UPND cadres a threat to peace, stability, says lawyer Mukandila

By GIDEON NYENDWA

LUSAKA lawyer Celestine Mukandila has warned that the current generation of United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres has become a threat to peace and political stability.

Mr Mukandila has expressed concern over the inability of law enforcement agencies to act against escalating political violence, particularly during recent ward and parliamentary by-elections.

He has complained that the Zambia police have lost their integrity and ability to respond to criminal activities, even when such actions harm the nation, because they had largely become an appendage of the UPND.

He cited the violence that marred the recent Kawambwa by-election, where UPND cadres reportedly caused mayhem in full view of the police.

“The Kawambwa by-election was the most violent and brutal election I have ever attended. I have witnessed violent elections before, but this one was worse,” Mr Mukandila said.

According to Mr. Mukandila, the Tonse Alliance provided police with video evidence and details of individuals involved in the violence, but no arrests or investigations had been conducted.

He questioned the seriousness of President Hakainde Hichilema’s statement suggesting that the by-election was peaceful, asserting that the reality on the ground was entirely different.

“The people of Kawambwa are peaceful, but the problems were caused by imported cadres,” he said.

Mr. Mukandila criticised a recent remark by President Hichilema, suggesting that it would be difficult to remove the UPND from power.

He compared the statement to one made by former President Edgar Lungu in 2021, when he confidently declared he would hand over power to himself, only to lose the election.