Thursday,26th February, 2026

Thursday, 26^th February, 2026

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

PUPILS FROM NDOLA TRUST SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Ndola Trust School in Ndola District.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome our visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM ROYGEO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Roygeo Christian School in Chongwe District.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome the visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR J. CHIBUYE, HON. MEMBER FOR ROAN, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON THE GADGETS IN THE CHAMBER

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, which I wish to direct to my mum, Her Honour the Vice-President and Leader of Government Business in the House.

Madam Speaker: You can proceed, hon. Member.

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, the people of Roan Constituency are quite apprehensive. Not long ago, your hon. Members complained about the gadgets we are using in the House, which are suspected to be faulty at times. I am worried that those who log in …

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

That is an administrative matter. You cannot talk about gadgets like that. Please, let us try to restrain ourselves regarding the issues we bring before this House. If your gadget is not working, that is why the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department is there. Even when voting, you are asked if you have voted. Those who have not voted or have challenges are asked to indicate so that someone helps them. So, please, do not blame our gadgets. They are working. They have been verified and assessed. They are 100 per cent functional.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: So, hon. Member for Roan, if you have an issue, please, you can go to the Clerk’s Office or my office and we will look at your complaint.

Mr J. Chibuye interjected.

Madam Speaker: Sorry? Oh, okay. We had not even rehearsed. So, I am a prophetess. That is on a lighter note.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much for that.

MR KAPYANGA, HON. MEMBER FOR MPIKA, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON THE ALLEGED REJECTION OF AID FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) TO ZAMBIA

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, thank you so much for this opportunity given to me to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice.

Madam Speaker, most recently, the United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Zambia indicated that the USA had stopped giving aid to countries unless it was trade-based aid. The USA had sought our Government to sign an agreement with it.

Madam Speaker, in today’s broadcast on the Turkish Radio Television Corporation (TRT Africa), it has been reported that Zambia has become the latest country to reject a US$1 billion health funding package tied to access to sensitive data of citizens. I, therefore, direct this Urgent Matter without Notice to Her Honour the Vice-President.

Madam Speaker: You can proceed, hon. Member.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, this matter will allow the Government to come and explain to the Zambian people what is happening regarding aid from the USA, unlike what is being portrayed right now where citizens do not have information about an important sector such as the health sector.

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Mpika.

From my recollection of the debate on the Floor of this House, we always say that this country is rich in minerals and natural resources, which should be exploited to avoid loans and aid. The United States of America (USA) is an independent country. Zambia is also a country on its own. Zambia is free to churn out policies that are for the benefit of the people of Zambia. So, we do not know whether the information you are giving out is from a newspaper, and we are not even sure whether it is factual and verifiable. In my view, the USA has a choice. It can assist whoever it wants to assist. The same applies to Zambia. As a sovereign State, it also has a choice to accept aid or refuse it.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: So, we cannot force people to do things which they are not happy with. If they are not willing to give aid, let them keep it. We will look for something ourselves and be able stand on our own. So, that matter is not admitted.

Mr Kapyanga: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: I am sure the hon. Member for Lunte agrees with those sentiments.

Mr Kafwaya indicated assent.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

Let us make progress.

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BILLS

FIRST READING

THE CIVIL AVIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The object of this Bill is to amend the Civil Aviation Act so as to:

enhance the regulation and oversight of civil aviation security;
revise penalties related to offenses committed on board a civil aircraft;
provide for the declaration of danger areas and prohibited areas; and
provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House in due course. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

I thank you.

CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Civil Aviation Authority (Amendment), 2025. The object of this Bill is to amend the Civil Aviation Authority Act so as to:

revise the composition of the Board of the Authority;

enhance civil aviation security;
provide for the establishment of an Advance Passenger Information System; and
provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

I thank you.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS AND STAFF HOUSES IN CHINSALI

220. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security:

how many of the following there were in Chinsali District as of September 2025:

police officers; and

Zambia Police Service staff houses;

whether the Government has plans to construct additional houses for the police officers in Chinsali District;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security (Ms Tambatamba) (on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.)): Madam Speaker, in response to the question asked by the hon. Member, I wish to inform the House that as of September 2025, Chinsali District had 277 police officers, against an approved establishment of 438 officers. The actual distribution of police officers was as follows:

Muchinga Divisional Headquarters had 137 officers;
Chinsali District Police Headquarters had seventeen officers;
Chinsali Police Station had seventy-seven officers; and
Nambuluma Police Station had forty-six officers.

Madam Speaker, the approved establishment by formation for Chinsali District is as follows:

209 officers at the Muchinga Divisional Headquarters;
twenty-four officers at the Chinsali District Police Headquarters;
116 officers at Chinsali Police Station; and
eighty-nine officers at Nambuluma Police Station.

Madam Speaker, overall, the staffing levels in Chinsali District remain below the approved establishment, underscoring the need for increased recruitment and deployment to adequately meet policing and public safety requirements.

Madam Speaker, Chinsali District has fifty-three police housing units, of which twenty-eight are located at Chinsali Central Police Camp and twenty-five at Nambuluma Police Camp. All twenty-eight housing units at Chinsali Central Police Camp were condemned due to poor structural conditions, as they are very old, and are currently unoccupied. Consequently, officers vacated the camp and were placed on housing allowance. At Nambuluma Police Camp, out of the twenty-five housing units, eighteen are occupied, while seven are in deplorable conditions and remain unoccupied.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct an additional 450 houses on the 20 ha of land that was offered to the Zambia Police Service by the Chinsali Municipal Council. The plans will be implemented when funds are made available.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the detailed answer that she has provided to the question I raised.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that, currently, Chinsali has 277 police officers and only about fifty-three houses. Basically, that means the deficit is 224 houses needed to meet the number of staff that are in the police service in the district. I take cognisance of the intention of the Government to build 450 houses, which is a good thing. I would like to know if her ministry has liaised with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to be given an indication on when the money is likely to be available for the implementation of this important project to build the 450 houses for the police officers in Chinsali.

Ms Tambatamba: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member, who cares a lot for the people of Chinsali, for that question.

Madam Speaker, I want to assure the people of Zambia, the people of Chinsali, in particular, that the ministry is in the process, as has been indicated, of putting in place a plan, as can be seen from increased recruitment being done by this Government, for police officers to be allocated across the country, including Chinsali. As it has been in all other sectors, including education, under which more personnel are being put in place to take care of the lives of our people in Chinsali, there is a deliberate plan by the Government to put in place infrastructure to accommodate police officers comfortably within the confines of their camps. The discussions are within the budgeting process of allocating numbers for each establishment in all the police stations across the nation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I would like to appreciate the Government’s intention to build 450 houses in Chinsali for police officers. The Budget normally gives financial context to existing plans. For members of the public, particularly, those in Chinsali, who would like to peruse the Government’s plan to build the 450 houses, in what Government planning document is that sitting?

Ms Tambatamba: Madam Speaker, having been a Minister in the previous Government, the hon. Member knows how the processes work. To ask to identify a particular document that has that information, I think, he would be putting aside what he knows, which is that once you go into a financial year, you begin to look at that financial year, such as 2026, and what you will include in the next financial year, which is 2027. So, as that is being compiled, at this moment, you cannot cite any other process other than the budgeting process.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the answer she has provided.

Madam Speaker, I would like to find out about the establishment of the police officers. In Chinsali, we need 438 police officers. Currently, there are only 277, meaning we have a shortfall of 161 police officers. The population in Chinsali has grown, which is why we need 438 police officers to ensure that there is peace and order. The people of Chinsali need security and they need to be protected. When are we likely to have this shortfall filled or when do we expect the next recruitment so that some of the youths in Chinsali can be considered? As a responsible Member of Parliament for Chinsali, I expect that when there is recruitment, …

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Mukosa: … the youths in Chinsali should be considered. So, when do we expect the next recruitment so that the youths in Chinsali can be recruited as police officers and help fill up this shortage of 161 police officers?

Ms Tambatamba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the question.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Chinsali should rest assured that, based on past experience, when there is a recruitment by the Zambia Police Service, equity has been ensured and every location is considered and allocated a number of people to employ. So, based on that, he must be assured that the next processes will follow the same pattern and respond to all the needs of Zambians, including those in Chinsali.

Madam Speaker, we recognise that personnel are being recruited continuously, but at the same time, some people are retiring and others are being transferred. Alongside that, there are always replacements that take place and that creates an opportunity for the people of Chinsali. Further, in view of the new recruitments that will follow, we know that the people of Chinsali will also be taken care of.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The next question is from the hon. Member for Chinsali.

Hon. Members: Hmm!

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, hon. Members are complaining that I am the only one asking questions, as if I am the one who told them to not ask questions. So, I suggest that when they get paid, they contribute K200 each, which should be given to me since they have just escorted me.

Hon. Members: Question!

Laughter

CONSTRUCTION OF PAUL MUSHINDO UNIVERSITY IN CHINSALI

221. Mr Mukosa asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

when the construction of Paul Mushindo University in Chinsali District will be completed;
at what percentage of completion, the project was, as of September, 2025;
what the estimated cost of the outstanding works was, as of the date at (b); and
who the contractor for the project, is.

Madam Speaker gave the Floor to the Acting hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

Silence

Madam Speaker: It is Question No. 221.

Mr Syakalima: Is it not for Mr Kapyanga? It is written on the Order Paper that the question is for Mr Kapyanga.

Madam Speaker: No, it is Question No. 221. The Order Paper was revised. Sorry about that.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam Speaker, the construction of Paul Mushindo University is scheduled to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2027.

Madam Speaker, as of September 2025, the project was at 55 per cent.

Madam Speaker, the estimated cost of the outstanding works as of September 2025, is K140,616,220.25.

Madam Speaker, the contractor undertaking the construction is Hua Jiang Investments Limited.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, for the works that are ongoing at Paul Mushindo University, has the contractor submitted any interim payment certificates (IPCs) that he has not been paid, and are currently outstanding?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, that sounds like a slightly different question. I would not, off the cuff, just say that he has or has not been paid.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Mr Kapyanga: Nomba abamipela ama question ukwasuka ni banani?

Madam Speaker: That question cannot be answered because it was not contained in the original question, and it looks like the Parliamentary Liaison Officer is not in. Maybe, the hon. Member for Chinsali can ask another question.

Mr Kapyanga: Additional notes yalakwata ama answer.

Mr Mukosa: Sorry, Madam Speaker, I did not hear the answer to my first question. Basically, I wanted to establish whether the contractor is owed any money, which may hinder his execution of the project.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister indicated that the question was not contained in the original question. So, it has taken him by surprise, and he could not answer it.

Mr Kapyanga: Additional notes babapela yele kwisa?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Minister, maybe, the contractor is owed money, according to the hon. Member for Chinsali. Do you have that information on hand?

Mr Syakalima indicated dissent.

Laughter

Mr Kapyanga: Kwiiminina ba Minister!

Madam Speaker: Why are you, hon. Members, having a field day?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Okay, let us make progress.

Hon. Member for Lunte, please, stick to the question.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Yes, Madam Speaker, I will stick to the question.

