“ZAMBIA IS NOT THE POST NEWSPAPER – M’MEMBE HAS NO MORAL GROUND TO ADVISE HH”
RE: Official Response by UPND Media Director, Mark Simuuwe to Misguided Statement by Dr. Fred M’membe – “Zambia Twasebana”
We have noted with disappointment the unprovoked and emotionally charged statement issued by Dr. Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist Party, in which he attempts to paint a distorted and pessimistic picture of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND administration.
Let us be clear: Dr. M’membe is the wrong person to advise President Hichilema. His political commentary is not guided by principle or patriotism, but by frustration over his failed political journey and the inevitable decline of the Socialist Party, a party that has failed to inspire confidence, unity, or relevance among Zambians.
From the time President Hichilema took over the leadership of the UPND, the party has grown from strength to strength, earning support across all provinces and uniting Zambians under a message of economic transformation, peace, and good governance.
Under his leadership, UPND moved from being unfairly branded as a regional party to a truly national political force. The 2021 general election results, especially in regions like Northern Province where President Hichilema secured 51% of the vote compared to former President Edgar Lungu’s 49%, are a clear testament to this national growth and appeal.
Meanwhile, Dr. M’membe has never even managed to secure a third or fourth place in any general election. Instead of reflecting on the rejection of his party’s rigid, outdated socialist ideology, he seeks to scapegoat President Hichilema. This is not only disingenuous but desperate.
Dr. M’membe must now face the political reality: Zambians have moved on. The Socialist Party is steadily losing membership and support. The people have seen through the empty rhetoric and ideological rigidity. The party is not a growing force, it is on the path to extinction. It is, therefore, disingenuous for someone who cannot even build consensus within his own political group to attempt to lecture a democratically elected leader.
In fact, Dr. M’membe does not believe in collaboration, no wonder he has failed to fit and associate with the Tonse Alliance, and he equally disdains the UKA alliance. His intolerance and abrasive posture are the very reasons why no alliance or political grouping can accommodate him. He must be reminded: Zambia is not The Post Newspaper where he could impose his views without question. Governance in the real world requires inclusion, responsibility, and results, not editorial grandstanding.
President Hichilema’s focus remains on delivering development, economic revival, and good governance. We are accountable to the people, not to failed political actors whose only relevance now comes from issuing press statements filled with emotion and falsehoods.
Dr. M’membe should prepare to test his popularity in 2026, and we wish him all the best. But until then, we urge him to speak with responsibility and most importantly, with truth.
God bless Zambia.
Mark Simuuwe
UPND Media Director