The United Party for National Development (UPND) has strongly condemned a letter issued by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka Presbyteral Council, which raised concerns over the party’s proposed constitutional amendments.
The Presbyteral Council, made up of selected priests who advise Archbishop Alick Banda on matters of governance and faith, criticized the timing and content of the proposed changes. However, the UPND has dismissed the allegations as baseless.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, UPND Religious Affairs Chairman Reverend William Njombo said the government had initially focused on addressing urgent economic challenges and now considers constitutional reforms essential for long-term national development and cost-efficiency.
“The claims made by the council are unfounded. These reforms are meant to streamline governance structures, save public resources, and promote sustainable development,” Reverend Njombo stated.
UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe added that the current proposals differ significantly from those in the controversial Bill 10, which was rejected under the previous administration.
“We want to be clear—there are no provisions in the proposed amendments to abolish institutions like the Teaching Service Commission, Local Government Commission, or the Industrial Relations Court. That was Bill 10, not our agenda,” Simuuwe clarified.
The UPND’s response comes amid increased scrutiny from civil society and faith-based groups, as national debate around constitutional reform gains momentum.
What’s not essential for long-term national development and cost-efficiency is the increase in parliamentary seats,and not only is it inefficient,it is a burden some avenue on the citizens of the country especially on the people that are impacted more like the less privileged even the so called middle class people are becoming not so comfortable. While some of the changes may seem like good reforms, they are a disguise for the bad ones that will impact us in a long term. The constitution amendment should be taken to the streets and voted upon by the people of this country not by old people in old councils set up by the old dead meat.
The truth pains. I will side with the Catholics on this one!
Difficult to trust. Good Morning Frank Bwalya, Nevers Mumba, Sunday Chanda, Amos Chanda, Kelvin Sampa, Miles Sampa, Andrew Lubusha
Ati “the government had initially focused on urgent economic issues” and are now addressing constitutional issues. No objectivity, blatant lies as usual. You stand no chance Sir. What may save you in 2026 is the fragmented, disorganised and lack of seriousness from the opposition parties in Zambia
Why not solve issues of mealie meal? You said mealie meal would cost K50?
A reverend involved in spinning lies.
UNITED PARTY for NATIONAL DISASTER!
What the UPND as both party and government fail to realize is that its not about the number of mouth pieces they have but the content of said mouth pieces. Here we have a Reverend who is clearly paid to toll the party line at the expense of truth.
They have Simuwe and company who think its their job to counter whatever opposition say. Coming to the government, they have created jobs such as that of principal PR officers in all ministries and provincial offices as well as elevating mouth pieces like Kawana. Lastly, there is the ministerial press team composed of 5 Mps.
As long as cost of living is high, corruption is clear, these efforts will be in vain.
What about the one man in the name of Hakainde who wants to extend or entrench his rule on the Zambian people? Is he not sitting with only a few people to scheme and deceive the Zambian people as he did in 2021. Bwana once “beaten twice shy”.