Fube accuses some CSOs of being ‘bamushanina ubwali’
Mr. Fube said he is disappointed with what he called the current crop of CSOs, arguing that many outspoken activists went silent or shifted positions after the UPND formed government.
“I know that after the UPND took over, a lot of CSOs changed. Those who were once vocal have been appointed to various positions some into commissions and others into different roles,” he said.
He cited activist Laura Miti as an example, claiming she now maintains what he described as a “faint voice” after accepting an appointment as commissioner, adding that he believes this has placed her in a conflicting position.
“I was shocked that organisations that previously stood firm are now supporting what the state puts forward. Many NGOs that were loud before are now muted,” he said.
Mr. Fube argued that the shift represents a departure from the core function of civil society, which he said is to operate as a non-state watchdog that speaks for citizens, especially in times of public hardship.
“Civil society organisations are non-state actors. The moment they start taking up the state’s position, they cease to be civil society. Genuine CSOs stand with the people,” he said.
He commended the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) for what he termed a principled stance, saying the organisation withdrew support from certain government-backed proposals after recognising what he described as toxic elements.
“They realised that although some proposals appeared beneficial, they were laced with poison. They came out of a poisoned domain to take a stance for the people. That is what civil society should be,” he said.
Mr. Fube criticised CSOs that, in his view, have moved closer to State House, arguing that such organisations cannot claim independence.
“Those who rushed to State House are mushanina ubwali. They cannot call themselves civil society. That is not the system we fought against,” he said.
The legislator recalled his own involvement in youth activism under the Youth Constitution Coordinating Committee and Youth Alive, saying civil society in the past stood firmly against policies such as attempts to secure a third presidential term.
He warned that although donor funding challenges may push some organisations toward alternative revenue sources, reliance on government funding undermines their independence.
“When civil society starts getting funding from government sources, it is no longer civil society,” Mr. Fube said.
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