By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Reagan Kashinga, the Founder of the Champion of the Poor Organization, has expressed his disappointment with the UPND Party, claiming that it has deviated from its core mission of advocating for the people. As a result, he has decided to resign from the UPND Alliance and join Fred M’membe’s Socialist Party to further his political career.
During a press briefing at the Poor People’s Shelter in Mufulira, Mr. Kashinga stated that his agenda remains unchanged. Growing up in poverty, he learned that the voices of the poor must be heard, and they deserve proper representation. He emphasized the importance of providing clean water, decent jobs, affordable basic necessities, and an improved quality of life for the less privileged.
“In our pursuit to represent the poor in the 2021 elections, we encountered significant obstacles. Although we did not succeed in the election, our vision and commitment remain unwavering. Unfortunately, the issues we championed have been disregarded. Today, the cost of living has become unaffordable for individuals like me. The high fuel prices severely impact struggling individuals. Additionally, connecting electricity to one’s home or shop is an unattainable dream for ordinary citizens.”
Mr. Kashinga further criticised the reliance on graphs and speeches that lack practical implementation. He questioned the effectiveness of using graphs to explain economic trends to individuals in remote areas, emphasizing the need for tangible support such as access to fertilizers for farmers.
He highlighted the unfairness of tax holidays being granted to the elite while the poor continue to bear the burden of taxes through VAT and PAYEE contributions.
Furthermore, Mr. Kashinga urged the UPND government not only to celebrate debt restructuring but also to disclose all terms publicly, as he believes debt restructuring merely postpones debt payments.
He concluded by calling on the UPND government to reinstate subsidies on fertilizer and fuel, making it easier for people to purchase essential food items like mealie-meal.
And UPND Mufulira vice Chairperson Administration Dyford Mulwa said that the defection of Mr Kashinga will not affect the party as he was just a member of the UPND\NDC alliance.
