UPND failing to communicate its successes – Laura Miti

By MUBITA KATETE

GOVERNANCE activist Laura Miti has criticised President Hakainde Hichilema for allegedly prioritising loyalty over competence in his appointments, particularly within his communications team.

Speaking on Diamond TV’s Costa programme, Ms. Miti argued that the United Party for National Development (UPND) government has failed to effectively communicate its achievements to the public despite recording notable successes in key sectors.

She said the government’s communications team had not done enough to help citizens appreciate major interventions such as free education and the administration’s response to the recent drought, which she rated highly.

According to Ms. Miti, the government deserved credit for several policy successes, but the achievements had not translated into public appreciation because of poor communication.

“This government has done a number of good things, but unfortunately they have failed to communicate these achievements in a way that makes citizens appreciate what has been done,” she said.

She contrasted the current administration’s communications approach with that of the former Patriotic Front (PF) government, which she said had a more effective team that consistently projected the presidency positively and convincingly to the public.

Ms. Miti explained that President Hichilema had retained some officials in his government not because of their competence but because of their loyalty to him.

“Some people have remained in these positions not because they are effective, but simply because they are loyal to the President, and that has weakened how government communicates with the public,” she said.

Despite her criticism of the administration, Ms. Miti maintained that there is currently no opposition leader or presidential candidate who presents a stronger alternative to President Hichilema.

She argued that with a more competent communications team, President Hichilema would likely face little meaningful competition, adding that some of the challenges confronting the UPND had been self-inflicted.

Ms. Miti also said many Zambians had long hoped for a leader who respected the separation of powers and strengthened democratic institutions.

According to Ms. Miti, citizens should evaluate leaders based on their management of public resources, governance record, constitutional stewardship and overall decision-making, rather than whether they personally like them.

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