The Lusaka Province Chairperson of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Hon Mwaliteta, has clarified his position regarding recent political statements made by Bishop Alick Banda. In a statement released today, Hon Mwaliteta emphasized that his disagreement was directed towards the individual bishop and not the Catholic Church as a whole.
Hon Mwaliteta, who himself is a devout Catholic, expressed his respect for the values and beliefs of the Church. He shared that he had been baptized as a Catholic member in 1984 and had grown up in a household of Catholics. Stressing his commitment to the Catholic faith, he highlighted that his disagreement with Bishop Alick Banda’s statements should not be misconstrued as a conflict with the Church.
The UPND leader pointed out that the political statements made by Bishop Alick Banda and two other priests did not represent the entire Catholic community. He questioned why the bishop had remained silent during the times when he and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema were arrested and mistreated by the previous administration. Hon Mwaliteta also criticized the bishop for not condemning the alleged injustices committed by the ruling party, including the loss of innocent lives and the gas attacks that plagued the nation.
In his statement, Hon Mwaliteta asserted that he disagreed with Bishop Alick Banda as an individual who was dragging the Catholic Church into his political agenda of supporting the Patriotic Front (PF). He argued that the bishop should not misuse the privilege of standing on the pulpit to attack national leaders he dislikes. Hon Mwaliteta cited the biblical injunction against judging others and questioned the source of the bishop’s authority to label Hakainde Hichilema a liar.
The UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson highlighted that the Catholic Church comprised members from various political affiliations and diverse backgrounds. He rejected the notion that the bishop’s statements represented the views of all Catholic members, including those who supported the UPND. Hon Mwaliteta reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the Catholic Church and stated that they would not abandon their faith due to the actions of an individual who appeared to be fighting against Hakainde Hichilema and a particular tribe.
Concluding his statement, Hon Mwaliteta advised Bishop Alick Banda to focus on preaching the word of God, love, and peace, which are the expectations of a religious leader. He urged the bishop to refrain from misleading the Church and engaging in political agendas that divide the faithful.
The bishop’s office was contacted for a response but had not provided a comment at the time of this publication.
The UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson’s statement highlights the tensions and disagreements that have emerged within the Catholic Church regarding political affiliations and the role of religious leaders in Zambia. As the country moves forward, it remains to be seen how these differing perspectives will be addressed and reconciled within the Church and the wider Zambian society.
Frog face
How are your mates Bowman and Helicopter man Bonanza there in CB? Please pass my regards to them.
I don’t know because they are not my friends. I only know just like you when they are in the news.
Look at this ugly thug. He is now backtracking after realising how powerful our churches are. You thought you were bigger than zambia. You know what awaits in 2026.
nothing will happen in 2026!!! you will lose some seats.
The priest is only telling you food is too expensive for the ordinary Zambian. Please do not come and show us graphs of what other presidents did. We need you to make food affordable. That is why they are telling you. I DO NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT.
They zealously now have one agenda in UPND. The whole lot will be countering messages of these Catholics. As if things must come to a stand still.
Useful *****s please get the message clear people are not happy on the ground.The best you can do is to remain silent and advise the president to take time and listen to the concerns of the public on the suffering than continue being arrogant
The something wrong with UPND leadership. They have failed to get message from the Catholic bishop and priests. They have not insulted anyone but simply telling you to lower the cost of food. We are not interested in your graphs. You can the graphs to the world bank, IMF , Bank of Zambia, Bankers Association of Zambia, Economics association of Zambia and Cabinet ministers . Infact include the graphs in the induction program for Permanent Secretaries. For us , give us cheaper mealie meal, cheaper sugar, cheaper fertiliser and cheaper fuel…..etc
Politicians are complicated species…. when in opposition there’s nothing wrong with the church talking politics…. when in government church must stick to the pulpit. Read the Bible when you get some time from your busy schedule.
It is just natural. They now have one agenda in UPND. The whole lot will be countering messages of these Catholics. As if things must come to a stand still.
Whether you are Christianised as Antonio, Antoinette or anything, no true Catholic despises his own Father/Priest. Unless you are a “joker” waiting for your pay after the performance. From a sermon, you see a political statement. Sermons mustn’t be sugarcoated. Have forgotten Fr Umbeto’s homilies?
Cadres are not bright enough to understand democratic critque.
A far better response than calling priests Lucifer. That statement by Imenda has potential to isolate the UPND. The church is eternal, political parties not so much. Imenda should have kept quiet.
Time will bring down to his knees.
It hasn’t surprised some of us, after all Adventists refer to those that worship on other days than Saturday as devil worshipers. They are particularly contemptuous towards the Catholic Church. So Imenda has just brought out their long held notion. Fathers are after all PF conmen, so who in the UPND cares? Their vote doesn’t count
Paranoia and bitterness will consume the UPND. The Catholic Church has been through this many times. Political power is temporal. Those of us that a little old and have followed events in Zambia still remember the death of Father Mutale in mysterious circumstances. And we know who will finally laugh last between the Priest and the liar. Nipano tuli
This man thinks by singling out one man he’s okay. Attack on one is attack on all.
Why are we being having such dull people as leaders. Typical UPND mentality of saying I am Catholic, I am Christian, but action is that of the devil. The Catholic priest is being persecuted for saying people are hungry and explanations/graphs are not putting food on the table.