Madam Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister indicated that Paul Mushindo University is scheduled to be completed by the second quarter of 2027. How much money has been allocated in the 2026 Budget for progress to be made this year, towards meeting the target of the second quarter of 2027?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, again, I would have to verify the estimates. I do not have that information off the cuff.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Mr Kapyanga: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, when you give us an opportunity to ask questions, we do not ask those questions for us to understand. Yes, we pick something from the responses, but we also ask on behalf of the people we represent. The hon. Member of Parliament for Chinsali has asked a very important question, and you have allowed supplementary questions, which equally need answers from the Acting hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, who is representing the Government right now.

Madam Speaker, I am very worried about the casual manner in which the hon. Minister is responding to the questions. Is he in order to respond so casually, to very important questions being asked on behalf of the Zambian people? He keeps failing to answer important questions. If the hon. Minister is lacking information on this question, he should have maybe asked Her Honour the Vice-President to help him.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Mpika!

Let us not have a field day when there is no fish to catch.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: You understand that sometimes you are given information there and then, and you do not have enough time to verify it. What we can do, so that we do not lose momentum, is give the hon. Minister time to answer the question. The question will come back tomorrow so that the hon. Minister can have time to prepare sufficiently. Question No. 221 will be placed on the Order Paper tomorrow, and hon. Members will have an opportunity to ask supplementary questions.

Let us make progress.

PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KAMPHEMBA WARD

222. Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North) asked the Minister of Education:

(a) whether the Government has any plans to construct a secondary school in Kamphemba Ward in Chama North Parliamentary Constituency to ease pressure on Chama Day Secondary School;

(b) if so, when will the plans be implemented, and

(c) if there are no such plans, why?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a secondary school in Kamphemba Ward in Chama North Parliamentary Constituency in order to ease pressure on Chama Day Secondary School.

Madam Speaker, the plans will be implemented in the 2026-2028 Medium-Term Budget Plans.

Madam Speaker, in view of the response provided to part (a) of the question, part (c) does not apply, as the Government has plans to construct the school.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his response. First and foremost, the people of Chama North, particularly in Kamphemba Ward, are excited about the plan by the Government to construct a secondary school there. I know that most of the time, the Government usually refers to the use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for such projects. We in rural areas have many challenges regarding infrastructure. So, if that plan is implemented this year, it will really help because after the downgrading of many basic schools, Chama Day Secondary School has very serious challenges in terms of classroom space. Already, the place where the school will be built has been identified. So, we are very grateful and look forward to that project.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: It was more of a comment. So, thank you very much, hon. Member for Chama North.

Mr Kasandwe (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, most hon. Members of Parliament keep on asking the ministry if it has plans to construct secondary schools in various constituencies and districts. Does the ministry have a consolidated plan of the secondary schools it is going to build in various places in the next two years? Hon. Members should not be coming here all the time to ask the ministry if there is a plan. If plans are there, why does the ministry not just share the plans with all of us so that we all know what the Government is going to do in the next three years? Does the ministry have a consolidated plan of the secondary schools it is going to construct in different constituencies?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the plans are always there, but as of now, I think, we are constructing about 120 secondary schools across the country, with the help of the World Bank.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

Hon. Member for Bangweulu, you heard the answer? Did you get the answer?

Mr Kasandwe: Yes, I did. Whether I like it or not is another question, but I understood it.

Madam Speaker: The question was: Did you hear the answer? I did not say, “Did you like it?” Those are two different things.

Laughter

CONSTRUCTION OF SENIOR CHIEF MUSHOTA’S PALACE IN PAMBASHE

224. Mr Kapema (Pambashe) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

why the construction of Senior Chief Mushota’s Palace in Pambashe Parliamentary Constituency has stalled;
at what percentage of completion the project was as of December, 2025;
when construction works will resume;
what the timeframe for the completion of outstanding works is;
whether the Government has any plans to engage a new contractor for the project; and
if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, the construction of Chief Mushota’s Palace in Pambashe Parliamentary Constituency is currently ongoing.

Madam Speaker, the project was at 60 per cent completion as of December, 2025.

Madam Speaker, the works that had stalled have since resumed.

Madam Speaker, the contractor, the Zambia Correctional Service, will likely complete the works in March, 2026.

Madam Speaker, the Government has no plans to change the contractor.

Madam Speaker, the works may have delayed, but so far, the structures are all roofed and the walls are being plastered. Changing the contractor may delay the work further as tender processes take long.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapema: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the good response given to the people of Pambashe.

Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank the New Dawn Government under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema for the initiative that it has taken to construct modern palaces for our chiefs across the country.

Madam Speaker, when is the project going to be handed over to the chief so that the people of Pambashe can also have a feel of the salt sana that our President is raising, which is being witnessed in other parts of the country.

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I indicated that our projections are that by May this very year, the works would have been completed. So, there will be no need of waiting any further. Once works are complete, we will hand over the palace to the chief so that he also enjoys this great initiative by the President of the Republic of Zambia to give decent accommodation to all the chiefs. So, as soon as the works are completed, we shall immediately hand over the palace to the chief.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Sampa (Matero): Madam Speaker, again, after the hon. Minister answers my question, if I go out, it means I have gone to the library to research some more on the answer given.

Madam Speaker, during a by-election campaign in Pambashe, a constituency upon which this question is based, the campaign manager, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts, Hon. Elvis Nkandu made a pledge that the construction of that palace was going to be finished by end of December last year.

Madam Speaker, what has happened to that campaign promise, because that palace is not finished?

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I was not part and parcel of that conversation. My response is based on the Government assurance.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Rev. Katuta: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, since the hon. Member for Pambashe is satisfied, we can make progress. Hon. Member for Pambashe, do you have another question?

Mr Kapema: No further questions, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: So, we can make progress. However, some hon. Members still want to ask questions. Okay.

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, let me take advantage of the question from the hon. Member for Pambashe.

Madam Speaker, I know that many chiefs' palaces are still not completed, or works have not commenced. Taking advantage of this question, does the ministry intend to also give these works to other contractors? I ask this because for the Zambia Correctional Services (ZCS) to construct chiefs' palaces in the whole country may take even ten years. Meanwhile, these chiefs will be waiting for their accommodation. So, does the ministry have intentions of giving these works to other contractors, especially private contractors, to ensure most of the chiefs' palaces are completed? For Chama North, we now have two to be constructed, but nothing has happened up to this time.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member’s concern is mine too, and that of the ministry. Indeed, we are opening up the contracting bay so that many contractors can come on board with a view to completing the palaces on time.

Madam Speaker, we are seeing a lot of eagerness from the Royal Highnesses. They want to occupy these decent palaces. And, with the push from hon. Members of Parliament, we are ready to engage more contractors so that all the palaces are completed on time.

Madam Speaker, I thank you so much.

Madam Speaker: The last question will be from the hon. Member for Mkushi South.

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): Madam Speaker, taking advantage of the question on the construction of chiefs’ palaces in Pambashe, is the hon. Minister willing to have constituency-specific questions over the palaces? Is the hon. Minister willing to come and give us a consolidated report on how far gone the works on the palaces are, constituency by constituency, bearing in mind that the period before he is kicked out of power by the Zambian people is very short.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: I was even saying to myself that wow, today, he is asking a good question, only to destroy it at the end.

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, whenever our dear hon. Colleagues, the hon. Members of Parliament raise questions, our stance is to give a clear assurance and a clear direction that the Government is taking. Now, coming to the issue of whether I must give a comprehensive report before I am kicked out, I want to say that I do not want to be political. I just want to do my work diligently.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member’s request that I come up with a comprehensive report is my command, actually. I am very willing to give a comprehensive report. After all, these are Government resources, greatly initiated by the President. Yes, there have been some delays here and there, but I am 100 per cent ready to issue a comprehensive report for the members of the public to know.

Madam Speaker, I thank you so much.

Madam Speaker: I do not even know whether the hon. Member for Mkushi South heard the answer because he was enjoying himself, laughing throughout.

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, I have heard. That he is going to produce before, –

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Anyway, at least, you are in the House today. So, let us make progress.

Laughter

PLANS TO ELECTRIFY SCHOOLS IN MPIKA

225. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Energy:

whether the Government has any plans to electrify the following areas in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency:

Changalilo Clinic;
Mukonteka School;
Kapoko School;
Chipundu Secondary School;
Chifobole School;
Sabwa School;
Dick and Mutengo Villages; and
Mulolesha School;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha) (on behalf of the Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote)): Madam Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), has plans to electrify the following areas in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency:

Changalilo Clinic;
Mukonteka School;
Kapoko Primary School;
Chipundu Secondary School;
Chifobole School;
Sabwa School;
Dick and Mutengo villages; and
Mulolesha School.

Madam Speaker, the Government, through REA, under the 2026 Work Plan and Budget, is implementing the Kapoko, and Dick and Mutengo villages grid intensification projects. The scope of works for the Kapoko grid intensification project involves the construction of 10.2 km of 11 kV overhead lines and 14.3 km of 400 V overhead lines, and installation of 2 x 50 kVA and 2 x 100 kVA transformers at an estimated cost of K12.5 million. The main beneficiaries targeted are Kapoko Primary School, Mutale, Kafuko and Changalilo villages, and the surrounding areas.

Madam Speaker, the scope of work for the Dick and Mutengo villages grid intensification project involves the construction of 2.96 km of 11 kV overhead lines, 42 km of 400 V overhead lines, and the installation of 6 x 50 kVA and 4 x100 kVA transformers at an estimated cost of K20.7 million. The main beneficiaries targeted are Dick and Mutengo villages, Chengelo Primary School, Mpepo Mini Hospital area, Chambeshi School, the rural health centre and the surrounding areas.

Madam Speaker, according to the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP), Changalilo Clinic, Mukonteka Primary School, Champundu Secondary School, Chifobole School, Sabwa Primary School and Mukonteka Primary School are scheduled for electrification in 2026.

Madam Speaker, the names of my cousins are very difficult to pronounce.

Mr Kafwaya: Question!

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, based on the answers provided under parts (a) and (b) of the question, part (c) falls off.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask the hon. Minister a follow-up question.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to thank the hon. Minister for that response.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned a mini-hospital, but there is no mini-hospital in that area. They are villages within the town. I would like more details on Kapoko, Dick and Mutengo villages, particularly the implementation period. For the hon. Minister’s information, Dick Village is within the town, in Musakanya Ward.

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Mpika for the added information. I appreciate the information he has provided and the points of clarification.

Madam Speaker, suffice to say, I have given the overall focus for electrifying the areas that the hon. Member wanted to know about. As to whether there is a hospital in the area, I am sorry if, despite the information on the hospital, there is no health centre. I need to check my notes.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, in the case of Changalilo Clinic, Mukonteka School and Chipundu Secondary School and Chifobole School, the hon. Minister has mentioned that the projects will be implemented in 2026. However, I did not get the specific period in the case of Kapoko, and Dick and Mutengo villages. That is why I needed to get more details.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, do you have that information on hand?

