HH lilofwa lyamupamba (a terrific failure), Kalaba tells Samfya residents

Samfya, Luapula Province – Citizens First (CF) party leader Harry Kalaba has launched a scathing attack on President Hakainde Hichilema, declaring his presidency a "terrific failure" (HH lilofwa lyamupamba) during a recent address to residents in Samfya. Kalaba, a prominent opposition figure and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, did not mince words, asserting that the current administration has fallen far short of the expectations of the Zambian people. His comments come amidst a charged political atmosphere as the nation gears up for the 2026 general elections, where economic performance and governance are expected to be central issues. Speaking to a crowd gathered in the lakeside town, Kalaba articulated a litany of grievances against President Hichilema’s government, echoing sentiments often heard from the opposition benches. While the provided snippet is brief, the context of Kalaba's previous statements and the general political discourse in Zambia suggest these criticisms likely revolve around the high cost of living, persistent load-shedding, perceived economic mismanagement, and concerns over democratic freedoms. He has previously described President Hichilema's performance as "dismal" and "below average," accusing the UPND government of presiding over a worsening economy and increasing corruption. Kalaba's assertion that he is "not mad to wor" (though the sentence is incomplete in the original text) likely implies a steadfast commitment to his political agenda and a belief in the validity of his criticisms, despite potential backlash from the ruling party. This stance aligns with his history as a politician who has often taken a confrontational approach to governance issues, even resigning from a ministerial position in 2018 citing concerns over corruption. The Citizens First leader, who founded his party in 2022, has positioned himself as a strong contender for the presidency in the upcoming 2026 elections. His campaign strategy appears to focus on hi