FRED M’MEMBE CHALLENGES UPND OVER KWENYU

 

The Socialist Party President, Dr. Fred M’membe, has strongly challenged the hollow praises and self-congratulation coming from the UPND hymnbook, stating that Zambians cannot sing “kwenyu” when their living conditions are getting worse every day.

 

Speaking on Prime TV’s Oxygen of Democracy programme on Monday, 22 December 2025, Dr. M’membe described the four years of UPND rule as years full of “amataki” (rhetoric), marked by empty promises, worsening poverty, rising inequality, and deepening suffering among ordinary citizens.

 

Dr. M’membe emphasized that political slogans and praise poetry cannot put food on the table, reduce the cost of living, create decent jobs, or restore dignity to the people. He noted that the lived reality of Zambians today stands in sharp contrast to the propaganda being pushed by those in power.

 

The Socialist Party President called upon all genuine and progressive opposition political leaders to rise above personal interests and unite around a national agenda, stressing that Zambia can only develop if the system of governance itself is changed, not merely the ruling individual or political party.

“Tekuchinjafye kateka nechipani, kuchinja imitekele,” Dr. M’membe stated, adding that meaningful development requires a complete transformation of how the country is governed.

 

He further argued that the challenges facing Zambia cannot be solved by politicians alone. Dr. M’membe called for an inclusive government that brings together credible leaders from all sectors of society, including religious leaders, business leaders, professionals, trade unions, the media, and other social forces who authentically represent and understand the people.

“A politician cannot solve all problems. Our country has many capable and patriotic leaders outside partisan politics who must be part of governance if we are to improve the lives of Zambians,” he said.

 

Reaffirming the Socialist Party’s commitment to genuine opposition unity, Dr. M’membe cited the recent Chawama parliamentary by-election as clear evidence of the Party’s practical efforts toward cooperation among opposition forces. He stressed that the Socialist Party understands the cry of the masses and remains a listening political party, grounded in the daily struggles of the people.

 

Dr. M’membe concluded with a message of hope and resilience, reminding Zambians that difficult times do not last forever.

“Bulele, nomba nokucha bulacha — it gets dark sometimes, but the morning comes.”

He urged citizens not to lose hope, assuring them that 2026 is around the corner, and it represents an opportunity for Zambians to reclaim their future through unity, courage, and a clear national vision.