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I will have to check with my officers on the timeframe. I promise that I will pass on the information before the close of business today.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

ELECTRIFICATION OF VILLAGES IN NKAKULA WARD IN CHINSALI

226. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Energy:

whether the Government has any plans to electrify the following villages in Nkakula Ward in Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency:

Lameck;

Mwalala;

Kapululu; and

Mukoba;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

Mr Mposha (on behalf of Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, the Government, through REA has plans to electrify the under-listed villages in Nkakula Ward of Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency:

Lameck;
Mwalala;
Kapululu; and
Mukoba.

Madam Speaker, under the updated REMP, the villages of Lameck, Mwalala, Kapululu and Mukoba have been earmarked for electrification beginning in 2027. To prepare for the electrification of the areas, REA undertook feasibility studies for Lameck Village in September 2025, while feasibility studies in Mwalala, Kapululu and Mukoba are scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.

Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to the achievement of universal access to electricity for all Zambians by 2030.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I also thank the hon. Minister for the detailed response to the question that I asked. I am grateful that the Government has plans to electrify Lameck, Mwalala, Kapululu and Mukoba areas, all of which are in Nkakula Ward of Chinsali.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister said that this project will be implemented in 2027. Instead of putting projects in one batch, is it possible to implement them separately? This would make it more achievable, because when projects are to be implemented at the same time, it is difficult for the Government to implement that because the funds may not be adequate. Is it possible that it can be done in a manner that is more manageable, by maybe starting with one area? For example, the Government can start with Lameck area, next year it moves to Mwalala, the other year to Kapululu, then Mukoba. Doing so would reduce the number of places we have to electrify.

Mr Mposha: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I also thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Chinsali for that question.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the hon. Member’s good proposal. I must say that we will not implement a wholesome project. For example, in Mwalala area, the project will be implemented by a private developer this year, in 2026, using a solar mini-grid, while we look at the other areas. So, that is already being done. However, I thank the hon. Member for his suggestion.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the answer.

Madam Speaker, I want to help people appreciate the cost of these projects so that when there is a delay, they understand that money is involved in implementing them. The hon. Minister indicated that the ministry has done the feasibility study to electrify Lameck. How much was involved in implementing or executing the feasibility study? I just want to have an idea of what to anticipate when the Government starts undertaking the feasibility study to electrify the other areas, like Kapululu, Mukoba and Mwalala.

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, according to the feasibility study, electrifying Lameck village will cost K3.6 million. Furthermore, as a way of addressing the lack of electricity in Nkakula Ward in Chinsali, the estimated cost of electrifying the area is K11.8 million.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

ESTABLISHMENT OF POTENTIAL SITES FOR TOURISM IN CHINSALI

227. Mr Mukosa asked the Minister of Tourism:

whether the Government has conducted an assessment, to establish the potential of the following sites in Chinsali District as tourist attractions:

Shambalakale House;
Lenshina Church in Kasomo Village; and
Lubwa Mission;

if so, what the findings are;

what measures the Government has taken in response to the findings; and

if an assessment has not been undertaken, why.

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu) (on behalf of the Minister of Tourism (Mr Sikumba)): Madam Speaker, before I respond to Hon. Mukosa’s question, who is the man of the moment in terms of asking questions, kindly allow me to set the record straight.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Matero insinuated, on the Floor of this House, that I had promised that the palace for Senior Chief Mushota would be completed in December. At no time did I promise the Senior Chief that the palace would be completed in December, and I just want to set the record straight. Yes, I was the campaign manager for Pambashe, and I would like to see the palaces completed. In fact, I thought the hon. Member would appreciate this Government, which has brought dignity to the traditional leaders. Instead of giving them handouts, we are giving them accommodation. We are building palaces for them, something that has never been done in the history of this country. So, the hon. Member should have first appreciated this Government. However, we are monitoring what is happening. As I am talking, the palace is at 65 to 70 per cent. It will soon be completed, and our Senior Chief will enjoy staying there.

Having set the record straight, Madam Speaker, I now come to the question asked by Hon. Kalalwe Mukosa.

Madam Speaker, the Government conducted assessments to establish the potential of Shambalakale House, Lenshina Church in Kasoma Village and Lubwa Mission. So, assessments for these three sites have been completed and were undertaken through structured heritage and tourism site inspections conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, through the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) and the Department of Tourism. This was part of routine monitoring, conservation planning and preparatory activities linked to provincial tourism development and investment promotion initiatives in Machinga Province.

Madam Speaker, the findings of the assessments were as follows:

Shambalakale House

Madam Speaker, the site was identified as having high national historical and tourism value as the retirement home of Zambia’s first Republican President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. The house retains original artefacts and architectural integrity. However, it is private property, which currently limits its use as a tourism attraction. Subject to engagements with the Kaunda family, it will be decided what plans will be implemented with regard to its potential development as a heritage house museum.

Lenshina Church in Kasoma Village

Madam Speaker, the assessment confirmed that this site and the associated burial grounds are of exceptional historical, religious and cultural significance, and it is linked to the Lumpa Church movement and Zambia’s pre-independence history. The site is actively maintained by congregants and attracts visitors. However, it lacks formal visitor facilities, interpretive signage and structured site management.

Lubwa Mission

Madam Speaker, it was confirmed to be a site of outstanding national importance, being the birthplace of Dr Kenneth Kaunda and the first station of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ).

The assessment noted the presence of multiple heritage features, including historic churches, burial grounds and the Kaunda family heritage sites. While the site remains protected as a national monument, some structures and burial areas require restoration and improved visitor interpretation.

Madam Speaker, the Government has taken the following measures in response to the findings:

the continued legal protection and monitoring of Lubwa Mission under national heritage legislation, including engagement with other Government departments for the rehabilitation of burial grounds and monuments;
the ministry will consider engaging the provincial administration in Muchinga Province to initiate discussions with the Kaunda family with regard to the possibility and modalities to transform Shambalakale House into a tourism product, especially that it is private property;
undertaking sensitisation and guidance of local custodians and congregants at Lenshina sites to support site protection, visitor management and cultural integrity; and
after the successful discussions we are about to have, the Government will engage with the private sector to help us develop the three sites. The Government will play its role of providing basic amenities and infrastructure, subject to the availability of resources.

Madam Speaker, these measures are intended to ensure conservation and maintenance of the sites, while progressively unlocking their tourism potential for local and national benefit.

Madam Speaker, part (d) of the question falls off.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the response and for the work that the Government has done so far in terms of assessing the tourism potential in Lenshina historical sites, Shambalakale House and Lubwa Mission.

Madam Speaker, I have taken note of what the hon. Minister said. He said that he has tasked the provincial administration with making follow-ups regarding the development of Lubwa Mission and Lenshina sites. Is it possible to task members of staff in the Ministry of Tourism, who may understand the importance of turning these places into operational tourism sites, with that responsibility? As a country, we need to enhance domestic resource mobilisation. One way to do that is to generate money from foreign and local tourists. If we task the provincial administration with this issue, it may not be effective because that is not its core mandate. If the task is given to members of staff in the Ministry of Tourism, who know that their job is to create more tourism sites, they will do a better job. Why can we not do that?

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I will just say that it is possible, but I think that there are preliminary issues that need to be looked at. There are administrative issues and those that may be referred to officers under the Ministry of Tourism. The discussions we are talking about should be initiated by the administrators themselves. If we agree on how to proceed, then, definitely, our officers under the tourism department will carry out the work because they understand these things better than the provincial administrators.

Madam Speaker, I want to assure the hon. Member that this is our work. The fact that we are hon. Ministers does not mean that we do not know what is supposed to be done. As administrators, we know what is supposed to be done. The work that should be done by the officers is left to them. So, when I say that the provincial administration should be engaged, I mean that it should work on administrative issues and discussions before the real development of the sites.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Acting hon. Minister of Tourism for the answer. I am happy that he is also the substantive hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts. I know that when –

Interruptions

Laughter

Mr Mukosa: I am sorry, Madam Speaker, but the people behind me are making noise.

Madam Speaker, I know that when the places in question start functioning as tourism sites, some youths will be employed there and unemployment among them will be reduced. I would just like to know the sense of urgency and priority attached to this activity.

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon Member for that follow-up question. Indeed, there is no argument that when those sites are developed, many young people will find opportunities; I totally agree with the hon. Member. I think, he is aware that the Government is in a hurry. I believe he knows that. In the quest to develop the Northern Circuit, the Government is considering developing its tourism sites. However, it is difficult for the Government to pump resources into private property. That is why I said that, first and foremost, we need to agree with the owners of the sites before taking resources to develop those sites. Indeed, this issue is very urgent because the Northern Circuit needs to be developed for tourism. So, those are some of the sites that we will look at. In fact, it is not only those sites that need to be developed. The hon. Member is aware that there are many sites in the northern region which need to be developed.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

STAFF ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TAX APPEALS TRIBUNAL

228. Mr Mukosa asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

what the staff establishment of the Tax Appeals Tribunal was as of August, 2025;
how many members of staff there were as of the date above; and
how many cases the tribunal handled from 2018 to August, 2025, year by year.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali) (on behalf of the Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane)): Madam Speaker, the staff establishment of the Tax Appeals Tribunal as of August 2025 was five full-time members as follows:

registrar;
accountant;
administrative secretary;
legal assistant; and
driver.

Madam Speaker, there were five members of staff as of August 2025, as per staff establishment.

Madam Speaker, sixty-four appeals were filed between 1^st January, 2018, and 31^st August, 2025. Further, the number of appeals handled year by year were as follows:

Year Number of Appeals

2018 5

2019 16

2020 8

2021 7

2022 5

2023 11

2024 6

2025 6

Total 64

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the response.

Madam Speaker, I do not know if the Acting hon. Minister will be able to answer my follow-up question considering that he is not the substantive Minister. However, I would like to bring to the attention of the hon. Minister that in accordance with the law, the tenure of the last members of the tribunal came to an end in May 2023. So, I would like to find out when the Government intends to appoint members of the tribunal considering that judgments on cases are pending because there are no active members of the tribunal.

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for his acknowledgement of my inability to offer a response to that very specific question which would require me to seek further and better particulars on the matter.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

_______

BILLS

REPORT STAGE

The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Food Reserve Bill, 2025

Reports adopted.

Third Readings on Friday, 27^th February, 2026.

THIRD READING

The following Bills were read the third time and passed:

The Agriculture Marketing Bill, 2025

The State-Owned Enterprises Bill, 2025

______

MOTION

MOTION OF THANKS TO THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS ON THE PROGRESS MADE IN THE APPLICATION OF NATIONAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

(Debate resumed)

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for the opportunity given to me to debate.

Madam Speaker, Article 9(2) of the Constitution provides that:

“The President shall, once in every year, report to the National Assembly the progress made in the application of the values and principles specified under this Part.”

Madam Speaker, Article 8 establishes those national values. It is impossible for me to speak to all the six values. So, I will speak to one, which is number under Article 8(d), and talks about human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination.

Madam Speaker, I would like to show why I hold this report in low esteem. It is because, as you may have noted from the constitutional provision, the President is required to report this progress every year. That means he has to report incremental progress made in the relevant year. Listen to what the President told us under this particular value. The President said:

“To ensure access to quality education, we have recruited 41,917 teachers. This year, an additional 12,000 teachers will be recruited.”

