UPND national youth chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso has condemned the actions of alleged UPND youths and cadres who insulted former President Edgar Lungu during a demonstration yesterday.
The incident occurred as Lungu accompanied his wife, Esther, daughter, Chiyeso, and nephew, Charles Phiri, to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) where they were questioned and arrested for money laundering and possession of dubiously acquired wealth.
During the interrogation, some UPND youths marched in support of the DEC’s actions against the former first family.
However, their chants included a song that directly insulted Lungu, which drew widespread condemnation from both the UPND party and the public.
Addressing the matter through the media this morning, Liswaniso said the behaviour of the youths was uncalled for and deserving of punishment.
He stated that Zambia is a Christian nation where elders must be respected despite their political affiliations.
“First of all, we are not happy with what the young people did yesterday, and under my office because there was no such an instruction so I distance my office and also the party with what happened yesterday.”
“Because I understand that by culture you can’t insult elderly people with such insults. We can have politics yes, but doing such a thing is un-Zambian and that’s not what we call Christianity,” said Liswaniso.
He assured that the law would take its course against those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations.
“I have summoned the provincial youth chairman to identify such individuals if really they are UPND members, then discipline will follow,” he added.
Liswaniso reiterated President Hakainde Hichilema’s mandate of uniting and developing the country with zero tolerance for cadreism.
“The President has maintained and said many times that when you do things on your own minus anybody else knowing, you are on your own,” he added.
“Under this office am still saying that we are not part of what happened yesterday, I think many people have seen how we are conducting ourselves during politics, and I’ll make it very clear that if really they are UPND members, then am saying to them that they will be dealt with.”
He further added, “But looking at what is happening again with the fact that people can buy regalia and do things, we are watching, we don’t want to defend too much from my office or to defend anybody, but…if they are opposition, we need to identify them and ensure they are reported to the police and arrested.”
Liswaniso emphasised that no member of the UPND would be allowed to cause violence, insult, or use tribal remarks without being persecuted, urging the youths to direct their energy towards ensuring that President Hichilema’s promises are fulfilled and that the battle against poverty is won.
“We understand that President Hichilema wants to leave a legacy of unity, working together, and peace in this country. It is up to us as young people to defend, protect, work with him and follow his instructions.
“But you just wake up, you don’t know what is happening, minus any instructions coming from our office, you go and mobilise yourself [and] start insulting, that thing is not needed in our party. All of us are aware through the national youth chairman of the party how he has instructed all of us on how we are supposed to behave ourselves and live as as an example,” he added.
Liswaniso also called on all church leaders and traditional leaders to work closely with the government in maintaining peace and unity in the country.
“No parent, no father or mother today can say was happy with what happened yesterday. Let me take responsibility. They may be UPND or opposition but if anything goes wrong we take responsibility when anything goes wrong with our young people,” said Liswaniso.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba, May 31, 2024
