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The Tonse Alliance has accused President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration of using the current constitutional amendment debate to divert attention from what the opposition alliance described as concerns over accountability and Zambia’s democratic record.
Alliance Deputy Spokesperson. Anthony Chibuye, said it was regrettable that the President and the UPND were, in the alliance’s view, taking Zambians for granted.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Chibuye described the debate, particularly proposals concerning the presidential term limit and political opponents, as an attempt to divert attention from domestic and international criticism.
Chibuye alleged that Hichilema was seeking to avoid accountability over the death of former Cabinet Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and the detention of Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu, George Chisanga and 14 others on what he described as concocted treason and seditious charges.
He also accused the President of contradicting his own acknowledgement that the country was divided by portraying Zambia as stable.
“We challenge Mr Hichilema to stop this unnecessary ploy and focus on being accountable,” Chibuye said.
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Chibuye said the alliance wanted the government to demonstrate how it would fulfil its promises to build universities, international airports, hospitals and roads across the provinces and implement the Grow Zambia Agenda.
He also challenged the government to prove the charges against Mundubile.
Chibuye alleged that the constitutional debate was aimed at disqualifying political competitors, specifically Mundubile, whom he linked to events surrounding the August elections.
“The Tonse Alliance and the majority of Zambians who believe their will was stolen on August 13, 2026 will never accept the constitution being tampered with to satisfy UPND’s ego,” he said.
Chibuye called on senior UPND members to defend the party against what he described as one-man rule, noting that Hichilema had led the UPND for more than 23 years.
He urged them to emulate former politicians like Christon Tembo, Edith Nawakwi, Newton Nguni, Simon Zukas and Dipak Patel, whom he said opposed former President Frederick Chiluba’s bid for a third term.
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