Madam Speaker, which one is a relevant period? When did the United Party for National Development (UPND) recruit the 41,917 teachers? This 41,917 has got nothing to do with the year for which the President is reporting. Further, the promise of 2000 teachers that the President is making is futuristic, and he should wait to report on this promise if voted back into office.

Mr B. Mpundu: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the other thing that the President said is, ...:

Hon Government Members: Question!

Mr B. Mpundu: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya: … that:

“We have also scaled up support to vulnerable girls through the Keeping Girls in School Initiative. The programme benefitted 127,233 girls in 2025, from a 48,551 in 2021.”

Madam Speaker, what is 2021 doing in the President’s Speech? He cannot compare 2021 and 2025 when he had an opportunity to report in 2022, 2023 and 2024. I find this particular item in his speech irrelevant.

Madam Speaker, the President said that the Government has increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation from K1.6 million to K40 million. The K1.6 million allocation existed in 2021, but the K40 million he talked about cannot even be referred to because the allocation is moving from K36 million to K40 million. The President needed only to speak on the incremental amount, which is less than K4 million.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, but look, this idea of politicking – I hear “Question!” from my hon. Colleagues, which I expected–

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

Let us put the President’s Address in context. Let us not isolate and start picking on whether this or that was supposed to be there, because the President presented a brief on what has happened from 2021 to date. So, hon. Member for Lunte, if you believe that the information that the President presented was contained in his previous speech of 2025, then, maybe, you can say that the issue was previously reported, and that it is repetitive. However, if it was not reported, do you not believe that somebody has to give context to what he or she is talking about so that he or she can give a full picture about what obtained, what has happened and what is happening? So, let us put the debate in context.

You may continue, hon. Member for Lunte.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the President said:

“Once more, our commitment is underscored by the substantial increase in the budget allocation to the CDF, from K1.6 million in 2021 to K40 million in 2026 ...”

Madam Speaker, the President reiterated by saying:

“Let me repeat, from K1.6 million to K40 million in less than 5 years …”

Madam Speaker, the President is required to report on an annual basis, …

Mr Nanjuwa: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: … and yet he sat on the throne, and discussed the increments in the CDF allocation in this particular report, year on year.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I am surprised that he continues talking about the entire increment from 2021 up to 2026.

Madam Speaker, as I progress in establishing why –

Madam Speaker: Maybe, just there, hon. Member for Lunte. You know, context is very important. Did the President say that the increment was from K1.6 million in 2024 to K40 million in his address? He said that it was from 2021.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

Madam Speaker: So, he was speaking in context. He gave a background on how the increment has progressed. Unless you are saying that what was contained in the address was not factual. Maybe, that is another thing.

Mr Kafwaya: Let me clarify that issue, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: You may proceed, hon. Member for Lunte.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the President said:

“Our administration remains focused on reducing overcrowding in our correctional facilities to safeguard the dignity of inmates.”

Madam Speaker, remaining committed is not progress. That need not appear in the report on progress.

Madam Speaker, the President said:

“To facilitate the speedy dispensation of justice, [the] Government has deployed–

Mr Amutike: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Member for Lunte. There is an indication for a point of order.

Hon. Member for Mongu Central, what is the point of order?

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me a chance, on behalf of the people of Mongu Central, to raise a very serious point of order in accordance with Standing Order No. 71.

Mr Simumba: Foreigner!

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Lunte, who is currently on the Floor of the House, keeps referring to the President, and saying that he should just speak on what has been achieved in the past year. However, we know that when the President came here, to this House, he reported on the progress that has been made by the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government in the application of national values and principles since we took over power.

Mr Simumba: That is an annual report, iwe foreigner.

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member in order to keep saying that the President should just stick to the past year of his presidency, when the hon. Member knows that we have been making progress since 2021? Is the hon. Member, who is supposed to be a very senior member and should know these things, in order to continue debating in that manner?

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

Madam Speaker: Order!

I earlier gave guidance to the hon. Member for Lunte. From my observation, it is like he is marking the President’s Address to see what is wrong here or there.

Hon. Member for Lunte, please, debate on the Motion on the Address. Do not attempt to mark, correct or punch holes in the address. Just debate. Bring out the issues. If you have any alternatives, you can bring them out. That is the role of a Member of Parliament; to give suggestions or alternatives, rather than marking a text. That will not take us anywhere.

You may proceed, hon. Member for Lunte.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the constitutional provisions demand that the President reports annually, and has done so.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, I have given guidance.

Mr Kafwaya: Yes, Madam Speaker. I am now following your guidance.

Madam Speaker: Thank you.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I am saying that this is an annual report (he waved a paper), this one. It has nothing to do with all the years that the UPND has been in power.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the speech states:

“The UPND, New Dawn, Administration remains firmly committed to addressing economic and social barriers to children’s participation and progression in education. In 2021, we re-introduced the Free Education Policy.”

Madam Speaker, I still wonder what 2021 is doing in the report ...

Laughter

Mr Kafwaya: … of 2026, Madam Speaker. I have to be clear.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, you have been guided on the fact that this is a consolidated report.

Mr Kafwaya: Why?

Madam Speaker: I do not know whether you want us to read the Constitution word by word so that we can interpret. Our role is not interpreting the Constitution. Please, debate on the Motion on the Address presented by the President.

Mr Kafwaya: I am reading the report, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: You may proceed.

Mr Chisopa: Yasuka yapwa nenshita!

Madam Speaker: What I am saying is that you should not mark; you are not the teacher.

Mr Kafwaya: I am not marking, Madam Speaker. I am showing why I regard this speech as a poor one. That is what I am saying.

Madam Speaker: Then just say that the speech or the address was poor, …

Laughter

Madam Speaker: … if that is your view, and explain why you are saying that it was poor. However, to start saying that it was not supposed to contain this and that is not debating. You are marking.

Continue as guided, hon. Member.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the President said:

“This Administration has consistently promoted unity in diversity through the principle of One Zambia, One Nation, One People.

Madam Speaker, in Zambia, there is no principle of One Zambia, One Nation, One People.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the Coat of Arms has the slogan One Zambia, One Nation. The “One People” statement cannot be added because if it is, then, the legacy of Dr Kenneth Kaunda is diluted.

Laughter

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, adding a theoretical –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, amending the Coat of Arms –

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Kafwaya: Amending the Coat of Arms, Madam Speaker–

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

With regard to the legacy of Dr Kenneth Kaunda – We are not supposed to engage in all this. We want to give you time to debate without any interruptions. So, if Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s legacy was One Zambia One Nation, should we continue with it? Can we not improve on it? We can improve on the legacy. When you also take over power, whenever that will be, you will also be able to improve on it. We cannot keep wearing the same shoes, whether they are big or small. We need to be innovative; if the shoes are too tight, we apply vaseline, and if they are too big, we put tissue or a cloth.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: You cannot continue walking in big shoes, and think that you are walking properly. You will not reach anywhere.

Hon. Member, you may continue.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, where do I continue from?

Madam Speaker: Continue from where you left off. You have one minute and twelve seconds remaining.

Interruptions

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I am also confused. The Coat of Arms is an emblem.

Madam Speaker, in his address, the President said:

“Our stable and peaceful environment has so far attracted unprecedented investment, which translates to more jobs, more businesses and other opportunities. This is a great achievement, but we still have more work to do.”

Madam Speaker, earlier, the President talked about policemen being employed in Chinsali. However, if we ask the people of Lunte or Chinsali about employment opportunities, they will say that employment is non-existent in our country. As a matter of fact, I expected the President to state exactly how many jobs have been created in the relevant period for this particular report. I expected the President to establish how much investment has come into the country during the period under review, as opposed to saying unprecedented. What does he mean by unprecedented? Clearly, he should have said that we are now seeing something bigger than the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM), or something bigger than the National Import and Export Corporation (NIEC), and all those investments that existed when Dr Kenneth Kaunda was in office. He should have talked about what we are seeing now, which we never saw during the era of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), the Patriotic Front (PF), and during the –

The hon. Member's time expired.

Madam Speaker: Your time is up, hon. Member for Lunte.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, if you could add two minutes to account for the time that was spent on the point of order and the disruption, I would be very happy.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

When a point of order is raised, the time is stopped. You could have made many good points, but I think that you wasted time by repeating yourself. Unfortunately, you lost your time. So, I will call upon the next hon. Member to debate.

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, the President, as expected under Article 9(2) of the Constitution, is required to address the nation with regard to what the Government has done to promote the values and principles espoused in Article 8 of our Constitution. These include, among others, morality and ethics, patriotism and national unity, democracy and constitutionalism, sustainable development, good governance and integrity.

Madam Speaker, I will speak on this subject, agree and disagree with what the President said, and give reasons for my agreement and disagreement. I will endeavour to speak to issues that are in the public domain so that I am not caught offside.

Madam Speaker, the President spoke about the responsible use of social media. I agree with the President on this one. There is a need for citizens to use social media responsibly, as opposed to using it to spread hatred and division. However, the President would have done us a favour if he had acknowledged that his Government had failed, because he bemoaned some social media pages that have been defaming citizens and spreading falsehoods. We are all aware that the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) is in charge of identifying who is responsible for those posts on social media platforms and the like. We have two notorious social media pages: Koswe and Watchdog. These pages, for many years, have done the worst in spreading falsehood and defaming citizens. Some of us who have attended court sessions know the people who are behind those social media platforms. They are actually closer to our colleagues who sit on the right.

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: How convenient is it that we can speak to the citizens –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Nkana, since you are mentioning hon. Members who are here, and we are not supposed to debate ourselves, do you have anything that you can lay on the Table to show us who is in charge of Koswe and Watchdog, and are defaming people? Lay the evidence on the Table. Do not just make allegations that you cannot support.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, the administrators of Koswe and Watchdog are our colleagues who are working at State House. The reports at the courts have stated.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Nkana, the question is: Do you have proof that you can lay on the Table of the House? Whatever you say on the Floor of the House must, firstly, be factual and, secondly, verifiable. If you do not have proof, then do not go that route. You may continue.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, on page 9 of the speech, the President said that the United Party for National Development (UPND) has recorded an unprecedented reduction in political violence and cardreism in the country. He further said that there is no room for violence, cardreism and lawlessness. The people who prepared the speech for the President failed to remind him. The levels of violence recorded today are unprecedented.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, Hon. Mtayachalo’s vehicle was smashed in the presence of Hon. Kafwaya during the by-election in Petauke; it is on record. It is also on record that a young man called Black Apple was abducted and beaten at a graveyard, and that was filmed by the UPND carders. The President failed to list these things. During the by-election in Kawambwa, Sean Tembo and team were attacked at a police station in the presence of Officer Yuyi.

Dr Andeleki: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Dr Andeleki: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to raise a point of order. The people of Katombola Constituency –

Mr Chisopa rose.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Katombola, just give me a moment.

Hon. Member for Mkushi South, please, take charge of what you are doing. You cannot just stand and start talking when another hon. Member is raising a point of order. That is being disrespectful. We expect you, as a senior Member of the House, to behave in a particular manner and maintain the decorum and order of this House. Please, restrain yourself.

May the hon. Member for Katombola continue.

