FUNDRAISING REMAINS OUR PRIMARY FOCUS AS ZAMBIANS RESPOND POSITIVELY*
By Tonse Pamodzi Media
The NRPUP presidential campaign says its immediate priority remains its ongoing public fundraising initiative, following a strong response from supporters across Zambia and in the diaspora.
According to figures released by the campaign, the fundraising drive received more than K860,000 in cash contributions and K2.8 million in pledges within its first 24 hours.
Media Director Brian Matambo expressed gratitude to the Zambian people for the positive response, saying contributions had been received from citizens representing a broad cross-section of society.
“The response demonstrates that ordinary Zambians are willing to participate directly in the democratic process by supporting a political campaign they believe in,” Mr Matambo said
He noted that public political fundraising was not new to Zambia. In 2021, the UPND conducted its “14 by 10” fundraising campaign, under which supporters were asked to contribute K10 per day for 14 days to help meet campaign logistics. The party had also publicly appealed for donations ahead of earlier elections.
Mr Matambo said there was therefore nothing unusual about NRPUP inviting citizens to contribute voluntarily to its campaign.
He further noted that campaign financing had become an important subject of public discussion following a July 2026 investigation by Global Witness, which alleged that First Quantum Minerals and associated individuals had provided financial support to UPND over several election cycles.
Mr Matambo said there is need for transparency and honest public discussion about the sources of political funding in Zambia.
“Our approach is clear. We have turned openly to the Zambian people and provided them with an opportunity to participate voluntarily in financing the campaign,” Mr Matambo said.
The campaign also acknowledged reports concerning the expulsion of Dr Martin Phiri from the Resolute Party. Mr Matambo described the development as an internal party matter that should be handled through the appropriate party structures.
“Internal disagreements, expulsions and political realignments are part of everyday political life. They do not alter the campaign’s programme or its immediate priorities,” he said.
Mr Matambo said the campaign would continue driving the fundraising initiative and communicating the vote protection strategy to its members in preparation for the August 13 general election.