By Ollus Ndomu
United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) chairperson Sakwiba Sikota has responded to mounting speculation about the future of the alliance, which consists of several opposition political parties in Zambia. Sikota, who is also the president of the United Liberal Party (ULP), stressed that membership in UKA is voluntary, and any parties unhappy with the current direction are free to exit.
Speaking on Prime Television’s “Oxygen of Democracy” on Monday, Sikota acknowledged internal disagreements within UKA but chose not to disclose the name of the proposed presidential candidate, citing potential prejudice concerns.
“Being a member of UKA is voluntary,” Sikota emphasized. “It’s not that once you come to UKA, we handcuff you to a chair and you can never leave. Anybody [or] any of the parties in UKA who feel that maybe they don’t like what is happening in UKA, they can leave. No problem.”
Recent tensions within the alliance have centered around the proposal to nominate former President Edgar Lungu as the sole candidate for the 2026 elections, causing significant friction among UKA members.
Adding to the uncertainty, KBN TV reported last week that Lungu’s faction, aligned with the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF), might withdraw from UKA to form a new coalition aimed at challenging current President Hakainde Hichilema. However, PF Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda later confirmed the faction’s intention to remain within UKA.
As these developments unfold, UKA faces a pivotal moment that could significantly influence its future direction.
