UPND Declares Bill 10 Dead As Lubinda Defers Tabling It

Leader of the opposition in parliament Jack Mwiimbu has declared Bill 10 ‘dead’ as Justice Minister Given Lubinda announced that the government would defer tabling the controversial legislation. 

Speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Mwiimbu said Bill 10 had been legally and procedurally ‘killed’, as to too much time had elapsed since its introduction, meaning it could not therefore be debated further.

The UPND leader urged Mr Lubinda to consider bringing in a fresh bill if his government was still interested in amending the constitution.

Bill 10 was initially presented to the house over six months ago, exhausting the mandated period within which proposed legislation must be enacted or withdrawn. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Lubinda announced that the bill would be deferred to another date as Speaker of the House Patrick Matibini urged the government to complete the bill within the current sitting of parliament. 

Mr Mwiimbu said his party, as well as many independent MPs, would continue not to support the bill and again urged the government to bring forward fresh legislation. 

The independent member for Mwembeshi, Machila Jamba, said he was grateful for the UPND’s defiant stance against Bill 10, ensuring that the will of the people is respected. 

Jack Mwiimbu addressing the media