A RECIPE FOR UPND’S CONTINUED RULE IN 2026 IS ENTIRELY DEPENDENT ON THE OPPOSITION’S DIVISION- Chanoda Ngwira

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A RECIPE FOR UPND’S CONTINUED RULE IN 2026 IS ENTIRELY DEPENDENT ON THE OPPOSITION’S DIVISION

By Chanoda Ngwira F

As the 2026 elections approach, the opposition parties find themselves at a critical time. Instead of rallying together to unseat the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) under President Hakainde Hichilema, opposition leaders seem preoccupied with personal ambitions for the presidency.



This lack of unity plays into Hichilema’s narrative that he cannot be easily removed from power, a statement that may prove increasingly true as the elections draw nearer. Trust me the man is simply resolved to remain in power under whatever circumstances.



The UPND has demonstrated its determination to cling to power, even resorting to tactics such as electoral malpractices witnessed in places like Kawambwa and, at times, instigating violence. Such actions reflect a regime that prioritizes its political survival over genuine service to the Zambian people. With a clear focus on retaining power rather than improving service delivery, the UPND’s pledge to serve the populace becomes ever more hollow.



It is time for the citizens of Zambia, particularly in the Eastern and Northern provinces, to recognize the urgency of unity against a regime preoccupied with re-election.


Nevertheless, let me appeal to the people of Petauke to send a strong message to the UPND despite the  manipulation and false allegations, such as those levied against Nelson Banda. This must not deter the fight for a representative government. Unity among opposition leaders is crucial because  if they remain divided by self-interest, the UPND will surely consolidate its hold on power come 2026.



(Chanoda Ngwira is a Public Administrator, Teacher, Trade Union Expert, Writer, Political activist/Commentator, Labour and Management Consultant. For private engagements, email: orisonconsult@gmail.com/chanodangwira@yahoo.com)

5 COMMENTS

  1. Why are you particularly mentioning the people 0f Eastern and Northern Provinces to lead the fight against the UPND? The people of Zambia are free to choose whatever party they want to support regardless if tribe

  2. This is essentially saying that HH and UPND have done nothing to warrant getting re-elected in 2026. Which is not true. What is so wrong with a simple acknowledgement that people’s lives have been bettered where PF failed miserably?

    Ask the thousands of new civil servants who now have a living wage and can support their families. Ask the university or college student who now has free meal allowance and would have quit higher education because his family can not support him. Ask any single mother in our compounds how grateful they are that their children do not have to pay school fees. Ask the beneficiaries of CDF who are making something of their lives.

    This fool thinks by peddling a false narrative, he can undo the good that UPND have done??

    VOOOOORRSEEEK !!!!!

  3. PF is still preaching regional politics? Mr. Chanoda Ngwira, the country has moved on while you are hanging on to divisive regional politics.

    This approach failed miserably in 2021 and you expect it to succeed this time around? PF is in intensive care unit. Very soon it will disappear from the political scene like a puff of smoke.

  4. I thought the opposition parties have already come together in form of Tonse Alliance and UKA so I don’t know what opposition unity Mr. Ngwira is talking about. The man seem to have a wrong notion that people will vote for the opposition merely because they unit which not correct. The people will only vote for opposition if they can provide viable alternatives to the current party in government and this is whether they are united or not it wont matter but as long as the opposition’s message is not the current name calling of the president and complainig about the problems the country is facing without providing viable alternative to solving the very problems, they should forget about winning.

  5. Iwe Ngwira start with yourself. Two days ago you were escourting a convict instead of distancing yourselves from convicts and their acts. Three weeks ago you were with Lungu when after the con court decision you should have been saying “ada lead from behind”.
    Who was in the forefront in encouraging Lungu to stand as UKA? YOU!…when it didnt work, was it you and your group urging Lungu to go to Tonse?
    Now that all your songs have failed in the top 10 charts. You want to do a remix? PF is a failed project cause of its conduct. Tainted goods. Kawambwa has shown, next Petauke.
    It will be taight race, know that Jay Jay is finished. No one is above the law.

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