Hichilema's incarceration crippled Kwacha performance-UPND

UPND Chairperson for religious affairs pastor Kelly Mukunka

The upnd religious affairs committee has endorsed party leader Hakainde Hichilema as the party’s 2021 presidential candidate.

Party chairperson for religious affairs pastor Kelly Mukonka told a media briefing that the clergy in the party arrived at this decision because they feel Mr. Hichilema is financially stable and understands the economic fundamentals of the nation.

Pastor Mukonka says once elected into office, Mr. Hichilema will plough his foreign investments back into the country to create employment for Zambians.

He adds that Mr. Hichilema is sponsoring many university students, and has built schools and hospitals where government has failed to provide man-power.

Pastor Mukonka believes Mr. Hichilema will even do more if elected into office.

Meanwhile Mr. Mukonka says Mr. Hichilema's incarceration last year contributed to the Kwacha’s depreciation.

Speaking at the same briefing, party deputy chairperson for religious affairs pastor Kangwa Chileshe says Mr. Hichilema now fully ripe for the presidency.

He says the UPND leader should therefore be given an opportunity to rule the nation because god has groomed him as evidenced by his experience on the country's political scene.