UPND needs to reconcile with Catholic Church – AIPAC

…. says UPND’s five years in office brought governance gains but warns unresolved tensions, shrinking democratic space, weak institutions threaten reform agenda

By NATION REPORTER

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema should prioritise reconciliation with the Catholic Church and the continued tensions and acrimony between the Executive and the influential religious institution risk weakening Zambia’s social cohesion and democratic foundations, the Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has has said.

In its five-year assessment of the UPND administration under President Hichilema, AIPAC has acknowledged significant progress in governance reforms, social protection programmes and the restoration of Zambia’s international standing but cautioned that unresolved political and institutional challenges could undermine those achievements.

The report, signed by AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma and Board Chairperson Likando Kalaluka, said the next phase of governance should focus on inclusivity, reconciliation and strengthening the independence of public institutions.

“The UPND administration has made commendable progress in governance, social protection and rebuilding international credibility, but sustainable development requires that reforms translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens,” the report stated.

AIPAC said reconciliation between President Hichilema and the Catholic Church, particularly the Lusaka Archdiocese, was a strategic necessity rather than a matter of political convenience.

“The Catholic Church has historically provided prophetic guidance and democratic oversight while simultaneously partnering government in national development. Its criticism should not be viewed as opposition but as constructive engagement aimed at strengthening democracy and governance,” the organisation said.

The think-tank warned that prolonged tensions with the Church risked eroding public trust and weakening national unity.

“The Church’s moral authority remains central to Zambia’s social fabric and its exclusion or marginalisation undermines both governance credibility and social cohesion,” AIPAC stated.

The organisation further called for structured dialogue between government and religious institutions and urged authorities to respect the independence of faith-based organisations.

Beyond Church-State relations, AIPAC expressed concern over the continued incarceration of opposition political leaders, stating that the situation had raised questions about reconciliation efforts and the health of Zambia’s democratic space.

The report also highlighted institutional weaknesses within the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Drug Enforcement Commission, saying both institutions required greater operational independence to improve public confidence.

AIPAC further noted that unresolved diplomatic issues, particularly in Zambia’s relations with the United States, had placed unnecessary strain on the country’s international partnerships.

The organisation stated that economic reforms and governance improvements would only be meaningful if they translated into improved living standards for ordinary Zambians.

“Economic stabilisation and governance reforms should not remain technical achievements but must become lived realities for citizens,” the report stated.

ENDS