Zambia Wake-up Party leader, Kunda, accuses UPND of worsening corruption

Zambia Wake-up Party president, Howard Kunda, has accused the ruling UPND government of presiding over “worse corruption” than any previous administration, citing recent remarks by outgoing US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales.

In a statement issued on Monday, Kunda said the ambassador’s farewell comments validated his party’s concerns about alleged corruption in the health sector.

He said the United States had disclosed spending more than US$50 million in the health sector before cutting aid in 2024, yet nearly two years later no arrests had been made.

“This is not just negligence—it is proof of a system that protects corruption instead of punishing it,” Kunda said.

He said government officials had repeatedly dismissed opposition claims of selective arrests as political propaganda, but argued that “international partners have now confirmed the truth.”

Kunda linked the withdrawal of aid to job losses, claiming that more than 2,300 Zambians lost their employment when the support was suspended.

“This is not just about numbers—it is about families, livelihoods, and the dignity of our people,” he said.

He said the problem was structural and pledged that his party would prioritise accountability if elected in future elections.

“As Zambia Wake-up Party, we have been clear: our mission is to give power back to the people, not to hold power and fail to act. We are coming into office with a clear vision—Accountability and Service—not for today’s gain, but for the sake of future generations,” he said.

Kunda said his party would run a government “where corruption is not tolerated, where resources are used transparently, and where every citizen benefits from the wealth of this nation.”

“The time for excuses is over. The time for accountability has come,” he added.

The UPND administration under President Hakainde Hichilema had repeatedly said it remains committed to fighting corruption and that investigations across several ministries are ongoing.

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