09/11/2024
For immediate release
November 9, 2024
KUM'MAWA DEVELOPMENT COALITION (UMODZI KUM'MAWA)'S RESPONSE TO HON. CORNELIUS MWEETWA'S COMMENTS ON PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU'S CANDIDACY
KUM'MAWA DEVELOPMENT COALITION, also recognized as UMODZI KUM'MAWA, is compelled to respond to the unwarranted remarks made by Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa regarding the formation and launch of TONSE ALLIANCE, as well as the unveiling of President Edgar Lungu as our Presidential candidate. As Government Spokesman, Mr. Mweetwa carries the responsibility of providing Zambians with transparency and accountability regarding the actions and promises of the UPND regime and its leader, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, since assuming office.
It is imperative that Mr. Mweetwa directly addresses the substantive promises made by his government, particularly the much publicized K50 per 25 kg bag of mealie meal and K13 per litre of fuel among other many empty promises. These commitments were made to the Zambian people, yet we, like many citizens, are still waiting for tangible results. His silence on these issues raises questions about the government’s priorities and actions toward the welfare of the Zambian populace.
Mr. Mweetwa must recognize that the TONSE ALLIANCE where we are a member is an electoral pact just like the ruling UPND alliance and operates based on rules of engagement as set by its constitution as the guiding framework. Just like most Zambians cannot question the candidature of president HH under the UPND alliance for 2026, KDC is expecting Mr Mweetwa as Chief government spokesman to stay away from dedicating their precious time and waste tax payers money to drive all the way to ZNBC studios only to go and discuss the Tonse Alliance 2026 Presidential. This approach is unfair to Zambian tax payers, our voters and indeed our constitutional democracy.
As a pressure group that stand to defend the rights and interests of Easterners regardless of their tribe, gender, age, political affiliation and religion, we find Mr. Mweetwa and the UPND’s non stop political criticism, malicious attacks and structured verbal harassments against former President, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu both unnecessary, offensive and unacceptable.
It is perplexing for the chief government spokesperson to point all blame fingers at President Lungu for all the failed promises of the UPND government after being in power for close to four years now. Is president Lungu still in state house since August 2021? Why is Mr. Mweetwa failing to account what president HH has done and achieved before Zambians since taking over from president Lungu? To us, we believe this is what most people want to hear!
In conclusion, we appeal to the UPND government to allow President Lungu enjoy his democratic rights and fundamental freedoms as a Zambian citizen like any person. We as KDC, we oppose and condemn the UPND idea and practice of consistently attacking, harassing and insulting president Lungu every time he takes a political step or issues a statement. As an Easterner as well as the 2026 Presidential Candidate of the Tonse Alliance, we want the government to know that we shall religiously defend and stand with President Lungu.
Issued for and on behalf of KUM'MAWA DEVELOPMENT COALITION A MEMBER OF THE TONSE ALLIANCE.
Chanoda Ngwira F
KDC SPOKESPERSON