NRPUP IS A REBRANDED PF – KAUNDA
….as he recalls endorsing Brian Mundubile as the ultimate opposition leader despite criticism from some members of his former party
National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) National Youth Chairperson and Lima Constituency parliamentary candidate Kelvin Kaunda says his party is essentially a rebranded Patriotic Front (PF), arguing that its founders have retained the political identity they held while serving in the former ruling party.
Speaking during Conversations with HOPE on Capital FM 99.7, Kaunda said the origins of NRPUP could not be separated from the political background of its founders.
“The founders of NRPUP come from a PF background, and they have carried that political orientation into the new party,” he said.
Kaunda explained that following PF’s loss of power, discussions emerged around the need for rebranding, stressing that the process involved more than simply replacing leaders.
“Rebranding is not simply about changing leadership. It is about changing the identity and image of an organisation,” he said.
He added, “In my view, NRPUP is essentially a rebranded PF.”
Kaunda also reflected on his time in the Socialist Party, saying he had publicly advocated for opposition unity and believed developments within PF affected the broader opposition.
He said he had previously argued that a stronger PF would strengthen the opposition and recalled supporting Brian Mundubile as a potential PF leader despite criticism from some members of his former party.
Quoting Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe, Kaunda said, “Zero plus zero equals zero,” explaining that every opposition party needed to contribute meaningful political strength for an alliance to succeed.
He said the leadership challenges that previously affected PF had weakened the opposition, adding that the emergence of stronger leadership had made opposition politics more formidable.
Kaunda further expressed confidence in Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, saying, “I believe that Hon. Brian Mundubile is better than the current President.”
He argued that Mundubile embraced collective leadership, adding, “Brian Mundubile believes in collective leadership,” while claiming the current Head of State tended to personalise leadership.