263 Views The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says some known UPND cadres were seen at their rallies in Chisamba and Mkushi brandishing guns. Mundubile made these remarks during a press conference this morning and called on President Hakainde Hichilema to rein in […]

263 Views

The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says some known UPND cadres were seen at their rallies in Chisamba and Mkushi brandishing guns.

Mundubile made these remarks during a press conference this morning and called on President Hakainde Hichilema to rein in on his party cadres.

“violence in the country has escalated to dangerous levels. In Chisamba a known upnd cadre attended our rally with a gun.

“In mkushi our rally was near upnd office and another known cadre was seen with a gun,” he said.

Mundubile accused the UPND of introducing pangas in politics and urged President Hichilema to condemn the violence.

He said of late, 5 deaths have been registered so far all due to political violence.

Mundubile who is currently addressing the media added that the worrying thing is that no one has been arrested.

He said member of his party Chester Kasonde was recently beaten in Serenje adding that nothing was done.

The NRPUP presidential candidate has also accused the UPND government of deliberately delaying payments to farmers and diverting funds through party-linked companies, while promising that his administration will give farmers 8 bags of fertilizer each and pay them promptly.

He said the current fertilizer distribution system has failed farmers and is being used to enrich politically connected individuals.

“Fertilizer being issued to farmers in buckets. We offer 8 bags to each farmer,” Mundubile said, criticizing what he described as inadequate support under the current program.

He said late payments to farmers are not an accident but part of a deliberate scheme.

“Late payment deplete farmers capital we will pay them promptly. Late payments was created by gvt to syphon money. HH is aware of this,” Mundubile told reporters.

The NRPUP leader further alleged that the Food Reserve Agency is failing because money meant for farmers is being channeled to companies linked to UPND cadres.

“FRA fails because money is in hands of Upnd cadres through Igo milling company millions are being,” he said.

Mundubile claimed that 2 billion kwacha is currently in the hands of UPND cadres and will be used to pay farmers just before elections to influence votes.

“2bn in hands of Upnd cadres, to pay farmers 2 weeks before elections. Do not be fooled vote for a gvt that cares for you,” he said.

On mining, Mundubile promised to turn artisanal and small scale gold miners into millionaires within two years by formalizing the sector and protecting them from bigger players.

“Gold mining to create millionaires, we will formalise, protect them from bigger guys. In 2 years. Assist them to the end,” he said.

He added that his government will not give cash directly to miners but will support them through equipment, licensing and market access. He referenced “Igo milling” as an example of how support should be structured, though he did not give further details.

Mundubile also pledged to fight corruption differently, saying legal experts in an NRPUP government will transform the Anti-Corruption Commission.

“I and Makebi being legal scholars we are going to transform ACC so that corruption is tamed,” he said.

Under his plan, corruption reports will be submitted to both the President and Parliament at the same time to ensure oversight.

“Corruption report to president will also handed to parliament at the same time. So that the President will not be able to protect anyone because of Parly oversight. Acc will not be housed in President’s Office,” Mundubile said.

On employment, Mundubile said an NRPUP government will not dismiss people hired by the current administration during rallies.

“We won’t fire those employed by HH at rallies,” he said.

Mundubile also promised tax reforms for small businesses. He said the multiple licenses and taxes currently paid by traders will be replaced with a single licensing system to reduce the burden.

“Multiple taxes we will use single linsencing. To lower taxes on small. UPND businesses will not be protected because they employ Zambians,” he said.

The statements were made as political parties continue campaigns ahead of the 13 August general elections. Agriculture, mining and corruption have been central themes, with parties trading accusations over how public resources are managed.

The UPND had not responded to Mundubile’s allegations at the time of going to press.

The Ministry of Agriculture and FRA have previously said payment delays are due to budget processes and verification, and that fertilizer distribution is being done according to guidelines.