‘I’m born gain,’ Moonga quits Socialist Party, rejoins UPND alleging lack of leadership in opposition

Socialist Party (SP) National Management Committee member, Paul Moonga, has resigned from the opposition party and rejoined the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), citing a lack of leadership within the opposition.

Moonga praised President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, particularly its decentralisation efforts, increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and free education policy.

Speaking at the UPND’s Anderson Kambela Mazoka Party Secretariat in Lusaka on Friday, Moonga said his return to the ruling party was driven by both political and spiritual convictions.

Quoting Romans 13 from the Bible, he stated: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

He likened his political comeback to being “born again.”

“This is a great day for me, April 25. I am being politically born again in the UPND,” Moonga said. “I joined Fred M’membe’s Socialist Party hoping to add value, but it is run by a small clique with undemocratic tendencies.”

Moonga pointed to the CDF increase from K1.5 million to K36.1 million as proof of the UPND’s developmental achievements.

He also cited the government’s free education policy and investment in skills training facilities as key factors behind his decision.

Receiving Moonga at the Secretariat, UPND Lusaka Provincial Chairperson, Obvious Mwaliteta, hailed the move as a major boost to the party’s grassroots structures.

“Today is a special day for Lusaka Province as we welcome a very renowned individual, Paul Moonga. We believe he will bring invaluable political experience to grow the party from grassroots to national level,” Mwaliteta said.

He also highlighted government’s efforts to safeguard digital rights through recently enacted cyber laws, as well as its progress in debt restructuring and restoring investor confidence.

Mwaliteta added that President Hichilema’s success in ending political violence and caderism has raised the bar for presidential leadership, making it difficult for opposition parties to find credible candidates.

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