Catholic Priest Warns Hichilema Against Using Youths, Women to Bulldoze Constitution
President Hakainde Hichilema has been warned against using youths and women as political tools to push through constitutional amendments, as doing so could trigger nationwide unrest. Catholic Priest Fr. Martin Mwango, speaking from Italy, cautioned that any attempt to manipulate the Constitution for political advantage would be met with fierce resistance from the Zambian people.
Fr. Mwango’s warning comes amid growing concerns that the government is attempting to push through controversial changes without adequate public consultation. “President Hichilema should strongly resist the temptation of using the youths and women to bulldoze constitutional amendments,” he said. “There is a real danger that the resistance from the majority of Zambians could easily result in unrest should he proceed with his plans.”
The priest urged the President to reconsider his approach, warning that history has shown the dangers of disregarding public opinion when making fundamental changes to national governance. “A Constitution is the soul of a nation. It cannot and should not be altered for political expediency,” he stated. “Any leader who tampers with it without broad consensus risks plunging the country into turmoil.”
Criticism of the constitutional amendments has been growing, with opposition parties, civil society organizations, and even student groups voicing their concerns. Some analysts fear that Hichilema’s administration may be seeking to consolidate power under the guise of legal reform. “If these changes were truly for the good of the nation, why the secrecy? Why the rush?” Fr. Mwango questioned.
He further noted that the manipulation of vulnerable groups, such as the youth and women, to push a political agenda was both unethical and dangerous. “It is immoral to exploit the very people who should be protected,” he said. “The youth and women of Zambia should not be used as pawns in a political chess game.”
Fr. Mwango urged the President to learn from past administrations that attempted to force constitutional changes without the people’s blessing. “We have seen leaders before who tried to impose their will on the Constitution. Where are they now? Power is temporary, but the consequences of bad governance last for generations,” he said.
The priest called on the Catholic Church and other faith-based organizations to take an active role in defending the integrity of the Constitution.
“The Church cannot stand by as democracy is dismantled. We have a moral duty to speak out against any form of governance that disregards the will of the people,” he emphasized.
As Zambia faces an increasingly heated political climate, Fr. Mwango’s words add to the growing chorus of voices demanding transparency and accountability. Whether President Hichilema heeds this warning or presses forward with his plans remains to be seen.
March 17, 2025
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Catholic Priest Warns Hichilema Against Using Youths, Women to Bulldoze Constitution
