HH not a vengeful leader – Imenda

By BARNABAS ZULU

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is a fair and peace-loving leader who is governing the country without the spirit of vengeance despite having suffered political tribulations, including torture and humiliation at the hands of his political opponents, Batuke Imenda has said.
Mr Imenda, the UPND secretary general says despite the spine-chilling ordeals that included teargas attacks at Community House, President Hichilema has never sought revenge, but has instead improved the conditions in prisons across the country.
Saturday, August 16, 2025, marked seven years since President Hichilema, then in opposition, was released from Mukobeko Maximum Prison after127 for treason charges for blocking late former President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade along Limulunga Road in Mongu.
“Yesterday marked the seventh anniversary of our President’s release from prison, after his arrest on frivolous charges by the repressive PF regime,” Mr Imenda said.
“We remember this day not for nostalgia but as a mark of resilience for our party, which was determined to liberate our citizens once again.”Mr Imenda said President Hichilema had remained steadfast in promoting democracy, even in the face of ferocious provocation from the opposition.“What may have been, at worst, a traffic charge on the driver, was condescendingly weaponised and slapped on a passenger with the worst possible charge of treason, which shocked the entire world.
In memory of his worst days in incarceration, instead of revenging against those who tortured him mentally and psychologically, he improved the conditions in all prisons,” Mr Imenda said.
“Despite machinations and abuses by the opposition, the President has remained resolute in his desire to liberate Zambians socially and economically. He has resisted extreme provocation and continues to serve all Zambians without bias,” he said.
Mr Imenda pointed to reforms under President Hichilema’s leadership as proof of his commitment to good governance and improving the lives of Zambians.
“To reverse the autocratic trends and institutionalised kleptocracy under the PF regime, the President has ensured a clear separation of power between the arms of government.
He also repealed the law relating to the defamation of the President, in one of the clearest actions to enhance democracy through freedom of expression,” Mr Imenda stated.
He however urged citizens to exercise their newfound freedoms responsibly, warning that the UPND was aware of the blatant abuse of President Hichilema’s goodwill, which was unfortunate.
Mr Imenda highlighted improvements in agriculture, fuel pricing, and the exchange rate as results of sound policies under the UPND administration.
“Our economic outlook is improving every day, and citizens are now beginning to enjoy the fruits of the President’s sacrifices and relentless hard work.
Fuel prices have been reducing, the Kwacha has been gaining against major currencies, while agricultural production has hit an all-time high. This is not borne out of coincidence but sound economic policies guided by President Hichilema,” Mr Imenda said.
He explained that the rollout of the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF), now above K36 million, was further evidence of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.“The UPND is eternally grateful to President Hichilema for the sacrifices he made and the great leadership he continues to provide to this country. Indeed, for a man with a mission, challenges do not count,” Mr Imenda said.
He dedicated the anniversary of the President’s release to the continued fight for democracy.
“Today, we look back at the President’s sacrifices with fond memories and celebrate with Zambians the freedoms everyone now enjoys.