UFSF Leader Calls for National Agenda Beyond Political Leadership
UFSF Leader Calls for National Agenda Beyond Political Leadership
United Front for a Strong Foundation (UFSF) President Brian Chisengalumbwe has called on churches, civil society organisations and citizens to develop a national agenda aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.
Mr Chisengalumbwe says organisations should not approach political leaders from a position of weakness, arguing that leaders who have become attached to power, money and status may be unwilling to listen or negotiate.
He says citizens should instead organise themselves around issues that affect the majority and pursue a national agenda regardless of who is in government.
Mr Chisengalumbwe has also raised concern over what he describes as fear, intimidation and the use of force when attempts at influencing people through other means fail.
He says the consequences of poor governance can manifest either immediately or in the future, stressing the need for citizens to remain engaged in national affairs.
Mr Chisengalumbwe has further questioned whether Zambia has consistently had governments that serve the interests of the majority, arguing that a government should prioritise the welfare and development of citizens.
On politics and criminality, the UFSF leader says the two should not be treated as synonymous, arguing that politics should be centred on serving the majority while criminality benefits a few individuals.
He has also criticised what he calls repeated national debates around constitutional amendments, the Constituency Development Fund, free education and government recruitment, saying government expenditure alone does not necessarily translate into national development.
Mr Chisengalumbwe has urged Zambians to learn from the country’s political history, citing what he describes as attacks on the Constitution, the closure of courts during elections, alleged attacks on citizens and the detention of a leading presidential contender during an inauguration.
He says these historical experiences should provide lessons for the country as it seeks to strengthen democracy and governance.
By Andrew Chola Mumba