Did UPND MPs Walk Out to Avoid the Cost of Living Debate? A Deeper Look.
By Adrian Gunduzani
The recent walkout by UPND Members of Parliament on a motion on the cost of living has sparked significant discussion across social media and news platforms. As the rising cost of goods and services continues to impact many Zambians, it is understandable that emotions are high, and citizens are demanding answers. However, beyond the headlines and social media outrage, it is crucial to examine the broader picture: Why did the UPND MPs walk out? And more importantly, what actions are being taken to address the cost of living?
The political context surrounding the walkout reveals a complex dynamic. The opposition, led by PF MP Mutotwe Kafwaya, raised a motion urging the government to take practical steps to reduce the cost of living. While this is a valid concern, parliamentary debates should serve as platforms for constructive solutions rather than opportunities for political point-scoring.
For months, opposition leaders have criticized the government on issues such as fuel prices, mealie meal costs, and exchange rates, often ignoring the external and structural factors that contribute to these challenges. The UPND MPs’ walkout can be interpreted as a response to what they viewed as yet another politically charged debate lacking genuine intent to discuss solutions. While the effectiveness of this strategy is up for debate, it should not suggest that the government is indifferent to the pressing economic issues facing citizens.
Furthermore, the history of Mutotwe Kafwaya, who initiated the cost of living debate, is relevant. Kafwaya has faced multiple disciplinary actions related to his conduct in Parliament, which may have influenced the UPND MPs’ decision to walk out. His previous suspensions from the Patriotic Front (PF) have raised questions about his credibility and dedication to legislative responsibilities. In this context, UPND MPs may have perceived the debate as an opportunity for Kafwaya to garner political support rather than a sincere discussion on addressing the economic challenges at hand.
In the midst of this political backdrop, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts the UPND government is making to alleviate the rising cost of living. Key measures include debt restructuring efforts, which free up resources for social services. The government has implemented steps to stabilize fuel costs, significantly affecting transport and commodity prices.
Increased support for farmers through subsidies and fertilizer distribution is anticipated to boost food production and lower mealie meal prices in the long run. Additionally, investments in mining, infrastructure, and various sectors aim to create jobs and improve household incomes.
The pressing question remains: Are these measures sufficient, and how soon will Zambians feel relief? These concerns warrant continuous monitoring and public engagement.
While the opposition has a crucial role in holding the government accountable, this accountability should not devolve into sensationalist debates that fail to propose real solutions. Although the UPND MPs’ walkout has been interpreted by some as avoiding tough conversations, it is essential for Zambians to recognize the need for an opposition that engages responsibly.
The cost of living affects everyone, and it should be addressed through meaningful dialogue, not just within Parliament but through engagement with citizens, economists, and industry experts. Rather than indulging in political blame games, the focus should shift towards solutions that foster policy-driven discussions in Parliament. This includes proposing tangible economic strategies, expanding social protection programs to assist vulnerable groups, and enhancing public communication to ensure that government efforts are effectively conveyed to the populace. The UPND’s approach can be seen from the way they discussed and debated Hon. Christopher Kangombe’s motion on legal aid a few days ago.
Ultimately, it is vital to encourage bipartisan cooperation to tackle these pressing economic challenges. Aiming to achieve political mileage on citizen’s crucial needs deserve a walkout!
So the UPND left the house because they did not want Hon. Kafwaya to garner political support from the PF? What an excuse. Why didn’t the UPND address his question without staging a weird protest against the person of Kafwaya? By wanting to humiliate Kafwaya, the whole world now knows how simplistic, personal and subjective our leadership is.
The president and his failed UPND government should listen to anyone and anything. Being lazy or selective at this point won’t help the nation. They cannot find solutions on their own. THEY HAVE MISERABLY FAILED. Even when dogs or cats or hyenas say they have an idea in governance and economical ills Zambia faces under their leadership, they should pay attention. They have no option. They don’t have their own ideas. What will they lose?
This author is very useless. Yesterday I asked him to mention the mines that the Upnd government has reopened up to now he’s not answered. And now he’s talking about an individual MP’s history as a reason for the walkout. What utter nonsense..
Kafwaya is talking about an issue that affects us except you fat cats…. and you support the Upnd absurdity? Kill the messenger not the message. If this is the way you were brought up ie to ignore information because of the bearer’s appearance then it’s better you were never born at all.
Mopani, KCM and a certain shaft in Luanshya where they have began by pumping water all on the Copperbelt, and Kalengwa mine in Mufumbwe, North-Western province. You of course know about them already but are pretending here.
#Gunner Luanshya has not reopened yet…and for your information the plan to reopen no 28 was started long before you won the election…. don’t try to get credit for this.
So this is the vision UPND kept talking about? The driver abandoning passengers in the middle of the desert full of lions and jackals. YOU HAVE FAILED ba group 6. PF was group 3.
I do recall one MP in opposition shouting it is better for Pefu to say ‘we have failed and safe face’… today Forest 27 is still intact we know why
UPND MPs had options below than walking out of parliament and abdicating their duties and could have said
1. We won’t respond to the question because of procedural issues
2. We do not have answers now, we will consult and revert
3. This is what we are doing to alleviate the cost of living( though everybody including primary school kids now know that UPND has absolutely no solutions to the high cost of living)
4. Could have used their usual expired excuse of blaming the PF
5. Offer to resign on account of clear failure and no direction
This would have helped than running away from parliament. The danger with running away from parliament is that you will still meet the voters waiting for you in 2026
Had it been the opposition walking out you were going to hear the speaker suspending their allowances. As it is she is as silent as the moon
Sounds like this article was written by a Kenyan image builder
A country is always a reflection of it’s politicians. This is proof UNIP was a much better concept for the country. We have failed miserably with Multiparty politics. These so called democrats are so detached to the people and focus more on ideas to defraud the public purse. In a one party state, at least the energy was focused on development and progression. We need to rethink and come up with ideas which are progressive because politics of cut and paste does not work in our environment. You can not reproduce in a few years what took the Europeans over 1000 years to perfect without interference. Africa needs African solutions.
Its strange for the MPs to walk out when their party is in power
I repeat if opposition Mps had walked out their allowances would have been taken by the Speaker. But wako ni wako is silent when teammates misbehave
Lusaka Times I just can’t believe you guys are trying to defend the nonsense of this government’s inability to govern. You can go on strike if you own the company, whom are you protesting against?
For once condemn this in your editorial and call it the wrong move forward. Mweetwa tried to justify it, but it’s still wrong. The only accepted statement is an apology from the government.
The song twabe winna eya hea “Who and what did they win and who lost? The Zambian people ?
You people are crazy
How can someone who was depositing $3m in a single day stand up to debate the cost of living today? What hypocrisy is this? How much wealth did the Defunct TuPF criminals accumulate corruptly together with their children, wives and sly queens leaving the treasury bankrupt?
And today they want to tell us about cost of living! Aikona man leave it to credible people and this ND government is trying hard despite the circumstances
Of course they are not angels too and we expect the President to deal with the bad seeds that are emerging particularly over CDF utilisation
Vote wisely vote for HH7 in 2026/31