Dr Andeleki: Thank you, Madam Speaker, for according the people of Katombola Constituency an opportunity to raise a serious point of order against the hon. Member for Nkana.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana in order to make all those allegations about the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government and State House? Is he in order to continue doing that despite being guided that he should avoid making allegations without evidence being laid on the Floor of the House? This is a people’s House. People are listening from outside and within the country. Is he in order to proceed in that manner in view of our Standing Order No. 71?

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

The hon. Member for Nkana is actually out of order, because I guided that if you are going to make any statement on the Floor of the House, one, it must be factual and, two, it must be verifiable. He is naming people, but there is no document that he has laid on the Floor of the House so that what he is saying can be verified. So, the hon. Member for Nkana is out of order.

Hon. Member for Nkana, you will do well to follow the guidance and debate with facts that can be verified.

You may proceed, as guided.

Mr B. Mpundu: The time is moving.

Madam Speaker, my time was at four minutes, but it has been moving.

Mr Andeleki: You are wasting time.

Mr B. Mpundu: No, it is not me. When there is a point of order, the clock must be stopped, hon. Colleagues.

Mr Kapyanga: It was at four minutes.

Madam Speaker: Was the clock not stopped?

Hon. PF Members: No!

Mr B. Mpundu: It was at four minutes.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Okay, let us go back to what the time was.

Mr Chisopa: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Mkushi South, I have guided. Please, let us make progress. You are raising a point of order on whom? We are still talking about time. The time will now show four minutes and nineteen seconds. Was that the time, hon. Member for Nkana, when the point of order was raised?

Mr B. Mpundu: It was actually five minutes.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Okay, let us start at four minutes and nineteen seconds. You have four minutes and nineteen seconds, hon. Member for Nkana. Use it wisely.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, when I started making my presentation, I emphasised that I would only speak to things that are in the public domain. It is shocking to me that the things I am speaking to are not clear to my hon. Colleagues who are raising points of orders. All the reports I have spoken to, like Hon. Mtayachalo’s case, Hon. Brenda Nyirenda being shot at and Sean Tembo being hacked in Kawambwa, are in the public domain.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Nkana, you were guided that if you refer to those issues, you must lay evidence on the Table. Do you have it? Can you lay it on the Table? You are saying that the issues are in the public domain, but you cannot lay the evidence showing that they are in the public domain on the Table. They are not in the public domain because they are not known to anyone else other than yourself. Were the issues in the courts of law? Even if a matter is in the courts of law, if you bring it before the House, you have to lay the evidence on the Table to support what you say. When you were preparing for the debate on the President’s Address, you knew what you were going to raise. You should have collected the data, and then it would have been easy for you to lay the evidence on the Table and continue debating. That is the way things are done.

You can continue as guided.

Hon. Member, before you proceed, the hon. Member for Mkushi South has been persistently asking to raise a point of order.

What is the point of order, hon. Member for Mkushi South?

Mr Chisopa: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, the segment we are dealing with, the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, is very important. At the end of the debate on this Motion, hon. Cabinet Ministers will respond to the matters we are raising. If you look at the Frontbench, you will see that there is only the Vice-President. The whole bench there has no hon. Minister. You can count.

Madam Speaker, who is going to respond to the matters we are going to raise in this House?

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo: Nabanaka.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

For every hon. Member who is not here, there is a good reason he or she is not here. Even on your side there, hon. Members are supposed to debate. Sometimes, we adjourn early because Backbenchers are not able to debate. So, where are your leaders, hon. Member for Mkushi South, so that they come and debate? The hon. Member who sits behind you, where is he to debate?

Mr Kampyongo rose.

Mr Kampyongo: I am here.

Madam Speaker: Not you, hon. Member. We are talking about the presidential candidates. Are you a presidential candidate, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu? Let us just stick to business. Let us not start pointing fingers at others, because we can also bring out these issues. We do not want to go that route.

Okay, now there will be no points of order; I want the hon. Member for Nkana to debate without any interruption.

May the hon. Member for Nkana continue.

Laughter

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, the President, on page 10 of the speech, spoke about patriotism and national unity. He said that the New Dawn Government has consistently promoted unity in diversity through the principle of One Zambia, One Nation. Promoting unity goes beyond the statements we make. We must make statements that unify, as opposed to pitting people against one another. I disagree with the President on this point. He is on record as having made statements that are divisive. For example, the President said, “They hate me because of where I come from”. That statement has the potential to pit people against others who do not come from where he comes from. I think that the President missed an opportunity to unite the country by making statements that build, as opposed to statements that pit people in different regions against one another.

Madam Speaker, when promoting national unity, it is important that opportunities are shared equitably. It means that business opportunities and employment opportunities are spread equally. It, therefore, implies that when we make appointments, there must be regional balance. I can challenge anyone to scan the twenty most important institutions in this country to see who heads them. One will find that the heads of such institutions are aligned to particular regions. That cannot build national unity.

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, on page 12 of the speech, the President said:

“Our Administration remains firm on preserving freedom of assembly and association.”

The President missed this point, Madam Speaker, because from 2021 when the United Party for National Development (UPND) was elected, how many political groupings have applied for permission to hold gatherings and have had their applications rejected? Just last week, how many people from opposition groupings were in custody? How many are in custody, as we speak? Our colleague, Hon. Bowman Lusambo, was arrested and sent to jail for simply going to a market. The President said that the Government is making efforts to promote freedom of association and assembly. I think, whoever wrote the speech for the President misled him.

Laughter

Dr Andeleki: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I said there would be no points of order. Hon. Member for Nkana, be factual, please. Hon. Bowman Lusambo was not arrested for going to a market. You do not have all the facts. Let us not debate people. People were taken to court and the court made judgments or rulings. So, let us not debate individuals who are not here to defend themselves.

Be factual, hon. Member for Nkana. Please, proceed.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, at an opportune time, I will show you that Hon. Bowman was arrested for simply going to buy a pie.

Laughter

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, the President said that we must ensure that the extraction of natural resources does not become a source of insecurity and instability in our country. I agree; our resources must be shared and enjoyed by our people. We must not allow anarchy in the extraction of our minerals. However, I am very shocked that in wanting to extract our minerals, we have gone on to label our own people as criminals, to a point where we send the army to extract, or rather to fumigate and exterminate our own citizens, as opposed to engaging them so that they are in the forefront of managing the natural resources.

Madam Speaker, I thank you dearly.

Madam Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member's time expired.

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Chitambo, I would like to thank you for allowing me to add a word to the debate on the President’s Speech that was delivered on the Floor of the House.

Madam Speaker, today, I will debate like a Pan-Africanist because I have noted something on page 10 where the President said:

“This Administration has consistently promoted unity and diversity through the principle of One Zambia, One Nation, and one people.

Madam Speaker, this pronouncement is very important to this nation. We must strive to ensure that this nation is united because in unity, there is a lot that this country can benefit. Therefore, Zambians must take this message as a timely warning to all of us who want to take the unity and the peace that we are enjoying for granted.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, when we watch the news nowadays, we realise that a lot is happening, and I for one feel sad to see countries that are at war because of the lack of peace and unity.

Madam Speaker, if this country got united today, and people started seeing one another as brothers and sisters, we can achieve a lot. Firstly, we can promote tourism because people will come to this country because they will know that there is unity in Zambia. Secondly, we will have what I might call foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into this country because unity will attract investors. They will know that when they come to Zambia, they will find a united people who speak almost one language.

Madam Speaker, we have seven main languages that are spoken across this country. It will be very nice also to understand and learn to promote these languages so that our children are emancipated and ensure that these languages do not die. The usage of the English language by our children is too much, and I am getting worried about the unity.

Madam Speaker, to have one people is not an easy thing. We need to work extra hard to attract Zambians to start thinking that when we get to a situation of having one people, we can produce a lot for this country. This is because there will never be a time when one person will be looking at another and thinking the other person has more than the other because everything will go a long way.

Madam Speaker, today, we are talking about the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and it looks like there is nothing that is happening. There is a lot that is happening.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, through the CDF, and the Decentralisation Policy in place right now bringing along people who are working together, we can achieve a lot because every year, each one of us is assured of having money which will eventually be used in the community. If the same money is well harnessed and used well, it can unite people. Imagine that this country called Zambia is being beaten by Zimbabwe in terms of trades skills. Today, we are pushing many people into trades skills. Give it time, and you will see how this country will have skilled manpower, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutale: … and if we have skilled manpower production will go up and when production is high, the cost of doing business in this country will be low. Therefore, that will bring unity because everyone will have enough to spend on their families and their children.

Madam Speaker, if we are united, we can build a lot.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, all I am trying to say is that Zambians must get united, no matter the bad things that happen around all of us. The first thing that we must do is forgive one another and look at how best we can unite this nation.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, a united nation can grow to high heights and become a leader in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), region.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda (Isoka): Madam Speaker, may I take this opportunity to first of all thank the President of the Republic of Zambia, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: … Mr Hakainde Hichilema for the speech he ably delivered that touched so many pertinent issues that border on the welfare and livelihood of the people of this beautiful country, Zambia, Isoka inclusive.

Mr Nkandu: Quality.

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, Isoka, ...

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, can we listen to the debate.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, the speech has looked at the five pillars of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and it has assured the people of Isoka that their challenges will continue to be addressed in an efficient manner.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, let me talk about morality and ethics. The community is concerned about instances of social vices such as early child marriages, teenage pregnancies, alcohol and drug substance abuse and gender-based violence (GBV).

Mr Nkandu: Quality.

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, Zambia is a peaceful and caring Christian nation.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: Morality and ethics are important values …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Quality!

Ms Nakaponda: … that shape characters of families, communities and the nation at large.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: So, it is in this context of morals and ethics that this Government is addressing the vices I have mentioned above.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, to address these vices, the Government has implemented several interventions such as the provision of free education.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, because of free education, …

Mr Chisopa: Question!

Ms Nakaponda: … which this New Dawn Government –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, when business was suspended, I was talking about free education.

Madam Speaker, youths or teenage girls who were married went back to school because of free education. Children whose parents were failing to pay for their fees also went back to school because of the Free Education Policy. For that, I thank Mr President very much.

Hon UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, secondly, on skills training, every constituency receives the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, and youths apply for funding to undertake skills training. For instance, there is the Isoka Trades Training Institute in Isoka, and many youths have applied to the institution, and have benefited from the CDF. Further, many youths have benefited from school bursaries, and they are still benefiting.

Madam Speaker, the President has also demonstrated how the School Feeding Programme, which the New Dawn Government has introduced, works in different schools. This programme will keep many children and youths in school because they are given food. I thank the President for that initiative.

Madam Speaker, under empowerment initiatives, many youths and women have applied for empowerment loans and grants, and they have been given. They have started running their own businesses because of the CDF. The Government has also played a part in sensitising our community members, workers, civic leaders as well as traditional leaders.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, our boys and girls should not be left behind. Therefore, everyone should agree on the fact that it is time to end child marriages, teenage pregnancies, child defilement, gender-based violence (GBV) and other issues that have continued to be serious social challenges in our society.

Mr J. Chibuye: Naupya!

