Independence: UPND not free, says Kakoma

WE shunned the 53rd Independence celebration Day because there was nothing to celebrate as Zambians are not independent and most of our members are still in incarceration, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has said.

And UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma charged that the ruling Patriotic Front had eroded many rights including the right to life, protection, property, human dignity among others.

In an interview, Mr Kakoma said UPND boycotted the Independence Day celebration because there was nothing to celebrate as most of its members were in incarceration on trumped up charges.

Mr Kakoma said the government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu has allegedly taken away the freedom the forefathers fought for.

“The PF government has eroded many rights including the right to life, protection, property, human dignity among others. And a lot of our members are still in incarceration on trumped up charges.

“So what is there to celebrate when Zambians are not independent and our members still in prison on trumped up charges?” he asked.

He has alleged that people have been brutally attacked for belonging to a political party of their choice.

Mr Kakoma said that the PF has continued to muzzle the media by abusing the Independent Broadcasting Authority against critical media.

“So as a party, we saw no reason to celebrate the Independence Day. There was no independence to celebrate as Zambians are not independent,” he said