Oasis Forum Urges MPs to Block Bill 7



Katebe says the process lacks legitimacy and representation and must not return to Parliament.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, 4 December 2025 — The Oasis Forum has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to block the return of Bill 7, warning that the constitutional amendment process currently underway lacks legitimacy, adequate representation, and should not be allowed back on the floor of the House.

Beauty Katebe, Oasis Forum Chairperson, said in a letter issued on Thursday — on behalf of member organisations including CCZ, EFZ, LAZ, NGOCC and ZCCB — that the review process initiated by President Hakainde Hichilema through a Technical Committee appointed on 7 October 2025 is fundamentally flawed and risks producing outcomes that do not reflect the will of Zambians.

She noted that the consultations are still tied to the widely rejected Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 (Bill 7), making the entire exercise appear predetermined rather than people-driven.

 Katebe said the only credible path forward is for Government to withdraw Bill 7 completely and restart the reform process on an inclusive and transparent foundation.

Katebe further warned that the Technical Committee’s Terms of Reference place excessive emphasis on electoral issues ahead of the 2026 General Elections, instead of promoting a long-term constitutional framework that strengthens governance and national unity.

She also highlighted concerns over the composition of the Committee, pointing out that members were appointed in their individual capacities rather than as representatives of institutions, and that key demographic groups such as youth and persons with disabilities were excluded. 

Only six of the 25 commissioners are women, a representation Katebe described as inconsistent with Zambia’s commitment to inclusion.

The Oasis Forum has called on MPs to reject the ongoing process and ensure Bill 7 does not return to Parliament, saying lawmakers carry a responsibility to protect reforms that are legitimate and anchored in broad national consensus.

© 2025. All rights reserved.

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