By Kapya Kaoma
Since taking Anderson Mazoka’s mantle as the UPND President, HH’s palm has pointed forward, but every election cycle is reversed to rest on his cheek and wipe his tears, wondering what just happened. The man boasts of being the best business executive, but if his running of UPND is something to go by, fate and not strategic thinking make one a billionaire. Just ask Donald Trump!
The UPND has been in opposition for two decades, but since 2006, the Party has lacked a sustainable strategy of taking power from the two most corrupt and incompetent regimes. Surely Mazoka is in tears wondering how his Party that came so close to winning the December 27, 2001 election (won by Levy Mwanawasa’s MMD) lost to PF–the Party that came from nowhere. Mazoka could understand the 2006 defeat, but the 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2016 defeats were simply illogical. Yet in 2021, UPND is begging Zambians to give HH another chance!
The UPND messaging has been chaotic; “HH knows the business world”, “the economy”, “workers,” corruption”, “chimbwi has no plan”, “free education”, “Bally will fix it” and now “HH will rescue Zambia” are among the many messaging problems that characterize UPND. The Party has failed to sell HH to Zambians with a sustainable message. Sata had one; HH has none but everything.
The UPND lacks political strategy; repeating the same plan over and over again but expecting a different outcome. The alliance with PF and MMD vomits like GBM and Nevers Mumba didn’t deliver either, so why do the same thing over again? Under his leadership, the Party has had many years to build sustainable alliances but failed; confirming accusations that UPND is a one-man Kantemba. The number of high-profile UPND members leaving him is not helping either.
Each election cycle, we are swamped with large crowds of UPND cadres in HH-styled red attires. Social media has magnified these gatherings in cities; but is this new? In addition to its traditional strongholds, the UPND has been competitive on the Copperbelt, Lusaka, and Central Province. This year the Party believes it has gained extra support in urban areas, overshadowing the PF. The popular city slogan, “We want Change, ” however, is generic and not UPND’s–every opposition party has a claim to it. Zambians sympathetic to the opposition cause are apt to join the chant on the streets. To UPND supporters, such chants translate in HH votes; they don’t.
But so is the power of mob psychology; people are likely to shout “Forward” when surrounded by UPND cadres, and “Pamaka” or “Alebwekelapo” when surrounded by PF cadres. It is a survival strategy in the nation where two well-known violent political parties are engaged in bloody campaigns. Since opposing voices are victimized, when PF is in Matero, Zambians will shout Lungu. When UPND is in Matero, the same people will shout HH. In addition to poverty, the ugly UPND, PF, and other political attires can be found in the same household; why buy if I can get it for free? The real gauge of popularity will only be known on election day when people cast their votes in secret.
In their wisdom, UPND strategists are counting heavily on the urban vote–it is a wrong strategy. This election will be won in rural Zambia–the reason Lungu and PF have abandoned the cities for rural areas. Economic stress impacts urban dwellers the most. Besides, the city vote is shared by many parties–almost all presidential candidates are counting on getting a share.
Belatedly, UPND strategists are sorely focused on dislodging PF from power. PF is a major player, but not the only player. It is like competing in the World Cup. Of course, you can focus your strategy on beating Brazil or France. But you must first qualify by knocking off smaller teams. Even then, you must study all teams. Soccer is unpredictable–even big teams can be knocked out in the first round. Like soccer, the electorate is unpredictable.
HH shouldn’t assume all Zambians are set to only vote for Lungu or him–rather he must campaign against Mumba, M’membe, Mwamba, Kalaba, and many others. He must also respond to their attacks on him as a tribalist, loner, and greedy as Socialist Party President and UPND founder Mazoka’s in Law Fred M’membe recently told Zambians. According to M’membe, HH is a greedy politician who should not be entrusted with power. As we move toward elections, HH should expect such attacks to increase since these parties want to win too. HH has never run in an election of this nature before, thus he needs to return to the drawing table.
Nonetheless, there is something to be said about smaller party cadres willingness to go door to door and even match the streets. They are awkwardly aware that they have the mountain to move, yet they are determined to fight to win. In the sociological theory of religion, I would compare them to members of religious sects. They are highly united to their cause and are most likely to show up on election day. In this regard, Socialist Party, Democratic Party, and other small party Presidential candidates are likely to be competitive in this election to an extent that they may shatter UPND’s dreams to enter Plot 1.
Alas. When my people dance akalela and shout “Forward,” they mean “Backwards.” Come August 12, is UPND ku Wire?
