UPND presidential support media director, Frank Bwalya has observed that the country has been gripped with too much bitterness and resentment following the demise of former president Edgar Lungu.
Following this observation, Bwalya emphasised the need for urgent healing and reconciliation for the nation to move forward as a united people.
Speaking when he addressed journalists in Lusaka today, Bwalya noted that Zambia has become a nation entangled in hatred, and this is a trend that must be addressed with utmost urgency.
“If we do not unite and heal, we risk losing our sense of unity and our ability to move forward in a positive direction,” he asserted.
Bwalya underlined that while it is essential to exercise understanding during this period of mourning, empathy should not be misconstrued as a justification for inciting confusion at a funeral.
“The recognition that those who are grieving may make mistakes in what they say or do, and the subsequent call for understanding, should not be taken as a license to cause disorder at a funeral, we must still maintain a bit of decorum and respect for the solemnity of the occasion, even in the face of raw emotion,” Bwalya emphasised.
Further Bwalya underscored that all Zambians should have the freedom to grieve the former president without interference in order to honour his legacy and memory with the respect and decorum he deserves.
Meanwhile, the former priest alleged that there is concerted effort by individuals within the Patriotic Front and certain opposition parties to leverage the death of Lungu as a means to undermine President Hakainde Hichilema.
He voiced his disapproval at the alleged lack of respect shown towards the late former president’s family and political party.
Bwalya attributed the chaos that ensued after Lungu’s passing to a failure to uphold the Lungu’s wishes and legacy.
“I believe that the family and the PF have done a disservice to our late president by allowing his supposed wishes to be distorted, causing confusion and disregard for the law,”
He further appealed to Lungu’s family and the PF to heed the advice of traditional and religious leaders, many of whom had echoed the call for harmony and respect.
Bwalya urged all parties involved to reach a mutual agreement that would ensure the repatriation of Lungu’s remains, allowing the nation to bid farewell in a dignified and respectful manner.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba June 12, 2025
