UPND ALLIANCE IS NOT REGISTERED BUT UKA IS ILLEGAL FOR THE SAME REASON-JACK MWIIMBU
UPND ALLIANCE IS NOT REGISTERED BUT UKA IS ILLEGAL FOR THE SAME REASON-JACK MWIIMBU
Govt declares UKA an illegal body, as coalition protests denial of right to rally in Kafue District
Today, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, MP, held a press briefing.
Below are the highlights;
The United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) is neither registered as a political party nor as a Pressure Group by the Registrar of Societies.
It would be irresponsible for the police to give authority to an organisation that is not legally established to conduct a political rally.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has received media queries on whether UKA is legally registered by the Registrar of Societies. The queries have been necessitated by media reports attributed to UKA that they intend to hold a political rally on 13th of April, 2024 in Kafue and that they have resolved to participate in all By-Elections.
On February 13, 2024, Mr. Sakwiba Sikota SC reserved the name “United Kwacha Alliance (UKA)” for registration as a pressure group at the Registrar of Societies’ office. The reservation lasted until March 13, 2024. Mr. Sikota later tried to change the reservation to a political party but was advised to apply formally.
However, after the reservation expired, he requested for an extension and was asked to apply online, which he did not do.
Meanwhile, a man only identified as Mr. Gibson Bwalya attempted to register “United Kwacha Alliance” using another person’s National Registration Card (NRC) but failed to attach an NRC on the second attempt.
These events clearly indicate that the said United Kwacha Alliance does not exist legally and is, in as far as the Ministry of Home Affairs is concerned, an illegal entity.
Government remains committed to ensuring that the Rights and Freedoms of all individuals as provided for under the Constitution are respected and protected including the Freedom of Association.
Therefore, the claims by any individual or association that the democratic space in Zambia is shrinking, are unfounded and mere stunts to win public sympathy.
Challenged all claimed members of UKA to produce a registration certificate if they have been registered