HH poor finishing imagine even Fred Mmmembe with very few supporters but has better message for the Zambian people than HH…HH just running battles with the Law enforcement officers….and this has backfired on him people have realized that he is makes up alot of stories just to get sympathy votes and attention seeking at the same time
By now we know what we want from HH, we know how corrupt Mmembe is, we know Kalaba the young man who helped usher in Lungu, we know Kambwili umwine wacisushi, GBM the tenderprenuer. It’s a no brainer, HH is better equipped. But some people want a leader to drink Chibuku with. A frugal person is called names by some people who have never worked had in their lives. Ati HH niwa kaso…..kikiki
A frugal leader is what Zambia needs, at some point the country has to make money and save. PF have shown from the onset that they are spenders, hand to mouth. It’s the efforts of the first ten years of the millennia that made it possible for Sara to come in and spend. He knew who he was taking over from.
Kapya Kaoma you don’t know whether you coming or going. Just stay off for now and only come back August 20 to write how wrong you were. Silly chap who hasn’t even factored in the economy and how close 2016 was. Sic
Ba kapya, the watermelon strategy has never worked for upnd and come 12 August 2021, we will be told the vote is stolen brabrabra. We will entertained by the court drama nad God knows what other extra clown anttics. HH is a failed project. I am consoled this could his last attempt on presidency and then ku wire.
The UPND message is clear: Total liberation of Zambians from ECL/PF violent Totalitarian Rule. People want a change of Govt on August 12. Macmillan’s wind of Change is blowing across Zambia. Even in PF strongholds People are clamouring for a change of Govt. They don’t want PF Corruption and Patronage to continue. PF Cadreism must be eradicated. People want HH and UPND Alliance to use their Technical know how to turnaround the Economy and their lives. On August 12 People will usher HH in State House and banish ECL from Power. People want Constitutionalism, Rule of Law, Good Governance and respect for Human Rights restored in Zambia. Election Rigging or no Rigging ECL “ku wire” on August 12 without fail.
How about writing next time how the level playing field is? Who wins elections with hands and legs tied? Why stop the person from freely engaging the so called lack of messaging? You really should be ashamed of you think winning in a very unDemocratic way is great victory. You did he was only on social media, he ventured out you blocked him, now it is official and still you have blocked him as others go all over unhindered. What a shame!
“The UPND Messaging has been Chaotic; Is HH Ku Wire Come August 12?”
KAPYA KAOMA, SINCE WHEN DID HH EVER MISS THE WIRE? ULEIPUSHE MBWA NGE IFWELE?
If the UPND’s campaign messaging has been chaotic, the PF’s has even been worse. I mean is there more money in people’s pockets today? Are there jobs today? Are the people enjoying lower taxes today? The answer to all these questions is a categorical NO
Kapya Kaoma makes quite valid observations. Indeed, UPND mixed messaging will again cost them the election. Take the case of Covid-19. When we had the first imported cases in early 2000, HH and Nevers Mumba was quick to demand from government a lockdown of the economy in the hope of creating more economic problems for ordinary Zambians and making PF unpopular. Fast forward to 2021, the same HH decides to throw caution to the wind and insists on holding Covid-19 super-spreader rallies contrary to health regulations. HH lies through his teeth that this is a PF ploy to politically disadvantage his party. But the truth of the matter is that he is using this as a camouflage for his political incompetence of failing to prepare adequately for the 2021 elections. He never learnt anything from…
Their campaign is based on lies and deception, thus when reality dawns, they cry like pregnant cows
If there is a party that has got no message to the electorates, PF number one. In 2016, it was jus playing a song “dununa reverse” no message. Even now they don’t have a message and have got no work plan if they win the comin elections. HH is not lacking a message, but he is being blocked by the state from campaigning. Truly, there is nothing that can come out of PF. We have already tried the them for 11 years and have just burdened the country with unsustainable debt.
… late MIchael Sata’s last presidential defeat that saw him avoid courts and immediately swing into campaign mood. In contrast with the UPND, the PF has been seriously preparing for the 2021 election since last year. As Kapya observes, the PF are going to perform very well in rural areas where they have ably taken advantage of their incumbency. The PF have used their social security and empowerment programmes and distributed bicycles to traditional authorities that will see them win massive support from voters in rural areas where opposition parties parties are not able to easily reach. Empowerment programmes have also been put to good use in peri-urban areas. On top of that and the strong infrastructure development, maize and soya bumber harvest and take over of Mopani and Konkola…
HH has no time to answer you back, he is busy planning how yo resuscitate this finished economy.
