Bill 7 Debate Confirmed: Haimbe to Meet Sikota on Friday

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, has demonstrated the UPND government's commitment to transparent governance by accepting United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota's debate challenge on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7.

Sikota originally challenged President Hichilema to a public debate on the constitutional amendments. However, with the President occupied with the demanding responsibilities of running the country, Minister Haimbe—himself an accomplished state counsel—has appropriately stepped forward for what promises to be a substantive legal discussion between peers.

The Government has responded decisively to opposition criticism. After State House last Thursday challenged opposition parties to specify which clauses in Bill 7 they oppose and explain why these provisions are harmful, Minister Haimbe has now offered a concrete platform for this discussion.

In a video statement released yesterday, the Minister extended a professional invitation to his fellow legal practitioner. "State counsel to state counsel, lawyer to lawyer," Haimbe urged, calling for a public conversation where both can properly discuss the constitutional amendments.

Diamond TV has now agreed to host the high-stakes debate on Friday, 12th December 2025 at 18:00 hours. The encounter will be moderated by Costa Mwansa, ensuring professional facilitation of this crucial constitutional discussion.

Minister Haimbe emphasised that government is prepared to defend Bill 7 in the public arena, reflecting confidence in the amendments' constitutional soundness. This confidence appears well-founded given growing public support, including the National Council for Students Union's call yesterday for swift enactment.