Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Mubita Anakoka has called on Zambians to safeguard the unity and peace that enable national development,regardless of political affiliation. Mr Anakoka notes that Zambia belonged to all citizens and that, following the elections, the country…

Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Mubita Anakoka has called on Zambians to safeguard the unity and peace that enable national development,regardless of political affiliation.

Mr Anakoka notes that Zambia belonged to all citizens and that, following the elections, the country should focus its energies on development.

He said this in Parliament today during debate on the Motion of Thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s address to the First Session of the 14th National Assembly, which was officially opened on October 9, 2026.

In his median speech and Mover of the Motion, Mr Anakoka said political differences should not become obstacles to national progress but urged the MPs to engage in constructive debate, work together to resolve challenges and ensure that development opportunities improved people’s welfare.

The MP expressed confidence that the UPND’s second term should build on the foundation by expanding production, creating jobs, growing businesses and improving living standards.

He said Zambia had the resources, productive capacity, entrepreneurial spirit and hardworking citizens needed to achieve its development aspirations, adding that determination, discipline, effective implementation and collective effort were ‘essential to the Grow Zambia agenda.’

Chongwe East MP, Anita Kamanga, called for inclusive economic growth that translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Ms Kamanga, who seconded the motion, said she would focus on social protection, water and sanitation, keeping Zambia Clean, and Information and Communication Technology including Artificial Intelligence.

She noted that the Head of State highlighted the need to expand social protection coverage, strengthen the Social Cash Transfer Programme, improve social security systems and ensure the timely payment of retirement benefits.

Ms Kamanga said such interventions were particularly important for older persons, persons with disabilities, low-income households and other vulnerable groups.

She said social protection should not only provide immediate relief but also be complemented by skills development, agricultural support and opportunities for small-scale enterprises to enable beneficiaries to become economically resilient.

And nominated Lawmaker, Lazarous Hakalebula, has commended constitutional reforms that enabled him to become part of the National Assembly.

Mr Hakalebula said disability should not be equated with inability and thanked the government for introducing Bill 10 during the Fifth Session of the 13th National Assembly.

He called on stakeholders to remove barriers that hinder the participation and advancement of persons with disabilities.

Mr Hakalebula submitted that he would champion for the full implementation of the Disability Act to ensure the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in national development.

Meanwhile, several other parliamentarians had, by press time, taken turns debating the Motion of Thanks.