Bally is busy planning how to repay the 27B Dollar loans, how yo create employment for the youth, improve Agriculture, put medicine in the hospitals and clinics, send youmg people to school, and unite the whole divided country, bring down tge exchange rate so that you can be able to import goods into country affordably, reduce loadshedding and fuel. So that the benefits trickle down to the people.
He is our last hope at the moment. We need him full stop.
You haters remain with your hatrage, it’s Zambia forward backwards never!
PF ku wire and must go!
HH has no time to answer you back, he is busy planning how yo resuscitate this finished economy.
Bally is busy planning how to repay the 27B Dollar loans, how yo create employment for the youth, improve Agriculture, put medicine in the hospitals and clinics, send youmg people to school, and unite the whole divided country, bring down tge exchange rate so that you can be able to import goods into country affordably, reduce loadshedding and fuel. So that the benefits trickle down to the people.
He is our last hope at the moment. We need him full stop.
You haters remain with your hatred, it’s Zambia forward backwards never!
PF ku wire and must go!
idle talk
UNPD and HH needed to grow like a flower, it comes out with its own color regardless of others colors. You are wrong to say Trump is not intelligent, he is intelligent. He did grow like a flower and won the elections, first attempt, beating the establishment. They worked hard to rig the election to kick him out. Even up to know he commands a large support. Back to HH, you waste time talking about high debts, corruption, unemployment, dictatorship, poor management. Just explain your strategy to make Zambia rich, admirable and a proud nation without comparing yourself to the past and current presidents. Get it, a lumpen would promise that once in power, he will lock up a corrupt person not for less than 30 years. Making people to respect institution is a way to go. As of now ECL has my…
The beginning is as important as the finishing. Everyone is aware of how a “nobody”HH ascended to the top of a once “national party”- UPND. As long as HH remains at the helm of UPND they are going No where in style. The deplorable tribal slogan ( Only a Tonga can lead UPND) coined to propel HH to UPND top slot will NEVER go away as long as he remains the leader of this party. What HH and others never understood is that like MMD’s FTJ, Mazoka was simply brought in to lead the party and not the author and originator. Only Sata started the PF. HH will go in Zambian history as the six times loser.
… mines that have saved jobs, the PF has adopted younger, female, differently-abled and ethnically diverse and popular parliamentary candidates even in perceived UPND strongholds that makes the ruling party more attractive and will make it garner more support not only for the parliamentary candidates but also for the presidency in many parts of Zambia, including Lusaka, that appears to be still strongly in support of the PF. Despite some long serving former MPs from the ruling party not having been adopted, the PF looks to be more united than the UPND as it has ensured that some of the party stalwarts that have not been adopted to stand as MPs are part of the central committee and the party campaign team. Contrast that with the UPND whose adoptions have been scurrilous and have seen…
… long serving and not-so-popular male candidates like Jack Mwimbu, Cornelius Mweetwa, Gary Nkombo and Douglas Sykalima still adopted to the disappointment of some younger and female candidates. The perception created is that UPND does not provide equality of opportunity to younger and female party members when it comes to adoptions and would rather continue with the old guard. Indeed, there is more political renewal in PF than in UPND that is bereft of a strategy of placating members who are not adopted and have ended up resigning from it and joining the PF.
Zambians have a choice to make on August 12. They either continue with the violent, Corrupt, incompetent and Visionless ECL or try HH for a change. The Consensus is that Lungu has failed and must be sent “ku wire” on August 12. Zambians are sick and tired of ECL misrule. They want to try the Sober and Principled HH as President of Zambia for a change. The majority of Voters will vote 4 HH on August 12. HH aka Bally will fix it.
We need a social development, political development and political development for the nation to be stable. Politics are not developed in Zambia. Our country is the first in the world to campaign using a song without a message to the electorates and somebody wins. Those are animal politics. Doing without thinking.
No social development. Societies are cracking down in Zambia due to hand politics without heads. Ati tribalism, all to win the elections.
No economic development. Zambians think that economic development is developing one Komboni tarmac. Nonsense.
When one want to prepare food, he/she does not just cook shima, relish is also needed. You dont just prepare shima and tell the children, eat now. If u do that u can be taken to Chainama. Provide nshima and relish as a…
The whole GRZ , after spending billions of borrowed money on development, is getting bankrupted fighting one man……..
the mighty HH. The man is giving lungu and the whole GRZ a run for their money.
imwe bantu, has anyone on this street been visited by the door to door campaigns? if so what questions are you asking them and if not please don’t forget to make videos of your interactions and post on social media, we would like to hear their answers to your questions.
