UPND suffered persecution while in opposition – HH

…says citizens from selected regions and areas such as Mwinilunga were often harassed, beaten each time they were in Lusaka for associating themselves with the UPND and for wearing the ruling party’s regalia

By MUBITA KATETE

THE UPND went through untold political tribulations before it formed government with the people from some parts of the country such as Mwinilinga being subjected to physical harassment, intimidation and beatings each time they travelled to Lusaka, President Hakainde Hichilema has said.

President Hichilema has called on the people of Mwinilunga to continue supporting the United Party for National Development because the country has made significant economic progress since it formed government in 2021 after inheriting an economy that was in comatose.

Speaking during a working visit and community engagement in Mwinilunga yesterday, President Hichilema thanked residents for standing with the UPND throughout its 23 years in opposition and for voting it into office.

He recalled the challenges faced by UPND members before the party formed government, alleging that supporters from Mwinilunga were harassed and intimidated whenever they travelled to Lusaka and could not openly wear party regalia.

He said the country had undergone major reforms under the UPND administration and urged citizens to maintain their support to ensure development continued.

“We found no money in the Treasury. The economy of this country was gone, but we restored it. If you want the good things to continue, do not vote for the opposition that destroyed the country.

UPND members suffered persecution when we were in the opposition and if you want to continue to be free, dare not vote for the opposition,” Mr Hichilema said.

The President said his administration had focused on correcting the economic challenges and debt inherited from the previous government while implementing programmes aimed at improving the lives of Zambians.

He credited the people of Mwinilunga for the progress made, saying their vote had enabled the government to introduce free education, recruit more teachers and expand the Social Cash Transfer programme.

President Hichilema, said the free education policy has seen more than 2.5 million children return to school, while over 45, 000 teachers have been recruited since the UPND assumed office.

He added that beneficiaries under the Social Cash Transfer programme had increased from 600, 000 to 1.6 million people.

The President also said constitutional reforms had resulted in Mwinilunga gaining an additional constituency, which he described as another milestone in bringing development closer to the people.

Ends.