Two senior leaders of the Patriots for Economic Progress, PeP,
have thrown their weight behind the Tonse PF-Pamodzi Alliance,
endorsing NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his
running mate Makebi Zulu ahead of the August 13 general
election.
PeP leader Chanda Katotombwe and his deputy Sean Tembo are in
Kawambwa District today where they officially joined Mundubile
and Zulu on the campaign trail.
The move marks one of the most significant opposition
realignments in Luapula Province so far this election season.
Speaking in Kawambwa, Katotombwe said the decision to support
Mundubile was made after wide consultations within PeP
structures.
He said the alliance offered the best chance to unseat the
ruling UPND and to bring stability to the economy.
“We have looked at the candidates and the manifestos on offer.
We believe Mr. Mundubile and Mr. Zulu represent leadership that
understands the struggles of ordinary Zambians,” Katotombwe
said. “That is why PeP leaders have decided to join this
campaign and work for victory on August 13.”
Tembo, who has been a vocal critic of government economic
policy, said he was convinced by the alliance’s promises on job
creation, civil service reform, and support for young people.
“Zambians want change that delivers. They want a government
that will depoliticize institutions and create real
opportunities,” Tembo said. “We are here in Kawambwa to add our
voice and our structures to this campaign because we believe
this is the team that can do it.”
Campaign activities in Kawambwa
The PeP leaders arrived in Kawambwa alongside Mundubile and
Zulu and took part in mobilization and community meetings. The
delegation earlier paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness
Senior Chief Mushota of the Chishinga people to seek blessings
before engaging residents.
Mundubile welcomed the PeP leaders, saying their entry
strengthens the alliance’s message in Luapula and beyond.
“We are happy that leaders who care about this country have
decided to join us. This is not about individuals, this is
about changing how government works so that it serves every
Zambian,” Mundubile said.
Zulu echoed the call for unity among opposition forces, urging
voters to focus on issues affecting households such as the cost
of living and youth unemployment.
What this means for the race
The endorsement comes at a critical time, with just over a
month to go before polling day. Luapula Province has
traditionally been an opposition stronghold, and the addition
of PeP’s structures could boost the alliance’s mobilization
efforts in Kawambwa and neighboring districts.
Political analysts say cross-party endorsements like this one
are likely to increase as parties seek to consolidate support
ahead of August.
The Tonse PF-Pamodzi Alliance has been positioning itself as
the main alternative to the UPND, bringing together several
opposition parties under one campaign platform.
For PeP, the decision to back Mundubile signals a shift from
contesting independently to joining a broader coalition. Both
Katotombwe and Tembo said they would now dedicate their time to
campaigning for the alliance across the country.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has urged all parties to
keep campaigns peaceful and issue-based.
Church and civil society groups have also called for respect
for traditional leaders during political activities, a practice
demonstrated by the courtesy call on Chief Mushota.
With campaigns intensifying, the alliance says it will continue
taking its message of institutional reform and economic
recovery to more districts in Luapula and other provinces.
As the Kawambwa program concluded, Mundubile thanked residents
for their reception and called on voters to turn out in large
numbers on August 13.