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, the abuse of alcohol and drugs among our youths has contributed to the increase in juvenile criminal gangs referred to as the junkies. Junkism has increased in our societies.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, the GBV undermines health, dignity and self-esteem. These acts of violence have, in some cases, resulted in the loss of lives. Many people have died because of the GBV. Victims should report cases to the relevant authorities, and perpetrators must be brought to book. Let justice take its course.

Madam Speaker, the Government is also concerned about the divorce rates in our country. Loving, caring and strong families are the foundation of a responsible and strong nation. I commend our Government, hon. Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, churches and other stakeholders for their support in the fight against these vices.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Amutike (Mongu Central): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me a chance, on behalf of the people of Mongu Central, to make comments on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address on the Progress Made in the Application of our National Values and Principles since 2021.

Madam Speaker, we are moving from 2021, during which we witnessed cadres wearing church uniforms, military regalia, and terrorising people. We are moving from 2021, during which there were things called kamugodi, and gangs, who called themselves America, who ran the Government and did all sorts of things. The police used to run battle forces with cadres. However, this President put a stop to all of that. That is the progress that we, as a nation, have made.

Madam Speaker, before I debate, allow me to quote what Dr Lubinda Haabazoka has posted, because it shows the character and morals of this President. I quote:

“It has been reported that Zambia has not signed the minerals deal in exchange for medical aid. If there were any arguments that he preferred foreigners [to] Zambians, or that he did not have the interest of the Zambian people, then these doubts have been settled. To stand up for the interests of the nation is what Presidents are elected for, [ and this is exactly what President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) was elected to do]. He has done just that.”

Madam Speaker, one day, our children will talk about this proudly. This talks about the values and morals of this President, and how he wants to lead this country as a society that has empathy and looks after the most vulnerable. We judge our characters, ourselves, by how we treat the most vulnerable in our society and how we provide services to them. Since 2021, this Government has proven and walked the talk in doing that.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, the President has demonstrated visionary leadership by reminding this House and the nation that our national values are not merely words in the Constitution but also, a moral compass that guides our development and how we allocate resources.

Madam Speaker, on morality and ethics, the President spoke strongly about early childhood marriages and gender-based violence (GBV). We have seen what he has done to address these vices.

Madam Speaker, the introduction of free education has made it possible for girl children, including those from the poorest of our society, to enrol in school. With enhanced sensitisation on free education, no child is being left out. Everyone is going back to school. A positive trend is being seen in girls not wanting to enter early marriage. They want to enrol in school because the Government is now providing free education, enabling even parents who were unable to do so to send their children to school. The Government has made progress in that area because many children were remaining at home and not attending school. However, due to free education, classrooms are now available for children to go back to school. So, we commend the President for that. Yes, there might be overcrowding in schools, but the Government is addressing this challenge through the recruitment of teachers. The Government is recruiting teachers so that every child who goes to school has access to free education.

Madam Speaker, I also want to thank the President for patriotism and national unity. There is no room for political violence. The President is clear on those who perpetrate violence. He said that the people who perpetrate violence are on their own and that they have no blessing from anybody in the United Party for National Development (UPND), the President or any UPND hon. Member of Parliament. If members of the UPND perpetrate violence, they are on their own because the UPND is a Government of law and order.

Madam Speaker, on democracy and constitutionalism, I would like to thank this House and the President for signing the Bill that will allow women, the youth and the differently-abled to have representation in Parliament. Some of us who are coming back in August 2021 will be with them here.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo: 2026!

Mr Amutike: Yes, in August 2026, we will be with them in this House. We are coming back and we will be with the representatives for women, youths and the differently-abled. Hon. Wamunyima will not be the only youth in the House. More representatives from the Western Province, especially Mongu, the capital of Barotseland and the Western Province, will come and join this House. I would like to thank this House for passing the Bill, which will enable different representatives of our society to join this House. This is because of the work the New Dawn Government, together with our friends on my right, did to ensure that the Bill was passed.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I thank the President for the great speech. The increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), from K1.6 million to K40 million, means that more pupils in secondary boarding schools will be put on bursaries and more will acquire skills at trade schools. The increase will also enable more marketeers to enhance their businesses and the youths to acquire money to start small businesses. The implementation of the Free Education Policy means children from rural areas of Mabumbu, Kama, and the furthest wards in my constituency will have access to education. The enhanced CDF is helping with the construction of more clinics and maternity annexes. No woman will give birth at home because the Government is constructing clinics and providing health workers to attend to women. That move will reduce our expectant mothers losing their lives due to a lack of medical facilities.

Madam Speaker, the people of Mongu would like to thank His Excellency the President. It is One Zambia, One Nation, one people and one leader, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, until 2031.

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam Speaker: Your time is up, hon. Member.

Mr Amutike: I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a few comments on the speech delivered by the President on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, I will start by commending the President for one thing he did, which is worth noting. He took it upon himself to apologise to the citizens of the Republic of Zambia, who suffered the past three years because of the absence of electricity supply to their homes and businesses. He understands that many of them have lost livelihoods.

Mr Nkandu: He is the only one who has done that.

Mr Kampyongo: That is leadership. I hope these (pointed at Mr Nkandu and Mr Mposha) hon. Cabinet Ministers can take a leaf from his leadership, acknowledge and apologise to the people of Zambia.

Mr Mposha: Can you apologise for the teargas.

Mr Kampyongo: The hon. Minister who is running away from Munali to hibernate in Malambo should know –

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Madam Speaker: Order!

Let us not debate ourselves, hon. Member.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam, they are engaging me when I am on the Floor. So, I have to protect myself.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, as you were debating, you pointed at them and said, “These hon. Cabinet Ministers.” So, they are also reacting. That is why I said let us avoid debating ourselves.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I would appreciate if the leaders on your right could take a leaf from the President and apologise to the people for not meeting their expectations. That is leadership. It is an undeniable fact that our people have really suffered. I requested one hon. Minister to apologise to the farmers, and he said that the President had apologised. You cannot leave everything to the President. That is why he has delegated the functions to hon. Ministers. When hon. Ministers encounter shortcomings, the onus is upon them to go to their people.

Mr Nkandu: Debate the speech!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, on page 4 of the speech, the President talked about Zambia being a peaceful, caring and Christian nation. Yes, indeed it is. I would like to say that the only thing that will remain constant in this country is Christianity. Therefore, every Government has a responsibility to work and collaborate with the Christian community. It does not pay for any Government to be antagonistic with the Church. The Church’s voice has been the same through successive Governments. Since the United National Independence Party (UNIP), the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front (PF) era, and the current United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, the Church’s voice has been the same. However, what is being witnessed currently should be avoided.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: Senior shepherds of the Church are being antagonised. Bishops have been a source of wisdom and unity, and we must give them the due respect they deserve and avoid antagonising them and dragging them into unwanted matters.

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, on page 11 of the speech, the President thanked citizens across the country for making valuable submissions to the Mushabati Constitutional Technical Committee. Indeed, the Technical Committee went around the country and got submissions from the citizens. After finishing its work, it tendered its report and a draft Bill to the President of the Republic of Zambia. It was expected that the draft Bill would be presented before this House to complete the work. Unfortunately, that Bill has never been on the Floor of this House.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

Can I give guidance on that aspect of the Bill? We know our rules and procedures. We can have only one Bill at a time. So, we could not have two Bills on the same matter. One Bill was already pending before this House. So, no other Bill was presented, and it would not have been appropriate to do that. You know the rules, hon. Member. You are a senior hon. Member of this House

You may continue.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I am very much aware of the rules and procedures of this House. I also know that one Bill was a subject of court matters. However, what I am trying to say is that the technical committee would have completed its work. Reducing the technical committee’s work to being a witness of your Committee was not enough. That is not what Zambians spent money for. So, let us be as systematic as we claim to be when handling such matters.

Madam Speaker, constitutional amendments have been done before in this august House. I remember that in 2016 and 2021, I was one of the Whips and also a Member of Cabinet. The process of amending the Constitution should not breed divisions and create witch-hunting. We have allowed witch-hunting to take root. Why? It is because the processes have not been thorough and transparent. Here, as we sit, we are yet to see the votes and proceedings of a particular day.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, please, let us stick to the President’s Speech. Let us not deal with administrative procedures, or start speculating on what should have been done. In any event, you did not even participate in that process. So, you do not know what happened exactly. It is now water under the bridge. Let us make progress. Let us debate the speech.

You may proceed.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, yes, I did not participate in the process because I feared the same speculations going on now.

Madam Speaker, on page 17, the President talked about social safety net programmes. The technocrats who write speeches for the President must do a thorough job. It is not correct for people to mislead the President into saying that the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme value for vulnerable households was doubled from K200 to K400 per month. The K400 is the amount we left in 2021. The only thing which was done is that when there was a drought, there was an increment; from K400 to K600, and another one from K600 to K800.

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: That is the status we left.

Madam Speaker, I am speaking to facts. It is not correct to mislead the President into saying that the SCT amount was doubled only last year. What happened was that when the drought ended, there was a reduction in the value of the SCT disbursements. Now the disbursed amounts have gone back to the values that the President spoke about. It is now even difficult for the SCT beneficiaries to access funds. It was only when there were by-elections in Kasama …

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: … that beneficiaries got paid for the eight months arrears. So, people must not mislead –

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, this is why you make us respond to this katuntulu (pointed at Mr Nkandu). This katutulu man who was doing tantameni. The SCT that people saw was tantameni from the Minister, Hon. Nkandu. He lined up voters and gave them K50 and K100 notes. You cannot call that a social safety net. You are inducing poverty, and you want to use that poverty to woo voters. That will not help you.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I guided you. Please, let us avoid debating ourselves, making allegations which we cannot substantiate and referring to things we are not familiar with. Whatever happened in Kasama – you were there, but we were not there. Let us not bring in the issue of Kasama because it is water under the bridge; the elections were won. What are we still mourning over? Let us debate the President’s Speech. Let us not debate the hon. Members of this House. Let us debate the speech.

You may continue, hon. Member.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, what I am saying is that we need to create sustainable programmes for our people. Sometimes, they work and other times, they do not work, just as they failed to work in Chawama, where people ate meat and nshima, but, eventually, they voiced out properly.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: So, all I am saying is that when we talk about social safety net programmes, let them be meaningful for people. It is not worth it to give figures that are not correct in the House.

Mr Mposha interjected.

Mr Kampyongo: That is why you are running away to Malambo (pointed at Mr Mposha). You will even lose there as well.

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, with those few words, I thank you.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Order!

When senior hon. Members start debating in that manner, we are truly humbled and wonder what is happening.

Mr Sampa (Matero): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to debate President Hakainde Hichilema’s Address to this House. I must say that it is the very last address in the five years of the one term …

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Sampa: … of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government.

Madam Speaker, I want to start by commending the President for his speech. I found something I can commend him on. The speech was relatively short. It was not as long as the other ones that took four hours. So, I commend him for that.

Madam Speaker, let me start with page 1 of the President’s Speech. First of all, the speech was unique. I observed that on his way out, the President greeted hon. Members on this side of the House and selected some hon. Members and hugged them.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Sampa: He was very discriminatory as he did not hug some of us. We were waiting. Why did he not greet us?

Interruptions

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, what I am saying is: What criterion did he use? Was it the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025? He hugged only those who voted for that Bill.

