Lawmaker Kafwaya tasks UPND govt to ease cost of living, resolve strained relations with church

Lunte Member of Parliament and Patriotic Front (PF) representative, Mutotwe Kafwaya, has voiced concern over escalating living costs, detentions of opposition members and the strained relationship between the UPND government and the Catholic Church, urging immediate reforms.

At a media briefing in Lusaka on Friday, Kafwaya described recent police actions involving a Catholic Bishop’s office in Ndola and restrictions on Catholic gatherings as threats to religious freedom.

He called on the UPND to open dialogue with Catholic leaders to address these tensions, emphasizing that cooperation with the Church was essential for societal harmony.

Kafwaya also highlighted worsening economic conditions and criticized alleged violence by security forces, labeling reports of extrajudicial killings and journalist harassment as a serious departure from Zambia’s democratic principles.

He urged the government to prioritize citizen safety, end political repression, and take responsibility for abuses.

“The UPND must ensure accountability within law enforcement and establish an independent commission to investigate human rights violations,” he said.

Kafwaya added that transparent governance and human rights protections would help rebuild public trust.

He concluded by reminding the UPND that Zambian citizens and the international community were closely observing these issues ahead of the 2026 elections.

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