UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) media director Mark Simuuwe has expressed concern over remarks made by Italy-based Catholic priest, father Oscar Mpombo, during his appearance on a podcast hosted by fugitive opposition figure Emmanuel Mwamba.
Simuuwe said Fr Mpombo’s commentary risked deepening ethnic divides and ran counter to the message of peace expected from members of the clergy.
“You can’t wear the robes of a peace bearer while echoing voices of discord,” Simuuwe said.
He urged Fr Mpombo to stop hiding behind religious authority to issue politically charged opinions from abroad.
Simuuwe said If the priest wished to join political debate, then he should do so transparently by returning home and entering the political space directly.
“Issuing remote, emotionally detached commentary while cloaked in religious authority is not only unhelpful, it’s harmful,” Simuuwe stated.
He further accused the priest of misusing his spiritual position to spread messages that threaten national unity, saying this amounted to a departure from core Christian principles.
“When the pulpit is used to divide rather than to unite, it ceases to be sacred,” he said.
Simuuwe also questioned whether some religious figures had drifted from their scriptural mission, choosing instead to echo partisan or tribal rhetoric under the guise of religious commentary.
With the 2026 general elections drawing near, Simuuwe emphasised the need for all public figures, including clergy, to avoid languages that could inflame tensions or erode Zambia’s hard-earned peace.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba October 5, 2025
