By 
New Heritage Party president Chishala Kateka has urged Zambians to resist what she describes as attempts by a small group of individuals to hijack the nation’s future through constitutional amendments.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kateka stressed the need for a national restoration and development program to realign the country with its founding values rather than making piecemeal changes to the Constitution.
She argued that Zambia had drifted from its shared national principles, including unity in diversity, the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto, and a collective vision for the future.
“The value of Zambia as a democratic multi-party republic has been completely snuffed out by a clique of selfish politicians who now want to amend the Constitution for their own interests,” Kateka said.
She warned against dictatorial tendencies, emphasizing that Zambians must reject any efforts by a small elite to impose their will on the broader population.
“This is far from being the Zambia we want, but it must be restored. Any maneuver to impose the whims of a small clique upon the greater interests of Zambians must be frowned upon and will be nipped in the bud,” she added.
Kateka referenced two historic moments in Zambia’s history—the country’s declaration of sovereignty in 1964 and the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in 1991—arguing that Zambians had always fought to reclaim their democratic rights.
“In 1964, we declared that we are a sovereign people, not willing to be vassals of any other. In 1991, when some of our leaders departed from that vision, we responded and restored what we fought for,” she said.
She warned that Zambia must not allow a select few to impose constitutional amendments that serve their political survival, likening them to a “poisoned chalice.”
Kateka also commended various stakeholders, including church bodies, civil society groups, and opposition parties, for rejecting what she termed as the “mischief” being advanced by the ruling UPND.
“While you in the UPND are fighting to preserve your leaders’ privileged lifestyles and wealth—whose source remains unknown—the rest of us are fighting for the very soul of this nation,” she charged.
She further cautioned the government, reminding them that Zambians had overcome oppressive rule in the past and would do so again.
“Like the colonial government in 1964 and the One-Party State in 1991, Zambians always come out on top. 2026 will be no different,” Kateka declared.
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