23/03/2025
"It's Frustrating to Be in the House" – Hon. Katuta MP
As She Speaks on Youth and Parliamentary Power
By Lewis Chomba– KFM News, Zambia
In an exclusive interview, Hon. Given Katuta Mwelwa, Member of Parliament for Chienge Constituency, has expressed deep frustration over the current parliamentary system in Zambia, stating that MPs have limited power to influence governance. She called on the youth to push for constitutional amendments that would grant Parliament greater authority and reduce the dominance of the executive.
Speaking on the role of young people in governance, Hon. Katuta emphasized that while many youths aspire to enter politics and replace older politicians—whom they refer to as madalas—their efforts would be futile unless systemic reforms are made.
> “If the youth want to take over or be part and parcel of the governance system in our country, this is the right time for them to push for a constitutional amendment that will give them power when they go to Parliament,” she said.
She lamented that currently, MPs, particularly those in opposition, are restricted in their ability to challenge government decisions or scrutinize legislation. According to Hon. Katuta, Parliamentarians are often reduced to "rubber stamps," with the executive holding the real power.
“No member of Parliament has the power to change the budget, to reject bills, or to oppose certain laws. The one who has the power is the executive. Parliamentarians are just rubber stamps,” she stated.
She further criticized the tendency of ruling party MPs to prioritize their party’s agenda over the interests of the citizens. Opposition MPs, on the other hand, struggle to voice the concerns of their constituents due to the constraints imposed by the parliamentary system.
“If you speak out of line, you risk being suspended or sent out. Many opposition MPs resort to outbursts because they are not allowed to express the views of the people they represent,” she added.
Hon. Katuta highlighted that without strong laws to prevent MPs from crossing the floor to join the ruling party, the political landscape remains unstable. She pointed to past experiences where MPs switched allegiance due to the lack of legislation that enforces political accountability.
“Had we had strong laws that would not allow members of Parliament to cross the floor, we would not be seeing what is happening today,” she said.
Call for Constitutional Reform
The Chienge lawmaker urged Zambian youth to shift their focus from simply entering politics to advocating for structural changes that would empower MPs to effectively represent their constituents.
“The Constitution must be amended to reduce the power of the executive and give more authority to Parliament. Otherwise, even if the youth take over, they will still be powerless,” she warned.
She emphasized that young politicians must prioritize these legal changes before seeking office, cautioning that without them, they would find themselves equally constrained.
“Youths need to ask themselves: What will you do in Parliament if you have no power to challenge the budget or scrutinize laws? You will simply sit there and be called ‘Honourable’ while rubber-stamping decisions from the executive,” she cautioned.
Hon. Katuta concluded by urging the youth to take the lead in pushing for reforms that would ensure MPs can effectively represent the people and hold the government accountable.
As Zambia continues to navigate its democratic journey, her call for constitutional amendments raises critical questions about the balance of power in governance and the future role of young leaders in shaping the country's political landscape.
Kalungwishi News, Zambia
