Claim
Following the change of Government and the introduction of the new cabinet, Nkani, an Online Media on 14th September, 2021, published an article on their Facebook page claiming that the Government has suspended the Debt Swap Scheme for Civil Servants two months after introducing the scheme due to lack of funds. The claim was amplified in other Facebook platforms such as PA GROUND PF that on 16th September 2021 alleged the Finance Minister, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane said salary increment for civil servants could only be increased in the second five year term of UPND government, because his party inherited empty coffers.
Rating Justification
The fact checking process has determined as misleading the claim that the Government has suspended the Debt Swap Scheme for Civil Servants and that the Finance Minister, Mr. Situmbeko Musokotwane allegedly said that salary increment for Civil Servants can only be increased in the second term of UPND government. The Ministry of Finance published an article on 15th September, 2021, on their official Facebook page refuting claims that the Minister said Government has suspended the Debt Swap Scheme. The article clarified that “the government is committed to the rule of law, the rule of law requires that there be negotiations for any adjustments to conditions of services.” However, on 17th September, 2021, during a parliament session Vice president Mrs. Mutale Nalumango while responding to a question from former Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Steven Kampyongo said the Government wants to relook at the Debt Swap Scheme before they could continue with it.
