UPND deputy spokesperson and Katuba Member of Parliament Patricia Mwashingwele has died.

Confirming Mwashingwele’s death, party president Hakainde Hichilema said he received the news with shock.

“It is with shock that we received the death of Honourable Patricia Mwashingwele who, until her demise, was our Member of Parliament for Katuba Constituency. Indeed Patricia was a courageous and hardworking woman who’s contribution to the growth of UPND in Katuba and Central province in general is immeasurable. Patricia was very intellectual and at the same time very humble. Those that care to follow parliament radio will attest to the fact that Patricia was a prolific debater and a courageous one at that,” stated Hichilema.

“To her the family, we commiserate with you. This is a difficult time and we will do everything possible to make the burden lighter. To the wider UPND family, please let us show our love once more to the family of Patricia. This is a great loss to the UPND family but we shall overcome.
Patricia fought the fight and now it remains on us to carry on where she left off. Rest in Peace our dear sister and comrade, Patricia.”

According to UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka, Mwashingwele died Thursday morning after an illness at the University Teaching Hospital, barely two weeks after the passing of her husband .

“The Party and the nation will greatly miss our gallant woman,” he stated.

Meanwhile, PF Bwana Mkubwa member of parliament Dr Jonas Chanda says the House will miss a passionate debater.

“At Parliament she has been a passionate debater, especially on matters of education. She has chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Education. I also currently serve with her on the Zambia-Austria Parliamentary Forum, consisting of selected Zambian and Austrian MPs, for which she was serving as Chairperson on the Zambian side until her death,” stated Dr Chanda.

“Using the Zambian-Austria Parliamentary Partnership, we have together, in and outside Zambia, lobbied and advocated for solutions to youth unemployment and giving education opportunities to children with special needs. In 2018 we held two Youth Unemployment Indabas at Parliament with key stakeholders, supported by the Austrian Parliamentary Partnership. Indeed a gallant woman has left us. My deepest condolences to her family and UPND.”