Lungu-led PF accuses Hichilema of politicising traditional ceremonies, sowing seeds of discord

The Edgar Lungu-led Patriotic Front (PF) has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of turning traditional ceremonies and cultural events into platforms for political rallies, aimed at promoting the ruling UPND.

Emmanuel Mwamba, PF’s Faction Chairperson for Information and Publicity, claimed that political activities have been visibly integrated into every traditional ceremony that President Hichilema has attended or officiated in recent times.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Mwamba alleged that traditional ceremonies had increasingly become political events, where traditional leaders and opposition lawmakers were gathered to endorse Hichilema and pledge allegiance to his government.

“Pictures from these ceremonies clearly depict a disturbing trend, with UPND regalia visibly scattered throughout the crowd,” Mwamba said.

He also criticised Hichilema for recognising Mafinga MP, Robert Chabinga, as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and PF Acting President, despite ongoing legal proceedings regarding the matter.

“President Hichilema openly shows contempt by recognising Chabinga, even when the matter remains active in court,” Mwamba said.

He further accused the president of using traditional ceremonies as platforms to engage in hate speech and to parade members of the opposition and PF defectors.

Mwamba claimed this practice sows discord, undermining unity within the opposition.

“This hypocrisy is evident. When he was in the opposition, President Hichilema punished UPND MPs, mayors, and council chairpersons for merely welcoming President Edgar Lungu in their districts,” he added.

Mwamba cited the cases of Kaoma Council Chairperson Bindundu Mutti and Kafue Council Chairperson Thomas Zulu, who were expelled from the UPND for welcoming Lungu during his national duties.

He also referenced the suspension of Prof. Geoffrey Lungwangwa and Hon. Teddy Kasonso for supporting Bill 10, which he argued showed Hichilema’s intolerance of differing views and his violation of parliamentary independence.

He concluded by urging traditional leaders to recognise the alleged threat that Hichilema poses to cultural events and to ensure that such ceremonies were not politicised, despite the pressure from State House.

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