MORNING WIRE | Fuel Prices Rise Again, Opposition Divided Over Mandevu as Khama Attacks Hichilema
Good morning, Zambia. It’s Sunday, November 1, and the country begins a new month with higher fuel prices, renewed controversy over the Mandevu parliamentary by-election and a political dispute involving former Botswana President Ian Khama. Meanwhile, the UPND Alliance is preparing a nationwide tour following President Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election.
The Energy Regulation Board has increased petroleum pump prices for November, with petrol rising by K1.60 to K33.06 per litre and diesel increasing by K1.18 to K34.45.
Kerosene has risen to K32.08, while Jet A-1 now costs K34.51 per litre. The revised prices took effect at midnight following Saturday’s announcement.
ERB Board Chairperson James Banda attributed the increases to rising international petroleum prices and a weaker Kwacha.
“During the same period, the Zambian Kwacha weakened against the United States Dollar and depreciated by more than 3%,” the regulator stated.
The ERB said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East had contributed to higher international oil prices, with petrol increasing from US$121.58 to US$125.84 per barrel. The latest adjustments follow substantial fuel-price increases in October.
Turning to politics, former Justice Minister and former Patriotic Front acting president Given Lubinda has criticised the 2025 constitutional amendment, commonly known as Bill 7, arguing that its consequences are becoming evident in the Mandevu parliamentary by-election.
Three opposition and independent candidates withdrew from the race, leaving UPND candidate Adrian Banda without an opponent.
Lubinda said the amended Article 52(6), which allows elections to proceed following candidate withdrawals, had deprived political parties and voters of meaningful electoral alternatives.
“What is the value of an election if the people are left without a meaningful choice of representatives?” Lubinda questioned.
He called for a national examination of the constitutional provision while encouraging Mandevu residents to participate in the electoral process.
His criticism follows Friday’s remarks by Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, who suggested that the UPND could already consider the 2031 elections won if opposition parties continued demonstrating what she described as political indiscipline.
“At this rate, we can easily declare 2031 already won,” Nalumango said during the Vice-President’s Question Time in Parliament.
Citizens First president Harry Kalaba subsequently agreed with the Vice-President’s assessment, accusing fellow opposition leaders of placing personal ambitions and political gain above the interests of Zambians.
“As painful as this truth may be for many of us in the opposition, we must have the courage to confront it,” Kalaba said in a statement on Saturday.
Kalaba argued that the opposition, in its current form, lacked the unity and credibility required to present a convincing alternative government. He urged opposition leaders to reform themselves and restore public confidence.
Meanwhile, former Botswana President Ian Khama has drawn criticism from the ruling UPND following a fresh wave of attacks against President Hichilema, including a reported description of the Zambian leader as “Africa’s newest dictator”.
The remarks, reportedly made in a video circulating on social media, prompted UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe to challenge the characterisation, questioning its basis in Zambia’s democratic and constitutional record.
Former Vice-President Enock Kavindele has also entered the dispute, urging Khama to respect Zambia’s sovereignty and support serious allegations against its leadership with credible evidence.
Kavindele cited Zambia’s history of peaceful transfers of power, democratic institutions and legislative reforms under Hichilema’s administration, including the abolition of the death penalty and the enactment of the Access to Information Act.
He also pointed to longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation between Zambia and Botswana, particularly through the Kazungula Bridge, warning against allowing political disagreements to undermine bilateral relations.
Elsewhere, the UPND Alliance has announced plans to embark on a nationwide tour to thank Zambians for their support during the August 13 general elections.
Alliance spokesperson Leslie Chikuse said the programme would complement efforts to advance the government’s Grow Zambia agenda and strengthen cooperation between alliance partners and government institutions.
The announcement followed a meeting with Vice-President Nalumango at Government House, attended by political leaders including Felix Mutati, Miles Sampa, Peter Chanda, Ezra Ngulube, Judith Kabemba and Highvie Hamududu.
These are some of the major developments our newsroom is following as November begins. Our reporters will continue monitoring political developments, government decisions and stories affecting communities across Zambia.
Morning Wire is supported by Rhydon Consulting, providing research support, data analysis, academic editing and publishing services.
The People’s Brief | News Desk
1st November 2026