fair and transparent Zambia, free from the shadow of corruption and exploitation. We stand firm in our mission to protect Zambian wealth and ensure that it is used to develop our great nation. Together we can create the Zambia we want.
(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM