The United Party for National Development (UPND) in Solwezi has unearthed a scam in a group of individuals moving in the night shortlisting names for possible appointment by President Hakainde Hichilema.
UPND Solwezi district secretary Amos Mpenge told journalists during a press briefing that the ruling party has learnt with shock that some individuals are going round collecting names from unsuspecting members of the public for possible appointment in various positions.
Mr. Mpenge stated that appointments are a prerogative of the President and that it is not a guarantee that every member of the party despite having qualifications will be appointed on any position.
He said, President Hichilema made it clear in his inaugural speech that appointments will be on merit and not on partisan lines.
“So, as a party we want to distance ourselves from those individuals who are moving in the night shortlisting names that even if they are members of UPND, such an exercise has no blessings of the party,” said Mr. Mpenge.
He disclosed that the party has its own data base but maintained that even those that are on the data base it’s not a guarantee that they will all be appointed.
And Mr. Mpenge has asked some members opposition political parties to give time to the UPND to settle before it starts implementing its policies such as free education among others.
He said with the current budget cycle which the party has inherited, nothing much will change in terms of implementing UPND policies.
He said currently, the UPND is operating under the PF formulated national budget until October when the newly appointed Finance minister will now present a budget to parliament.
“Meaning that the fruits of the UPND policies will start being seen after October. So, let our colleagues be patient and give us time,” he said.
