Njovu: I can’t even rate UPND’s performance—they’ve failed on fundamentals

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Opposition Democratic Union Party (DUP) President Ackim Njovu says he finds it impossible to rate the performance of the United Party for National Development (UPND) since it assumed office, citing failure to deliver on key economic and governance promises.

Mr. Njovu said if he were a lecturer tasked with grading the ruling party’s performance, he would “tear the answer sheet and throw it away.”

“When you look at the basics, mealie meal, fuel prices, the exchange rate, and load-shedding, they are all worse than they were before UPND took over,” Mr. Njovu stated.

While acknowledging the introduction of free education, increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and a reduction in political cadre violence as notable achievements, Mr. Njovu has argued that the government has failed in addressing issues that directly affect the daily lives of ordinary Zambians.

“They have struggled to deliver on their own promises, especially those meant to reduce the high cost of living and end load-shedding,” he said.

On corruption, Mr. Njovu has accused the UPND of backsliding, noting a lack of progress and transparency in high-profile investigations.

“We are told the Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating some Cabinet Ministers, but there’s been no update months later. Where is the commitment?” he questioned.

He has also referenced recent remarks by United States Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, who reportedly told President Hakainde Hichilema that the country has failed to improve living standards or attract meaningful U.S. investment.

“If our development partners are speaking this bluntly, and yet we still have people here praising the President, is that really being honest?” he asked.

And Mr. Njovu has further raised concerns over the controversial sale of Mopani Copper Mines, which he said remains shrouded in secrecy, warning that more irregularities are likely to be uncovered if the UPND loses power in the 2026 general elections.

“This country is bleeding in many directions, and corruption is at the center of it,” he said.

Ends…………………………..

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