Madam Speaker, on page 1 of the speech, the President said:

“We take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome the newly-elected Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency, Hon. Bright Nundwe, following the by-election, held on Thursday, 15^th January, 2026, which passed without violence.”

Madam Speaker, that is what I want to talk about. The statement “without violence” is not substantiated and is not true. In that by-election, I was the director and campaign co-ordinator for our candidate. I was attacked with pangas at the totaling center.

Interruptions

Mr Sampa: I had the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) accreditation to monitor the counting of votes. I was with a candidate in my car. When I arrived at the gate, it was raining. When I walked into the centre, I found over 200 UPND cadres inside.

Interruptions

Mr Sampa: They chased me from there. It is the police who saved my life. When I jumped back into the car, the cadres smashed the car and I drove away with the candidate. My people were using my wife’s car; it was also smashed and bashed. So, there was violence in Chawama. May we not sugarcoat the situation and say that there was no violence.

Mr Haimbe, SC.: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kafwaya: Takuli ama point of order!

Madam Speaker: There is an indication for a point of order, hon. Member.

Hon. PF Members: You said no points of order!

Madam Speaker: It was before we suspended business. I said, “No points of order before we suspend business”.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Earlier on, there was a point of order. Why did you not complain then?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya: Nobody rose on a point of order.

Madam Speaker: There was a point of order from the hon. Member for Mongu Central. Anyway, you came in late. So, we can give you the benefit of the doubt.

May the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation raise his point of order.

Mr Haimbe, SC: Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order on the debate by the hon. Member for Matero.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Matero has made various assertions and allegations on the violence having taken place against him personally. We do not know by whom. Since he is from a faction, it could be another faction. However, the most important thing is that whilst making assertions of violence, the hon. Member has not laid any evidence on the Table to support the assertions.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Haimbe, SC: He is alleging that motor vehicles were damaged, but he has not given any information to this honourable House on whether he made a report to the police following the allegations of violence, and has also not gone further to produce that report. We work on the basis of evidence. Standing Order No. 71 is clear as to the relevance and content of one’s debate. Is the hon. Member in order to be speculating and perhaps, recalling facts which nobody else is aware of except himself?

I need your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kangombe: Show us your scar!

Madam Speaker: I am sure the hon. Member for Matero knows the rules of this House that anything that you say on the Floor of the House should be factual and verifiable. The hon. Member for Matero has made some serious allegations. If you were attacked, hon. Member for Matero, you should have gone to report the matter to the police. You should also have laid evidence on the Table to confirm that, indeed, what you are saying is true. So, the hon. Member for Matero was out of order to speculate and make allegations which are not substantiated.

May the hon. Member for Matero continue, as guided.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, since I am biologically linked to the village you come from, when you speak, I have to obey.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Actually, I can say that you are now harassing me.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: That is gender-based violence that you are directing at me.

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Laughter

Mr Sampa: I said that in jest, Madam Speaker. All I was saying is, when you guide, …

Madam Speaker: Can you withdraw what you just said.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, it was in jest. All I was saying is that when you guide, I have to follow.

Hon. UPND Members: Withdraw!

Mr Sampa: I withdraw what I said, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. I forgive you.

Laughter

Mr Sampa: Litumezi, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Meaning?

Mr Sampa: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the point of order from that one-term hon. Member of Parliament for Lusaka Central.

Madam Speaker, the President, whom I respect, did not lay evidence of non-violence. That said, …

Hon. UPND Member: Ah!

Mr Sampa: … the report is at the police, but I leave that for now.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Matero!

You have been guided. A point of order was raised and there was a ruling. Let us not try to pre-empt the ruling that was given. You were guided. Pease, debate the speech.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, let me move on from Chawama, and I congratulate the Member of Parliament, Hon. Bright Nundwe of the Opposition.

Mr Amutike: That is our hon. Member of Parliament.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, let me go to page 10 of the President’s Speech. The President said:

“Our efforts are evident in decentralisation and the equitable distribution of national resources to all parts of the country through instruments such as the substantially enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF).”

Madam Speaker, I want to comment on the CDF because later on in his speech, the President mentioned how the CDF has been increased to K40 million in the last five years. The intention of the CDF has always been good, but the implementation is what has been the problem. The CDF has been politicised. Money has only been released timeously to constituencies held by hon. Members of the Ruling Party, ...

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sampa: … while constituencies held by the Opposition are always a year behind.

Mr Anakoka: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Mr Sampa: Even now, the CDF project in Chawama has been hijacked by the United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres. They come with party cadres in red attires and they chase anybody else. For some of us, we do not even go to the CDF events because they have been politicised. They bring all cadres.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Apologies.

Mr Sampa: After they finish, that is when, –

Madam Speaker: There is an indication for a point of order.

Hon. Member for Luena, what is your point of order?

Mr Anakoka: Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order. The debate by the Member of Parliament for Matero, Hon. Miles Sampa, is supposed to be anchored on the values and principles. Among them is the principle and value of patriotism and unity, as a nation. Is he in order to be making such divisive, unfounded and completely misleading statements about how the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is distributed in this country all because he wants to be seen as being politically relevant. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 71. Is he in order to act in such an unproductive and unpatriotic manner?

I seek your serious ruling on this matter, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, let us debate the Address. I have given guidance. When we are debating the Address, we look at what the President said; do we agree or not? If we do not agree, we give reasons. If we agree, we also give reasons for agreeing. However, to make serious allegations that the CDF is only given to constituencies that belong to the United Party for National Development (UPND) is not good because even I have no constituency, but we have been debating here on the Floor of the House. There has never been a day when any hon. Member has raised a point of order or a question that the distribution of the CDF is being done discriminatorily. So, let us be factual, hon. Members. People out there are listening. We do not want to give them wrong information or misguide them. So, let us be factual, hon. Member for Matero. I know you are capable of being factual. So, please, can we do that.

You may proceed, hon. Member for Matero.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, I thank you for your guidance.

Madam Speaker, the last example, which is factual, of how discriminatory the CDF has been on the Opposition, especially in Lusaka –

Madam Speaker: Order!

I thought I guided.

Mr Sampa: No, I want to talk about the ambulance, as an example of –

Madam Speaker: You are watering down the ruling that I have rendered. Please, debate the Address.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, I want to say that this Government has done quite a number of things, but there are things that it has not done well. For instance, the Central Government bought an ambulance for us in Matero. However, since the launch eight months ago, in the Lusaka Show Grounds, the ambulance has not arrived at Matero Level I Hospital.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Sampa: I do not know whether it has run out of gas or it is still on the way being pushed or it has a knocked engine or it has no tyres, but it has still not arrived in Matero.

Laughter

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, as I conclude, my last point is on page 11 of the President’s Speech. He said that:

“We thank our citizens across the country for making submissions to the Mushabati Constitution Technical Committee. We also commend this House for successfully passing the Bill.”

Madam Speaker, he was referring to the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025. I have a funso. We still do not know who voted yes, who voted no or who abstained, unprecedented. The division list has not come out.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Matero!

Mr Sampa: So, there is no evidence that the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 was passed.

Madam Speaker: Order!

I am sure you were in the House when the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu was guided. So, I do not know why you are repeating that. You were guided. We have rules, procedures and Standing Orders. Everything that is done, is done in accordance with the Standing Orders. If anything is meant to be used against any hon. Member of this House, as a custodian of the powers and privileges of hon. Members, I have the right to exercise my discretion to protect such hon. Members.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: So, you cannot question that discretion.

You may proceed with your debate.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, as an obedient Member, I move on to conclude my debate.

Madam Speaker, as that was the last speech on the progress made in the application of national values and principles, and that values bring in the aspect of Christianity, overall, I would like to question the President’s Speech, as it did not state – We are Zambians, and our culture is such that –

Madam Speaker, may I ask a question as I conclude? When will the late Former President Edgar Lungu be buried? It has been eight months since he died.

Interruptions

Mr Sampa: That is un-Christian, and it is against our culture and values.

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I thank you.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Matero, you even made us laugh, as if what you threw was a joke. That is a serious matter. I thought the ball was in your court, being the leader on that side (Opposition). Why can you not bring the body so that it can be buried? We all have a role to play, but I think you have a bigger role to play for the purposes of bringing the body. So, we are waiting on you.

Mr Sampa rose.

Madam Speaker: You want to say something? You have exhausted your time. Have you? Okay, you still have twenty-five seconds.

You can proceed.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, may I conclude by appealing to the Government, especially the hon. Minister of Justice and Her Honour the Vice-President, to withdraw the case in the South African Court so that we can bury the late Former President Edgar Lungu, and this country can move on. May they speak to Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha to withdraw the case, and then we bury our President so that this country can move on. He is yours and our Former President.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, it is unprecedented in the whole world that eight months after his death, the Former President has not been buried. Let us unite on this and ensure that we bury our President.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Your time is up.

Hon. Member for Matero, it is the appellant who is supposed to withdraw the matter. The Edgar Chagwa Lungu family can withdraw the matter. The family is the one that went to court. So how can Her Honour the Vice-President or the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Affairs withdraw a matter that they did not start? Get your facts right.

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity to the debate the Motion on the speech delivered by His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, in Mitete, the speech is summarised in the message that Jesus sent to one John the Baptist in some holy book. The message was to go and tell him [John the Baptist] that the blind could see and the lame could walk.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, in his speech, even as the President congratulated the newly-elected hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama, he also sent a message for people to go and tell him that he is also a witness to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) because he had just commissioned one project. So, if the newly-elected hon. Member can attest to that, and the one who has been around says no, go and tell him that birds of the same feathers flock together. The President of Ghana visited, and even elaborated on gold and how things are supposed to be done. An illegality remains an illegality.

Madam Speaker, when one does things the right way, one gets the benefits. So, they should go and tell them that now there is free education. That is what the speech says.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo: They should go and tell those who are still doubting that it is One Zambia, One Nation, One People. Madam Speaker, we should look at how the Cabinet is structured.

Hon. Government Member: Even Nkandu is there!

Mr Mutelo: They should go and tell them that the skills that were not there –

Mr Sampa rose.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon Member of Matero!

Just sit and listen to others debate. Where are you going?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: No, no, no. Your research is not helpful.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sampa interjected.

Madam Speaker: No, no. You will go at night. For now, listen to the debate.

Laughter

Mr Sampa resumed his seat.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much for staying in.

Hon. Member for Mitete, you may continue.

Mr Mutelo: I am humbled, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, he wanted to go and tell the people in Matero that the CDF is working. There are many classroom spaces in Matero. I am totally grateful to you for placing me on the Committee on Local Government Accounts where we deal with those issues every day. In Mpika, Nakonde, Kaputa, Shang’ombo, Mitete, Lusaka, Nalolo, Manyinga and Isoka, they should go and tell the people that that the roads that were not worked on previously are now being worked on. They should go and tell them that it is the K800 that is paid to widows and those who are not married. Further, K1200 is paid to they who are physically challenged. That is the speech that talked about national values and principles.

Madam Speaker, they should go and tell them that for the first time in Zambia, come the 2026 General Elections, which will be held on 13^th August, courtesy of the people of Zambia and the heavens, we will have a good number of persons with disabilities, youths and women in this House. They should go and tell them.

