Over 5000 United Party for National Development members in Kafue turned up over the weekend to renew their affiliation to the party during the card renewal exercise held at Benani Gardens.

Kafue constituency UPND Chairman Albert Handuka disclosed that 75 per cent of party members in district turned up for the event.

“The turnout is very good and as UPND in Kafue, we are very committed to ensure that we increase the party membership. Come 2021, we shall retain the parliamentary seat and also win at Presidential level. I can safely that UPND is intact in Kafue,” Handuka said

He said that four wards from Chiawa failed to turn up for the card renewal exercise adding that the party leadership in Kafue will soon start following its members to their respective wards in order to capture all of its supporters.

Meanwhile, some Patriotic Front members in Kafue say PF in the district has suffered a major setback because most of its senior members have gone to the National Democratic Congress.

The members who spoke on condition of anonymity said a good number of PF officials Kafue were working with the NDC.

“PF members in Kafue are bitter because no one from the party structures has been considered for any appointments. We have had several vacancies at district administration but no one in PF has been considered for the job of DC, all the DCs that have served in Kafue are from other places,” the sources said.

The PF officials claimed their party was disorganized in Kafue because the current district leadership led by Kestas Simukanze was myopic.

“How do they get Kesta and put him as district chairman when that man has no record of being a leader?” asked the members.