MOVEMENT for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) leader Nevers Mumba has hailed President Hakainde Hichilema’s anti-corruption crusade as more aggressive and effective than that of late President Levy Mwanawasa, long considered the benchmark of Zambia’s fight against graft.
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Dr Mumba argued that while Mwanawasa’s administration earned praise for taking on corruption, the pace and scope under President Hichilema are on an entirely different level.
The former vice president stated that during Mwanawasa’s time, there was only one prominent conviction but today, one can witness high-profile arrests, convictions and a justice system that is working overtime.
Dr Mumba was speaking last evening when he appeared on Diamond TV’s programme dubbed “This Day.”
He pointed to the establishment of a specialised financial crimes court as a game-changer, a judicial tool that did not exist in previous administrations and one that has fast-tracked cases involving misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office.
“There is now a dedicated courtroom for corruption cases, something we didn’t have before,” he noted.
Dr Mumba also dismissed recent public commentary giving the UPND government a low performance rating in governance and accountability.
“Whoever said they have given this government a 2 out of 5, that’s the joke of the year,” Dr Mumba said.
“If anything, the resistance and bitterness we are seeing in the country are not signs of failure, but evidence that the corruption fight is real.”
He claimed that much of the political anger and perceived national disunity stems from those who were part of past regimes and are now being held accountable.
Dr Mumba added that the Head of State has chosen to follow every corruption lead, no matter who is involved hence, that is what is fueling the bitterness.
“We are not fighting for the ordinary Zambians. We are fighting for a few powerful people who should be in jail and are trying to drag others down with them. As the saying goes when elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers,” he stated.
Dr Mumba further warned Zambians to brace for more revelations and prosecutions in the coming months.
“Zambians must prepare themselves, the people who looted public resources are going to be held accountable, whether they like it or not.”
He also took a moment to praise President Hichilema’s overall leadership, describing him as a steady hand guiding Zambia through economic turbulence.
Dr Mumba described President Hichilema as a “game changer” in both governance and economic reform, urging citizens to rally behind him.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba September 17, 2025