Mr Nkandu interjected.

Mr Mutelo: As he will be leaving, he should go and tell them that. That is what the speech says.

Madam Speaker, go and tell them that not only is the School Feeding Programme at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School, but also at Washishi Primary School. They should go and tell them.

Madam Speaker, the President passed through the Katunda, Lukulu, Watopa and Mumbezhi Road. Therefore, they should go and tell them that AVIC International Zambia is on site. They should go and tell them that in Mangango, there is a company on site.

Hon. Government Members: Tell them!

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, referred to national values and principles in his speech.

Mr Nkandu: Salt sana! Salt sana!

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, when something is good, it is good. Everyone would have loved to have been given a handshake and a hug by the President, unfortunately, even we did not have that opportunity. However, the President was so generous to hon. Members on both sides of the House. Maybe the hon. Member was equally waiting for a chance to converse with the President, except that chance never came.

Mr Nkandu: Next time

Mr Mutelo: Was he even there? (pointed at Mr Sampa). The one who sits there at the far back, the hon. Member for Chitambo, had to come to the front to meet the President. So, come September, courtesy of the people of Zambia, the hon. Member may receive a hug if he will be here at all.

Madam Speaker, the message from the speech is: Go and tell them of the good things that are now happening in Zambia. Go and tell them that there is no more kamugodi.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, thank you so much.

Madam Speaker, yes, the people of Mbabala will be told, they have been told, and we will continue to tell the entire nation.

Madam Speaker, today, we are telling the entire nation that Bally loves us all, Bally cares for us, Bally delivers to this nation, and Bally is coming back to do more work, such as helping those who have not seen the work that is visible everywhere in this country, in all areas. When we say Bally, we mean His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema. He is coming back, indeed, courtesy of the Zambian people, because the programme of work he has embarked on for almost five years now is unprecedented. It has never been done before. It is historical. We have seen all the macroeconomic indicators stabilise for the first time. They are all stabilising. Everything is moving in the right direction, and we are now a model country, globally. Everywhere we go in the world, they are talking about Zambia and the questions they are asking are: What is the story? How come? What was happening before?

Madam Speaker, we are known for the liberation struggle in the 1960s, and now we are known for the economic and social development, the liberation of citizens. Schoolchildren are reporting to school, and nice classrooms have been constructed for them using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). There are now classrooms in every area. If you go to Kapondo in Mbabala or Namasho Ward in Mongu, you will find classrooms.

Laughter

Mr Amutike: Hear, hear!

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, my friend, the hon. Member for Chinsali, talked about the wonderful work he has done in his constituency. So, wherever you go, you will find that our children are learning well, eating well, have laboratory materials, receive grants on time, and there are teachers who were recruited. What more do we want? When people fail to point out policy gaps, they start talking about other irrelevant things and come up with funny organisations, such as a group calling itself Elders for Zambia, when those elders are just a group of fossils who have lost direction.

Madam Speaker, we can talk about a lot of wonderful things that have been done by His Excellency, such as the restoration of meal allowances for students in Zambia, in the area of morality and ethics. It was very immoral for a Government that had been educated through the same free education, to remove meal allowances for students. When students rise up and support this Government, our colleagues want to cry foul, but they removed the meal allowances. I am the former University of Zambia Students’ Union (UNZASU) Vice-President, having been the vice to Hon. Emmanuel Tembo, who is also in this House. We fought for an increase in the meal allowance from K54 to K90 when we were in UNZASU. That kept us going until we finished school nicely and eventually got jobs. We even transformed it into a loans board. Then somebody decided to remove the meal allowance, and blames the students when they support Bally, because Bally has put back that money. Instead, they are supposed to be clapping because their children are learning for free and are in different universities dotted around the country.

Madam Speaker, the hardworking hon. Minister of Education introduced another programme at Mulungushi University yesterday. I heard that on the radio and I would like to congratulate the hon. Minister. That is wonderful! That is what the United Party for National Development (UPND) is all about. That is what Bally is all about: delivery to the people of Zambia in general, the people in Kabanze, Simaubi, Mayobo, Chilalantambo, and Mbabala Constituency, who want to see these developments.

Madam Speaker, I also commend the work being done to end early child marriages, as your focal person here at Parliament. We are working on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Model Law with the Office of the First Lady, and other offices in this country. This is important to the people of Zambia so that we can end this scourge and ensure that there are good families of mature citizens.

Madam Speaker, I also want to speak briefly about cybercrime. We are now seeing people posting all sorts of bad things on social media. Today, somebody posted nonsense about the food that was being served to the children, which even the hon. Minister of Education tasted. I appeal to the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) to take action against such people. The ZICTA must not wait for such crimes to be reported. We need to see action being taken, including on the posting of a picture of a coffin and the like. We cannot be polarising the nation and putting bad thoughts into the minds of our children. As parents, we are supposed to raise children properly and not expose them to such kind of rubbish. That is uncalled for, and ZICTA must work on that.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, the use of the word, “rubbish” is unparliamentary. Can you use another word.

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, I withdraw it and replace it with ‘unethical.’

Madam Speaker, I also want to comment on the Public Procurement Act, on the aspect of patriotism and localising contracts to local contractors. For example, in Mbabala, we have created the Mbabala Suppliers and Contractors Association. We used to quote the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) Memorandum of 2023, which talked about localising procurement from the ward, constituency, district, and the like. This is important. We need to trust our local contractors and empower them so they can do the work and also generate investment and income for our communities. So, we commend that work.

Madam Speaker, another area of interest is the recruitment of health workers, which His Excellency talked about. I thank and congratulate him for mentioning that 2,000 health workers will be recruited. That is another major milestone in strengthening our health system, where we have provided good leadership, secured a lot of equipment through the Budget, and, again, supported the health workers.

Madam Speaker, we saw people here crying for hugs and other things.

The hon. Member's time expired.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, you can wind up. Your time is up.

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, we can only say, please, try next time.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Simunji (Nalikwanda): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the time to debate the President’s Speech. My debate will be based on one item, which has been debated by my friends on the left, and that is electricity.

Madam Speaker, I am very happy that the President acknowledged the electricity deficit we had for the past three years, and apologised to the people of Zambia. The other speaker did not state that this is a legacy problem. This means that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government inherited the problems which are associated with the energy sector. I will try to go backwards so that I tell my friends on your left how we have invested in the energy sector. The first power station we had was at Victoria Falls, which was commissioned in 1936 with 108 MW, and that is the power station we are relying on today. The next one was the Kariba North Bank Power Station, which was commissioned in 1977. By the way, in 1936, the population of Zambia was only 1 million people. In 1977, the Kariba North Bank Power Station was commissioned with 1,080 MW. Then, the population was 5 million people. We have seen other power stations commissioned, but when you look at the demand on the market now, you will see that it is about 2,400 MW. However, the actual supply is 1,971 MW. Our population today is more than 20,000 people. In addition, there are more industries and mines in the country today.

Madam Speaker: Sorry, the population is what? The others did not hear it.

Mr Simunji: More than 20 million.

Madam Speaker: Okay.

Mr Simunji: Madam Speaker, looking at the supply of energy, the population, the industries in place and climate change that has brought droughts, I think that the country had problems. During this period, which people ran the country? In 1977, it was the United National Independence Party (UNIP). From there, we had the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD). The same people who were condemning us last year are the ones who were running the country in the last decade. They borrowed billions of dollars of debt, which has just been restructured by this Government. Did they invest in energy? Let them tell us. As far as I am concerned, they never invested in energy. So, they have no right to come and stand here and say that the UPND Government has not done very well. Instead, they are supposed to admit that this country is doing very well. Let them go to the car park within the National Assembly grounds and see what is happening there. We are diversifying energy through solar throughout the country in each constituency. So, why can they not acknowledge that? As far as I am concerned, my hon. Colleague should have stayed here in the House, so that he waits for my debate. He is the one who was encouraging me to debate today.

Mr Nkandu: The Patriotic Front (PF) hon. Members have run away.

Mr Simunji: They have run away. Whatever wrong things they were doing during their time, those are the things we are correcting now. In August this year, I hope the people of Zambia will remember that certain people destroyed the country and should not be voted into power.

Madam Speaker, that is one area I wanted to talk about, but now let me go to education. I know where you come from. As you go to Mongu, please, go to Nakanya Secondary School. Go to Chonde Secondary Schools. These schools are overflowing with students now. Why? It is because of free meals, free education, desks and teachers. We cannot even talk about teachers.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Simunji: Even this year, we are going to employ teachers.

Madam Speaker, I will take you backwards. In 2021, when we took over power, there were only three desks in a classroom at a school called Lukweta in my constituency. Pupils used to wake up around 0400 hours just to go and be the first to sit on those three desks. Which teacher can feel motivated to teach pupils seated on the ground? If you go to Lukweta today, you will find that all the classrooms are full of desks. Those who left school are back. What have they seen? One, they have been motivated by the employment of teachers. Two, they are getting free meals. Everything is available for them. Those are the things they were supposed to have during their teenage years so that when they go beyond eighteen years, they can go to the University of Zambia (UNZA).

Madam Speaker, what did the PF do during its time in the Government? It was charging pupils tuition fees in primary schools. Let us ask the hon. Members in the PF where they took the money they used to charge pupils. I only hope –

Mr Tayali: They bought helicopters.

Mr Simunji: Yes. Thank you for reminding me. That is the money they used to buy helicopters, which have now been confiscated.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Simunji: Those people should be arrested. As far as I am concerned, those people should be arrested.

Mr Tayali: Correct.

Mr Simunji: I am asking our colleagues from the Auditor-General’s office to conduct more audits so that more people can face the long hand of the law.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Order!

(Debate adjourned)

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President (Dr Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1807 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 27^th February, 2026.

____________

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

PLANS TO GRANT LOANS TO YOUTHS SPONSORED THROUGH THE CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND

223. Mr Fube (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

(a) whether the Government has any plans to grant loans to youths who have acquired skills through training sponsored under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to enable them start businesses;

(b) if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

(c) if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, one of the main objectives of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is to contribute to employment creation through skills development. The Government has been encouraging youth groups to form co-operatives and register businesses for the purpose of acquiring loans and grants under the CDF, including those who acquired skills through the CDF sponsorship facility.

Madam Speaker, yes, the Government does have plans. Hon. Members of Parliament in this august House play a key role in actualising those plans by virtue of their mandate in the CDF awarding process. The Government, at the central level, has already provided a conducive policy environment for awarding of loans to beneficiaries, including those who acquired various skills under the CDF. The hon. Members of Parliament and their respective CDF committees should, therefore, strive to ensure that the CDF skills graduates are given an opportunity to also get loans and grants to start businesses and create jobs.

Madam Speaker, I will be failing in my duties if I do not remind hon. Members in this august House that, as we push the graduates sponsored through the CDF and others to get CDF loans and grants for business, let us also remind them to be responsible by paying back the loans so that other people can also be given an opportunity to benefit from the loans. The plans to provide loans have been ongoing, as empowerment loans are awarded to co-operatives or youth groups that present viable business proposals.

Madam Speaker, plans are there, as stated in the answer to part (a) of the question above. As such, part (c) of the question does not arise.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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