They are moving forward in reverse. Kikikikikiki.
This is why they keep calling me to come work for them as election strategist but I cannot work for tribal party.
UPND have something to learn from this article. The author forgot to mention something about rent-a-mob. The UPND believes its own propaganda. They have a very weird political strategy. They want to inflict pain on Zambians so that they turn against govt. UPND is just a few scores from being qualified as a terrorist movement. That’s why they celebrate every misfortune that hits the nation. What kind of people are they? They’re already beating supporters of other Parties in their strongholds. If they’re capable of all these evils when in opposition, what can they do if they’re in power? The person they say will solve our problems has turned his workers into scroungers. Look at how celebrated Sata’s demise! I guess most of them had orgasms at the news of Sata’s death
{1}. HH is a Dynamic Businessman but a very Static Politician. He does the same things in politics expecting different results
He also reminds me of Hollywood stars who are good actors and by virtual of being successful and famous decide singing careers but flop big time Or singers or musicians who make it big in the music industry, then try acting but flop big time.
One example is Eddie Murphy. He recorded an album after becoming a big Hollywood star but he flopped. ** I like Eddie Murphy as an actor.
It’s interesting to read some comments above. It would appear to some that PF has messed up big time. To the contrary the country is headed for a boom and the stage is set for real growth. The problem is when you’re so fixated on someone’s failures you don’t see the good in them. PF needed to build necessary infrastructure to attract growth and with the copper prices going up, adequate supply of electricity and successive bumper harvests and marijuana to be grown under restricted condition, the industrial yards and the revamped IDC,the country is poised to record economic growth and migrate to debt sustainable level.
{2}. HH runs politics like his business. In business you can command people to abide by the values you want to define your business. In politics you serve people and allow the people to have a say. HH’s way is: I am the only one that can fix Zambia. That’s totally B*S.
{3}. GMB was frank when PF came to power. He said I am in politics just to make money. So when HH was appointing GBM, he knew that his Vice President was not interested in saving people but to make money. And nothing else.
When PF was chasing Mmembe, a person who arrogantly refused to pay taxes close to $23m which is needed by our Hospitals, Schools, etc. HH decided to come and support Mmembe.
In life, the type of people you want to associate with tell alot about your own character and true colors. Birds of the same feathers always travel together. HH cannot fool Zambians. They see him in crystal ball.
The real winds of change is in the approach to elections. The old style, effectively used by Sata against his old party MMD, is slowly phasing out. Opposition political parties need to move beyond the strategy of proving that the incumbent party is corrupt to get into power. The country needs a new breed of politicians that will deliver better social and economical ideas, not the usual “corruption, corruption”, “we need change or revolution” nonsense. Eg, if upnd formed GRZ, where will all those bantustan savages and cadres go?? They would simply replace their PF rivals at Intercity, the councils etc and the cycle continues. Why not have a politician with a plan to make the councils function again by outlawing cadre interference with new laws?? Or a politician with a plan to change…
….Or a politician with a plan to change our education system that suits our resources?? Hh is an outdated politician who needs to be retired on August 12-his strategy of insults, lies and hate will not get him to state house.
Mapatizya tactics on show by UPND,
HH surprises even me…he has had years to prepare for a grand take over but is always ill prepared…look at the list of his nec which he doctored…look at the MPs again doctored..surely my good friend Scot should have been adopted need I say much about Jack the out of sorts mp and/or Garry the once upon a time person….then his manifesto comes out so poorly written left me sick never mind the walking mate…sometimes its difficult to tell who is the opposition…there are new parties on the block they seem more organized focused and getting a clear message across…I have voters card lets wait and see….
@David you have said exactly what most people do not understand. This country needed to build infra structure to create a spring board for development. Hospitals have been built, schools have been built . The country has trained lots of nurses , teachers and doctors. Soon these young men and women will be absorbed in all these schools, hospitals and clinics. Roads have been built and the country has opened up . One stop border posts have been set up at border points. Traffic is flowing and goods and spares are reaching their intended destination in good time. Doing business in Zambia has become easy. Copper prices are on the rise and more and more investors are flocking back in the country. Industries have started opening everywhere. Govt through ZRA wil increase its revenue…
Regardless of Party affiliation…lets all give credit to Fred Mmmembe and his Socialist Party…they seem to be very cool…young and very intelligent members…..not too much of street cadres…..but unfortunately it’s hard to elect good people…only thieves find their way to the position of Power….am just mesmerized with Fred Mmmembe’s message of unity……not Mr know it all HH and Bandit President Edward Chagwa Lungu
We are following the trends…. It will be a big dissapointment to lose this election again. If we lose the blame should lie squarely on the shoulders of our leaders.
