UPND to attend Catholic Candlelight Prayers with, “Zambia Forward” placards
UPND to attend Catholic Candlelight Prayers with, “Zambia Forward” placards
UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe says the Catholic Church is free to proceed with its planned candlelight prayers, but UPND members will also attend in large numbers carrying “Zambia Forward” placards and raising their hands in prayer, News Diggers reports.
On August 4, Fr. Felix Banda guided Lusaka Catholic parishes on the holding of Candlelight Prayers for Peace ahead of the August 13 General Elections.
However, on August 6, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda wrote to the Church asking it to cancel the Candlelight Prayers, arguing that the event had connotations associated with political candidates.
In response to the request, the Catholic Church rejected the UPND’s plea and stated that it would proceed with the scheduled prayers.
But speaking on the matter, Simuuwe said UPND members would join the prayers, adding that they would participate while carrying “Zambia Forward” placards and raising their hands in prayer.
The development comes amid heightened political activity and tensions ahead of the August 13 General Elections, with various stakeholders calling for peace and restraint during the electoral period.
TV Yatu | August 9, 2026.