by ARNOLD MULENGA
LUSAKA – HUMAN rights activists are against the enactment of the CCTV Public Protection Bill in Zambia.
The bill promotes mandatory licensing for anyone operating a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, even outside their home or business.
It proposes warrantless entry and inspections by government officers without judicial oversight and empowers authorities arrest powers without warrant for suspected non-compliance.
Penalties include fines of K150 000 and/or five years imprisonment.
The proposed law would culminate in the creation of a centralised state surveillance authority with wide discretion and no civilian oversight.
Activists and critics argue this poses a serious threat to the constitutional rights and freedoms of every citizen.
“We raise the alarm today because this bill is not in the interest of the people, but a dangerous shift toward a surveillance and police state,” said Rev. Dr. Kelvin Mugala, clergy and advocate for constitutional rights.
The outcry comes at a time Zambians are reeling from the enactment of two laws – the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act- which have seen the arrest of some government critics.
The new bill, according to analysts, is like the two laws being used to control speech, limit dissent and erode public accountability.
Mugala believes a free Zambia must be built on trust, transparency and constitutional order, not surveillance, intimidation and arbitrary control.
“We call on Members of Parliament, legal practitioners, civil society, and all citizens to stand up now—before it is too late,” he advocated.
President Hakainde Hichilema is accused of reneging on a pledge to uphold democracy since coming to power in 2021, replacing Edgar Lungu (now late) voted out of office amid accusations he ran Zambia with an iron fist.
Analyst, Boston Changwe, however advocated the new bill.
“Let us accept progress. Countries have built satellites for surveillance,” he said.
– CAJ News
