When the UPND took office in 2021, they did so on a platform of restoring democracy,upholding human rights, and ensuring the rule of law. Zambians had grown tired of the intimidation, arrests, and abuse of power under the previous Patriotic Front (PF) government,and they voted for change. President Hakainde Hichilema positioned himself as a champion of
democracy, repeatedly condemning the injustices of the past regime.
However, fast forward to today, and the reality tells a different story. The very abuses of power that the UPND condemned under Edgar Lungu’s leadership are now being perpetuated under their own administration. The question is, what has changed?
The Weaponization of the Police Against the Opposition
One of the biggest criticisms of the PF government was how the police were used to intimidate and silence opposition voices. Today, under UPND, the same trend continues:
• Opposition leaders and critics of the government are constantly being summoned by the police
whenever they express dissent.
• Seditious charges have become a convenient tool to suppress those who question the government’s policies.
• Individuals have been arrested on allegations of tribalism simply for expressing their opinions.
• Some opposition members have been arrested and denied police bonds, a clear violation of
their constitutional rights.
This is exactly what UPND leaders, including President Hichilema, used to denounce under the PF government. The same government that once promised Zambians freedom of speech and political tolerance is now using state institutions to silence critics.
Selective Justice and Double Standards
Another major concern is how justice is applied selectively. Under PF, UPND members were frequently harassed, arrested, or denied permits to hold rallies. The new government was expected to end this injustice, but instead, we are seeing the same biased application of the law.
• Government critics face immediate arrests, while UPND supporters who break the law seem to operate freely.
• Opposition rallies and meetings are restricted, while government events go on without interruption.
• Media intimidation is increasing, with journalists and platforms that question the government facing pressure.
These double standards are eroding public confidence in the government. The same methods that led to the downfall of PF are now being repeated under UPND. Have they forgotten that power is temporary?
What Happened to President Hichilema’s Promises?
President Hichilema himself was a victim of political persecution under PF. He spent 127 days in prison on trumped-up charges. He understood firsthand the dangers of a government that weaponizes the police against its opponents.
Yet today, under his leadership:
• The opposition is being treated the same way he was treated.
• People are being arrested for speaking their minds, just as he was arrested for standing up against the PF government.
• Freedom of speech is under attack, just as it was before.
Has the President lost control over his government, or is this deliberate hypocrisy? If the UPND truly believes in democracy, they must immediately stop these abuses and allow political competition to thrive.
A Warning from History
The PF government did not fall because of economic failures alone; they lost power because they disconnected from the people. They became arrogant, ignored public complaints, and used state institutions to suppress political opponents. Today, UPND is following the exact same path.
Zambians voted for change, not a new version of the same oppression. If the UPND does not change course, history will repeat itself. The people will not hesitate to remove another government that betrays its promises.
The question remains: Does President Hichilema know what is happening? And if he does, why is he allowing it? The time for reflection is now. Otherwise, just like PF, the UPND will soon face the consequences of ignoring the people’s voice.
By Alexander Vomo
This party is a big let down, and showing no remorse. But knowing Zambians, they know how to teach lessons
Its very interesting heading ati Hypocrisy of power. Well, this again goes back to pf era. How did they recruit people into the Police Service? It was who you knew and Party Cadres. No Education or criminal records were checked. These are the consequences of tribalism, corruption nepotism and idiocy. Besides, don’t put it as though the opposition had a nice ride during pf era. They were not even allowed to hold press conferences. They were shot and killed.Have forgotten that so quickly?
Next time please read carefully before commenting okay?
These are international conmen
Bati ba Dejavu………
When is munior Zulu providing the evidence you so eloquently demonstrated he had on the corruption of musokotwane and co ???
We remember you vehemently demonstrating against the arrest and silencing of a whistle blower, as you put it…….
Now the courts are asking for that evidence ka ???
We await your response kindly,……
Your servants until 2031, the UPND…..
FWD2031
Just campaign with out insults and false allegations……..or trying to instigate mass discontent amongst the people, such that public security is threatened……..
These opposition are either thieves or just can’t be in the headlines for positive contributions to society………
They want to be in headlines for insulting and false allegations……..
Just keep locking them up, 2031 is a long way , if need be builds more jails…..
FWD2031
You should visit a rehab center soon, it seems you’re not feeling well upstairs.
Unavailable , badala……..
Just campaign within the confines of the law if you want a change of GRZ……..
If there is so much suffering and discontent in Zambia as you claim……..
Changing GRZ should not be difficult without all the lies and insults, right. ???
FWD2031
@Unavailable
Go FIRST and check in
There is nothing like hypocrisy. HH has just come out truthfully to hold and use the principles of economic transformation boldly. No political Peasement, for the sake of taking our nation to the higher level. At least some citizens, including some former commanders 1, 2 and 3, have changed and become hardworking, innovative and self-reliant. With peace and freedom , one can do anything progressive. Oh, HH was kulekafye. CDF, Free education cash for work, social cash transfer, grants, loans , bursaries, meal allowances etc in the removal of subsidies are major interventions to allow well meaning and innovative zambians to forge ahead easily
,
Subsidies, handouts, and tantameni, have never assisted any nation to move forward economically, As zambians, we are blessed to have a president who wants to tell and make citizens of the reality life without getting worried of the traditional appeasement of citizens for the sake of elections. HH is a real leader and great. Please HH, don’t let,,,,,and propagandists distract you from your good intentions and.goals
I suppose some votes will come his way, it only natural lets just hope not too many
Just prepare yourselves for 2031……….
In 2026 , will realise the majority of Zambians are not those always complaining free handout citizens……..
These opposition majority know where we are coming from as a country………
FWD2031