Sesheke MP Romeo Kangombe challenges the UPND government to either lower fuel prices in Zambia or allow citizens to buy cheaper fuel from Malawi, warning that economic hardships must be addressed.
Lusaka, Mar. 20 – Sesheke Central Member of Parliament, Romeo Kangombe, has taken a bold step away from the United Party for National Development (UPND) tradition of hero-worshipping President Hakainde Hichilema. Instead, he has chosen to confront the hard realities on the ground, demanding that the government either allow people in Eastern Province to buy cheaper fuel from Malawi or take immediate steps to reduce fuel prices in Zambia.
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Kangombe questioned the government’s decision to restrict citizens from purchasing fuel in drums from neighboring countries without offering a viable alternative. “You want to stop people from buying fuel outside the country in drums – how about reducing the price here?” he asked pointedly.
He expressed concern that a handful of individuals within the government were shielding the President from the truth, thereby misleading him on critical economic issues. “A leader needs to appreciate reality and work on it. The problem is that a few individuals are not being sincere and are not helping the Principal with accurate and correct information on the ground,” he stated.
Kangombe argued that the only sustainable solution was to reduce fuel costs locally rather than imposing restrictions that further burden citizens. “How many will the police summon for discussing price discrepancies? How many will you stop from importing in drums?” he questioned.
He further took aim at Agrofuel, a company involved in fuel importation, suggesting that its participation had caused significant harm and should be terminated. “Agrofuel should be stopped from participating in fuel importation – enough damage has been done,” he declared.
The Sesheke lawmaker reminded his party that those who campaigned for UPND risked their lives not for a select few to monopolize decision-making. “When campaigning, we put our lives at risk – not for one person to hold us at ransom! We need to help the President if we love him. Those that speak the truth, in any case, are the true lieutenants. We will speak until you sit up and do the rightful thing,” he charged.
He urged government officials to experience the struggles of ordinary citizens firsthand. “Leave those offices and jump on public buses. You will arrive home stressed – one Mtendere, another Kalingalinga, one Six Miles – then go back and compare notes,” he advised.
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In a parting shot, Kangombe vowed not to sugarcoat the truth, warning that his stance might not be appreciated now but would be recognized in the future. “I will not sugarcoat anything but will help bring you to reality. Hate me now, and appreciate me later!” he asserted.
His statement marks a rare moment of dissent within the UPND ranks, signaling growing frustrations over the government’s economic policies, particularly on fuel pricing.
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