By Beatrice Chabaya
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security says the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) is an illegal society in Zambia.
Minister of Home Affairs Jack Mwimbu has said t the alliance is neither registered as a political party nor as a pressure group by the Registrar of Societies.
The clarification comes following numerous media inquiries regarding the legality of the UKA, particularly concerning its intention to hold a political rally on April 13, 2024, in Kafue, and its decision to participate in upcoming by-elections.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, on February 13, 2024, Sakwiba Sikota SC conducted a name search and reservation for a society named United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) with the intention of registering it as a pressure group.
However, on February 14, 2024, Mr. Sikota verbally requested to change the reservation category from a pressure group to a political party, for which he was advised to apply formally.
Despite the expiration of the reservation period on March 13, 2024, no formal application for registration has been received by the Registrar of Societies, the statement says.
Mwiimbu has emphasized the ministry’s commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms of all individuals, including he freedom of association, as provided under the Constitution.
He has dismissed claims of a shrinking democratic space in Zambia as “unfounded” and m”ere attempts to garner public sympathy”.
Mwiimbu added that as far as the ministry t is concerned, the UKA does not legally exist and is considered an illegal society.
©️ Zambia Reports, April 11, 2024