@UPND for Life
Indeed, blame the impending UPND electoral defeat on HH and his cabal of lieutenants. UPND collects money on a monthly basis (K500) per person from civil servants who support them. But there is nothing to show for it in terms of party organisation. Some people within UPND have actually been speculating that membership contributions land in HH’s account.
UPND …..always poor finishing.
Mr. President, As a party we can do better than this. I do not like this Kaoma…but for once he has point. We have been disorganised right from the start. We have lacked strategic plan. Look at how we have been jumping from one alliance to another. Lelo ni GBM tomorrow at ni Kambwili. The other time we brought the late Lupando Mwape , other day we are with Bob Sichinga. Now its Mutati and KBF. Which way ba President? Look at the selection of our candidates……including the VEEP. Look what we did in Lukashya during the bye election.. Mule was a pf reject…but he was the one we picked. ..as our candidate.. are we serious? Mr. President we know your life is precious….but you have taken too long in your house. You speak more to the face book crowd than to the real voters…
UPND lost this election the moment the opposed Bill 10. They thought they were fighting Lungu and yet not. Instead of using the opportutinity push for ammendments that could benefit them ….they through every thing in the trash can. They are today complaining about ECZ when they could have reformed ECZ . They had a chance reform the constitution court…..and appointment of judges….but they walked out to the bar for a a glass of wine. They could have stopped Mr. Lungu and Mrs Wina from campaigning using govt resourses……but they were focussing on ECL third term. They could have reformed the public order act……but but but ….
Do not complain about un even playing ground. Lungu called you to help level the ground….You ignored the call.
When I heard at the market today that there is now no need to buy mopping clothes, I did not realise that people in Kitwe meant some political party regalia which has been mounted all over in trees in kitwe by a political party
They called Sata….Chimbwi no plan……but now where is their plan?
UPNDEAD is Dead, thanks to heavens.
The UPND lacks political strategy; repeating the same plan over and over again but expecting a different outcome.
This extremely true. Strategyless updeads.
The Slogans of UPND supporters, do such chants translate in HH votes; they don’t. Kikikikikikijukija! This cheatsheet slogan is wrapped in the term coined by MICHAEL i.e. Dochu kubeba. Collect, eat, amensopamo.
He was heavily sold by GBM. I am sure h² now is missing GBM.
Total annihilation of upndead in the swamps of newly formed parties.
He is losing this one too. No king makers in the camp.
The Exodus of may big names in the upnd had left negative indelible impression in the core thicket of the highly tribalised grouping.
I should honestly take over from him.
The party needs new blood. No one in the inner circles is capable of taking it further.
The eminent splitting of votes is eminent on large scale and magnitude.
HH is very lucky bcoz of his followers who don’t believe in one Zambia but one southern region.Look how they are beating people in Namwala.Even kids are chasing PF members with stones.Other region get scared with such politics of regionalism.He came into power thru tri……
b …a…’li…sm.He think he needs to rule.
3.He has no message.Things are expensive what about when Mwanawasa was in power.He has no unique message.jump from jump to high jump.
UPND has no plan for the country. When Mwanawasa was president they wanted a young president n complained about economy when kwacha was at 3 per USD.Today they praising him when they never voted for him.Every election they have different massage.Why should u say Barry will fix it.The party believes in one person.Awe HH is worshiped in that regional party.
KK (Kapya Kaoma) walasa! You are indeed a very brave man! Have always condemned you for supporting Hichilema blindly! Hichilema is a blind person, he cant lead people! Even Jesus said, “how can the blind lead thd blind?”. Jesus didnt mean being blind but he meant a person who is not in the Godly way! A person whos not straight forward like Hichilema! So ba Kapya Kaoma your Hichilema will be crying again, that his votes have been ” stolen”, and rushing to the courts after August 12! Forgeting that he had no correct strategies in place!
Ala bwafya ba under five politician. That’s what happens when you just focus on an individual, ECL, instead of the bigger picture.hatred does not pay. Filioko tuleya, some people will be retired from politics this year!